Head of Controls for the U.S. Retail Banking and Citigold

The Head of Controls for the U.S. Retail Banking and Citigold organization is a senior leadership role responsible for leading and continuously strengthening the operational risk and control program across retail banking, mortgage, small business banking, and wealth management businesses. Reporting directly to the Wealth Control Head, this leader serves as both a trusted strategic partner to senior leadership and a deep subject matter expert in Citi's Process and Control frameworks.  This leader is responsible for driving risk and control strategy in close alignment with business objectives while ensuring the Retail Bank operates within risk appetite, complies with all applicable regulatory requirements, and sustains a robust, proactive control environment.

Leading a high-performing team of approximately 120 risk and control professionals, this leader oversees the disciplined execution of Citi's Process and Control frameworks across deposits, mortgage, retail lending, small business banking, investments, and wealth management. Core accountabilities include comprehensive governance of business processes, accurate risk identification, optimal control design and execution, residual risk management, and issue remediation. In this capacity, the Head of Controls serves as a key point of engagement for Risk, Compliance, Internal Audit, and regulators bringing deep expertise in retail banking and wealth management businesses and understanding of the complex regulatory landscape governing financial services.

Leadership Profile

The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of retail banking and wealth management businesses, the operational processes that underpin them, and the complex regulatory landscape governing consumer financial services. They are equally adept at shaping strategy and hands-on execution, driving risk-enabled business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Controls Leadership

• Serve as the Risk and Control partner to the U.S. Retail Banking and Citigold leadership team integrating the risk and control strategy with the business strategy; ensuring controls are integrated into new initiatives, process changes, and day-to-day decision-making
• Implement and manage enterprise-wide control programs driving consistent implementation of Citi's MCA, Process Management, and Operational Risk frameworks
• Develop and track business metrics and control indicators that provide clear line of sight to control program performance across all covered businesses.  Translate risk and control results into strategic insights for senior leadership

Risk Identification & Control Management

• Lead comprehensive assessments of operational and compliance risks across all business lines including retail banking, mortgage, small business banking, and wealth management businesses
• Oversee the design and enhancement of preventative and detective controls that mitigate key risks while supporting positive client experiences
• Ensure timely identification, root cause analysis, and sustainable remediation of control gaps, issues, and regulatory findings
• Monitor residual risk levels and escalate emerging risks in accordance with established governance protocols

Regulatory Preparedness & Governance

• Drive audit readiness and lead the team's response to internal audits, compliance testing, and regulatory examinations
• Represent U.S. Retail Banking and Citigold controls in governance forums and management committees, delivering clear risk insights and control effectiveness reporting
• Support Quarterly Risk Reviews, MCA ratings, and annual risk assessments in coordination with divisional leadership

Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Independent stakeholders to ensure cross-functional risks are identified, escalated, and addressed
• Support policy, process, and procedural enhancements to ensure alignment with global standards and local regulatory requirements
• Communicate the state of the control environment, significant risks, and remediation progress clearly to senior management

People Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of controls professionals, fostering a strong risk culture, high execution standards, and a diverse, innovative environment
• Attract, retain, and develop talent with strong risk, control, and business acumen
• Manage resource allocation across the team to effectively support business priorities and control objectives

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Experience:

• 15+ years' experience in risk management, compliance, audit, or control functions within the financial services industry, with a significant focus on Wealth Management and Retail Banking.
• Proven leadership experience managing multiple large teams and complex control programs.
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. and international financial regulations relevant to wealth management (e.g., OCC, CFPB, FINRA, SEC).
• Demonstrated track record of successfully implementing and enhancing control frameworks.

Skills:

• Strategic Vision: Ability to develop and articulate a clear control strategy aligned with business goals.
• Risk Acumen: Deep understanding of operational risk, compliance risk, and control principles.
• Leadership: Strong ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team. Full management responsibility for multiple teams.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex control concepts to diverse audiences, including senior executives and regulators. Excellent negotiation skills are required, both internally and externally.
• Influence & Collaboration: Proven ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization, including cross-functional teams and senior leaders.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Decision Making: Proven track record and accountability in making quick decisions that have an immediate impact on business financials.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver results under pressure. Ability to balance strategic priorities with tactical actions.

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Job Family Group:

Controls Governance & Oversight

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Job Family:

Cross-disciplinary Controls

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Time Type:

Full time

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Primary Location:

New York New York United States

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Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:

$250 000,00 - $500 000,00

In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.

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Most Relevant Skills

Analytical Thinking, Assessment, Business Acumen, Constructive Debate, Controls Lifecycle, Governance, Issue Management, Process Design, Risk Management Lifecycle, Stakeholder Management.

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Other Relevant Skills

For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

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Anticipated Posting Close Date:

ago 28, 2026

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Automated Processing and AI

We use automated processing, including artificial intelligence, for our legitimate business interests (or our reasonable and appropriate business purposes) to identify and align the candidate's skills and abilities with a specific job opening. Additionally, if you so choose, or consent, we can match your skills and abilities to other suitable roles at Citi.

 

Importantly, all our hiring processes and decisions, including determining your suitability for a role, are conducted, checked, and decided by individuals. Our automated processing and AI do not involve relying on automatic or autonomous decision-making. Please refer to any Jurisdictional Considerations, with specific provisions for your country (where relevant) for further details.

 

Illinois residents – AI Notice and Right

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Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

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View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.