Citigroup Becomes Latest US Bank to Choose Frankfurt for EU Base

Citigroup has moved forward with its plans to relocate its EU base of operations post-Brexit Brexit Brexit stands for British Exit, or in reference to the United Kingdom’s decision to formally leave the European Union (EU) as declared in a June 23, 2016 referendum. In a more immediate sense, a tight vote and unexpected result helped drive British pound (GBP) to lows that had not been seen in decades.The day following the referendum, former Prime Minister David Cameron resigned from office where he was replaced by Theresa May, who later resigned from office on June 7th, 2019. Active Prime Minis Brexit stands for British Exit, or in reference to the United Kingdom’s decision to formally leave the European Union (EU) as declared in a June 23, 2016 referendum. In a more immediate sense, a tight vote and unexpected result helped drive British pound (GBP) to lows that had not been seen in decades.The day following the referendum, former Prime Minister David Cameron resigned from office where he was replaced by Theresa May, who later resigned from office on June 7th, 2019. Active Prime Minis Read this Term, honing in on Frankfurt as its newest Hub Hub A hub as its name suggests describes the center of activity or a focal point. In terms of finance, the term hub can refer to Hub and Spoke Trading or a liquidity hub. However, the terms are not interchangeable, but they do overlap. Hub and Spoke trading refer to a network that posts bids and offers for an asset and therefore creates a real market. For example, Hub and Spoke trading allow traders to see the other submissions and offers from other traders on the platform. This is a popular method A hub as its name suggests describes the center of activity or a focal point. In terms of finance, the term hub can refer to Hub and Spoke Trading or a liquidity hub. However, the terms are not interchangeable, but they do overlap. Hub and Spoke trading refer to a network that posts bids and offers for an asset and therefore creates a real market. For example, Hub and Spoke trading allow traders to see the other submissions and offers from other traders on the platform. This is a popular method Read this Term. The decision was preceded by months of contemplation for the US lender. Most other banks operating in the UK are also considering such a move as they wait for cues from the Brexit negotiations.

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Citigroup joins Morgan Stanley, which last month became the first US bank to decide on Frankfurt as its future EU trading nexus following Brexit. The timing was ultimately dictated by the Bank of England calling for a mid-July deadline for UK-based banks to provide the regulator with detailed plans about their Brexit strategy. This coincided with a string of recent announcements from a plethora of lenders all publicizing their plans after months of chatter.

Targeted move

Unlike other lenders that are planning a more substantial overhaul or relocation of personnel, Citigroup plans to create only between 150 and 250 new roles in the German city, according to a Bloomberg report. It is presently unclear if these roles will be filled by existing personnel in the UK or will be hired in Frankfurt.

Frankfurt itself does boast many inherent advantages, namely its geo-strategic location in the bloc and talented labor pool. Frankfurt has also opened up its arms to prospective lenders, offering to relax rigid labor laws and give banks more flexibility to make people redundant.

Interestingly, the decision was initially caused by the likely cessation of passporting rights to the UK. However, while UK PM Theresa May has insisted that passporting would be curtailed for lenders, her recent electoral setbacks have led to signs of a softened Brexit, leading to a potential bid to retain these rights.

A two-horse race has now emerged from the original selection of EU cities that threatened London’s status as Europe’s financial capital. Frankfurt and Dublin are now the front runners, securing the biggest names to date. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see if Frankfurt’s dearth of office space, seen as a potential Achilles' heel for broader relocation efforts, will be a factor for other lenders not yet decided on their relocation plans.