Citigroup is planning to shut 29% of its branch network in South Korea as it scales back lending in the country.

Citibank Korea will close 56 of its 190 branches, reducing its focus to six major cities including the capital Seoul.

Slim lending margins have prompted the bank to scale back its retail operations in South Korea and shift its focus to "high quality" clients and digital channels.

Citigroup could not confirm the deadline for the closures.

The lender said the renewed focus on digital channels reflects an alteration in consumer behaviour and a long-term trend of lower profitability.

According to Citibank Korea, 90% of bank transactions in South Korea take place outside the branch.

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A spokesperson said the bank had not yet come to a decision on how to implement a potential cut in retail banking roles across the bank.

 

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