Citi names banking veteran Lee Lung-Nien as new Singapore country officer and banking head

He will step into the new role on Oct 6, and is the first Singaporean to hold the post in 50 years

Citi has appointed Lee Lung-Nien as Singapore country officer and banking head – the most senior position in the city state.

He will assume the role on Oct 6 and replace incumbent Tibor Pandi, who will move on to “explore other opportunities within the firm”, Citi said.

Lee’s appointment marks the first time in 50 years that a Singaporean will serve in the most senior role for the Singapore market, Citi said on Monday (Sep 15).

A banking veteran, Lee has been with Citi for 35 years. He currently serves as chairman of Citi Private Bank for South Asia, having been appointed to the role in 2020.

Meanwhile, Pandi has served as country officer and banking head for Singapore since Feb 2023. Prior to that, he served as the country officer for Thailand as well as Romania, according to his LinkedIn profile.

“Throughout his tenure, Tibor has actively engaged with external stakeholders, strengthening Citi’s brand, reputation and relationships with clients and regulators alike,” the lender said.

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Upon stepping into the new role, Lee will oversee all Citi businesses and operations in Singapore, the bank said.

He will drive franchise performance, manage client and regulatory relationships and ensure a robust risk and control environment, it added.

Lee will report to Amol Gupte, Citi’s head of Asia South cluster.

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Speaking on Lee’s appointment, Gupte remarked that he “brings a wealth of multi-market experience and proven leadership, positioning him ideally to lead the Singapore franchise”.

Through his career, Lee has taken on leadership roles, such as that of chief executive of Citibank in Malaysia, Citi said.

He also served in senior positions in areas of anti-money laundering, operations, corporate sales and structuring and markets across Asia, it added.

With international experience from London, New York and Malaysia, Lee’s “deep client knowledge and interpersonal skills are expected to further advance the Singapore franchise”, Citi said.