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Enabling the American Dream, across the spectrum

October 26, 2011
Salvador Villar, Chairman and CEO, Banamex USA

I am proud to work for Citi, an organization that has such a strong and active commitment to diversity, both internally and in our communities. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to spend time with the nearly 300 affiliate members of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the nation's largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization and a longstanding partner of Citi's. For many years, we have worked with NCLR to enable its member organizations to advance economic empowerment and asset building for underserved members of society.

As I mentioned at our meeting, it is through innovative partnerships that we can achieve success in our efforts drive economic recovery in the U.S. and around the world, and to expanding financial inclusion. That is why Citi has provided a $1 million grant to NCLR's Raza Development Fund to support their investment expansion in South Texas, Arizona and California. The grant includes pre-development funding targeted to affordable housing, education and small business in underserved communities. These are pillars of economic empowerment and of neighborhood revitalization.

All of this is part of Citi's commitment to Responsible Finance, which is a mandate to conduct business in a way that is transparent, prudent and dependable, with the ultimate goal of delivering better outcomes for our clients and for society. This commitment drives our relationships, our investments and all of our business activities.

Banamex USA plays a key role in Citi's commitment to diversity. By straddling a cultural divide, we serve those who identify with two cultures. Over the past year, we have expanded our Banamex USA branch network in California, Texas and Arizona and have partnered with Citibank in Illinois, Texas and Missouri to expand financial inclusion in those states as well. We offer our customers professional and efficient solutions for their banking and financial needs, in a fully bilingual and bicultural manner. We have specific credit card programs geared to individuals who do not have established credit history in the United States, and we work to make these programs as easy-to-use and customer-friendly as possible.

We will continue to pursue diversity in our business and in our communities. At Citi, we understand that the American Dream is not a single vision. It is a kaleidoscope of shapes and colors, creating visions of the future.

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