Services (Transaction Banking) Head – Pakistan, Director

This is a unique leadership opportunity to head Citi's Services (Transaction Banking) business in Pakistan, a key emerging market within the Middle East & Pakistan (MEP) cluster. Reporting at the Director (C15) level, you will be a senior member of both the MEP Services subcluster leadership team and the Citi Country Management team for Pakistan. Your role will involve shaping and executing a market-level strategy aimed at driving revenue growth, strengthening client relationships, and solidifying Citi’s position as the premier global transaction banking partner in the country.

Citi Services offers world-class cash management, trade services, and custody products to Financial Institutions, Public Sector, Corporate, and Commercial clients across more than 100 countries. Leveraging a global network, the business serves clients with both local and cross-border needs through integrated reporting, digital solutions, and deep institutional expertise. As the Services Head for Pakistan, you will be the senior strategic leader and primary client engagement head, accountable for revenue outcomes, talent strategy, regulatory relationships, and driving digital innovation.

Pakistan’s rapidly evolving banking landscape provides a compelling platform for leadership, characterized by significant digital transformation, a young population, expanding financial inclusion, and increasing demand for sophisticated transaction banking solutions. This role offers strong potential for those aspiring to broader MEA or global leadership positions within Citi.

Key Responsibilities

- Strategic Leadership: Define and implement short- and long-term Services strategies aligned with MEP cluster and global objectives. Expand market share and client wallet across Financial Institutions, Public Sector, Corporate, and Commercial segments. Navigate complex matrix environments and align stakeholders at country, cluster, and global levels. Lead digital transformation initiatives responding to market dynamics, regulatory priorities, and fintech disruption. Develop strategic responses to macroeconomic shifts and evolving risk profiles. Clearly communicate business strategy to all key stakeholders.

- Business & Revenue Growth: Deliver on revenue, EBIT, expenses, and financial KPIs. Lead client acquisition, retention, and wallet-share expansion across all Services lines. Oversee sales, product, operations, and technology teams. Collaborate with Services Operations to enhance operational efficiency. Prioritize technology business cases and secure cluster/global buy-in. Compete effectively against domestic and global banks and non-bank providers. Leverage Pakistan’s financial inclusion and digitization agenda to grow Citi’s footprint.

- Client Engagement: Act as the primary client engagement leader for Services in Pakistan. Build senior-level, strategic client relationships across all segments. Tailor service solutions to client needs and lead the team in delivering insights and advice. Drive client experience initiatives aligned with Citi’s “Be the Best for our Clients” vision. Partner with Banking and Markets colleagues to execute a balanced client strategy.

- Risk & Governance: Own product, operational, conduct, and compliance risk management. Ensure regulatory compliance with the State Bank of Pakistan and other relevant authorities. Participate in audit processes and legal governance. Develop balance sheet expertise and negotiate with Treasury and Markets. Engage actively in country governance forums.

- Stakeholder & External Engagement: Communicate Services strategy internally across functions. Build trust-based relationships with the State Bank of Pakistan, clearing houses, payment providers, and regulators. Represent Citi at industry forums and drive regulatory advocacy. Maintain alignment with MEP leadership and global Services heads.

- People & Culture: Build and lead a diverse, high-performing team. Implement effective talent strategies and develop future leaders. Promote an ethical, inclusive culture aligned with Citi’s standards. Foster a strong control environment and risk-aware culture.

Required Qualifications

- Minimum 15 years in financial services, with at least 10 years in senior management.
- Deep expertise in transaction banking, including cash management, trade services, or custody products.
- Proven success in leading country or cluster-level business strategy and achieving financial targets.
- Strong track record in risk and governance management within complex emerging markets.
- Excellent financial acumen, including business planning and financial case preparation.
- Solid understanding of balance sheet management and risk frameworks at the legal entity level.
- Experience managing diverse, cross-functional teams in dynamic markets.
- Ability to align global strategy with local execution across front, middle, and back offices.
- Executive-level communication skills for internal and external stakeholders.
- Fluency in English (written and verbal).
- Bachelor’s degree required.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- Experience in Pakistan or broader South Asia/MEA markets in senior Services or transaction banking roles.
- In-depth knowledge of Pakistan’s regulatory environment, including the State Bank of Pakistan framework.
- Master’s degree in Business, Finance, or related field.
- Proficiency in Urdu (spoken/written); Arabic language skills are an advantage.
- Experience with digital transformation and fintech engagement, especially within Pakistan’s digital payments ecosystem.
- Established regulatory relationships with central banks and relevant authorities.
- Legal vehicle governance experience in emerging markets.
- Proven ability to secure senior management buy-in and execute growth strategies.

This role offers full country franchise leadership with strategic and P&L ownership in a market of over 230 million people. It provides rare emerging market expertise, regulatory and governance depth, and the chance to lead innovation in one of South Asia’s fastest-growing digital banking ecosystems. The position involves periodic travel within Pakistan and to regional and global Citi leadership forums.

Citi is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.