Citibank

Founded in 1812, Citibank is now part of the Citi Group.The company now boasts more than 200 customer accounts, in over 100 countries throughout the world.

The original Citibank (then known as the Bank of New York) commenced trading on 16 June 1812 with some $2 million in capital. The bank joined the United States National Banking System in 1865, becoming the National City Bank of New York.

By 1894 the Bank had become established as the largest of its kind in the United States. Within 10 years overseas branches had been opened in Asia and Europe, as the bank looked to expand.

In 1913 the bank became the first contributor to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and by 1919 was recognised as the first US bank with assets totalling more than $1 billion.

By 1929 the National City Bank had become recognised as the largest bank in the world, having earlier been the first to introduce personal, unsecured loans.

By the outbreak of the Second World War, National City Bank had branches in 23 countries outside the United States of America.

In 1955 the bank underwent a further name change, becoming the First National City Bank of New York. Within 7 years the name was to be changed again, being shortened to First National City Bank.

Citibank's first credit card was introduced in 1967. In 1976 First National City Bank becomes Citibank, N.A.

In 1981 the company acquired Diners Club. By 1992, Citibank was the largest bank in the United States, with branches and offices in almost 100 countries.

In 1998 the original bank becomes part of the wider Citigroup Inc.

In the year 2000 the group earned some $13 billion worldwide, making it one of the most profitable companies in the world.