Citigroup has appointed Prashant Thakker as the new Head of Corporate Bank for South and Southeast Asia, a move that takes effect immediately and signals Citi’s commitment to strengthening its presence in one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions. Thakker’s appointment was announced internally and confirmed by Citi, with the executive set to oversee the bank’s corporate banking operations across nine key markets: India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
In his new role, Thakker will be responsible for shaping the business strategy, driving financial performance, nurturing talent, and executing Citi’s initiatives across the Asia South Corporate Bank. His mandate spans local corporates, financial institutions, the public sector, and Citi’s global network banking businesses, reflecting the bank’s diverse client base and expanding regional ambitions. Thakker will report to Jason Rekate and John Chirico, Citi’s Global Co-Heads of Corporate Banking, as well as Amol Gupte, Head of the Asia South Cluster.
Thakker brings more than two decades of experience in the financial sector, much of it with Citi. He joined the bank in 2007 as a banker in India, where he established strong relationships with leading corporates and gained a reputation for balanced risk management and client engagement. In 2013, he transitioned to Hong Kong, taking on increasingly senior roles, including Head of Capital Management for Japan, Asia North, Australia, and Asia South, where he managed global loan assets exceeding $40 billion. His leadership experience spans corporate finance, leverage finance, credit risk, and portfolio management, making him well-suited to steer Citi’s regional corporate banking strategy.
Thakker’s new base will be Singapore, a major hub for Citi’s Asia-Pacific operations, where he will lead efforts to deepen client relationships and capture growth opportunities in the fast-evolving South and Southeast Asian markets. His appointment comes at a time when these regions are experiencing rapid economic development, increased cross-border trade, and rising demand for sophisticated banking solutions.
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Citi’s decision to elevate Thakker to this critical role underscores the bank’s focus on leveraging seasoned leadership to drive growth, innovation, and operational excellence across its Asia South franchise. With his extensive track record and deep understanding of the region, Thakker is expected to play a key role in advancing Citi’s ambitions and supporting clients navigating the complexities of the South and Southeast Asian business landscape.
