US-based Citi has recently introduced Arc, a proprietary platform aimed at facilitating the development and deployment of AI agents within the organization. This initiative is intended to support Citi’s broader AI strategy by enabling developers to create specialized agents for various business functions.
Transitioning from tools to intelligent agents
Unlike traditional AI tools that primarily assist with individual tasks, Arc focuses on creating autonomous AI agents capable of managing multi-step workflows. According to Citi, these agents are designed to handle a range of responsibilities including research, data synthesis, preparation, and execution, thus reducing manual effort and enhancing operational efficiency.
Citi notes that around 80% of its approximately 180,000 employees who have access to AI tools currently use them regularly. The new platform is intended to build upon this usage by allowing developers to create targeted applications. In the initial stages, Arc will be limited to developer access before expanding to broader roles and teams.
For instance, in wealth management, a banker’s role could shift from preparing client meetings, gathering data, analyzing market trends, and scenario modeling—tasks that could be handled by AI agents—to focusing more on relationship management and advisory work. This illustrates Citi’s vision for how AI can transform client-facing roles.
Ensuring responsible AI deployment
Citi has stated that Arc will be managed within the company’s existing risk framework, ensuring ongoing monitoring and auditability of each agent. This approach underscores Citi’s commitment to maintaining oversight over its AI deployments, aligning with broader industry trends where financial institutions are increasingly exploring agentic AI while prioritizing control for regulatory compliance.
The launch of Arc signals Citi’s move towards more integrated and autonomous AI systems, positioning the company alongside other major financial institutions that are similarly advancing in this domain.
