Citigroup Trains 175,000 Employees in AI: How the Bank is Turning Fear into Opportunity

Citigroup Prepares Employees for the AI Revolution

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept—it’s here, and it’s reshaping the workplace. Algorithms are acting as assistants, AI agents are becoming coworkers, and automation is driving a wave of layoffs. Last year alone, more than 54,000 job cuts were announced globally due to AI adoption.

In response, Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser is stepping up to help employees navigate the disruption rather than leaving them to fend for themselves.

“AI has the potential to make tremendous changes. It will create huge numbers of new jobs that we can’t even imagine today,” Fraser said at Davos. “It will change the nature of what people do every day … And it will take some jobs away.”

Mandatory AI Training for 175,000 Staff

Instead of waiting for the change to happen, Citigroup is proactively reskilling its workforce. Last year, the $205 billion bank introduced mandatory AI training for 175,000 employees across 80 locations. The program focused particularly on AI prompting—teaching staff how to interact with AI tools effectively.

Fraser believes this kind of training removes fear and intimidation around AI. Employees who understand how to use AI confidently are more adaptable, more productive, and better prepared to take control of their careers.

Helping Employees Adapt

Citigroup’s approach isn’t just about work—it’s about giving employees a sense of agency. Fraser explained:

“I want to stack the odds that we will help our people reinvent themselves. [We want staffers to] feel they’ve got a bit of control by having the training … Not that AI is going to take your job away, but someone using AI is probably going to be better at your job than you are. So, how do we equip you to use these tools?”

The message is clear: learning AI is no longer optional—it’s essential for staying relevant in the modern workplace.

A Win-Win for Employees and the Company

The training benefits Citigroup as much as it benefits employees. Roughly 50% of new job openings at the bank are filled internally. By reskilling staff, Citi reduces hiring costs while keeping experienced employees who already understand the company’s systems and culture.

“This training is about teaching colleagues the difference between basic prompting and advanced prompting to generate impactful results,” said Peter Fox, head of learning at Citi. The program is adaptive, allowing experts to complete it in under 10 minutes, while beginners take about 30 minutes.

Early Results and AI Adoption

So far, the results have been promising:

• Employees entered over 6.5 million prompts into Citi’s AI tools last year.
• AI has helped turn tasks that once took hours into minutes.
• 70% of employees have adopted Citi’s proprietary AI tools.
• Staff across 84 countries interacted with AI tools more than 21 million times in 2025.

These numbers show that staff are embracing AI as a copilot rather than viewing it as a threat.

AI as a Copilot, Not a Replacement

Many workers worry that AI could make them expendable. Christina Muller, a workplace mental health expert, emphasized that training is key to easing these fears.

“Training is crucial to reinforce that AI is meant to be a copilot—not a replacement—on an already flying plane,” Muller said.

By equipping employees with AI skills, Citigroup is not just boosting productivity—it’s building confidence, morale, and career security in a rapidly changing workplace.

Preparing for the Future

Citigroup’s initiative shows that companies can face the AI revolution proactively instead of reacting with layoffs and fear. By teaching employees how to use AI tools, they empower staff to:

• Enhance productivity
• Adapt to new job roles
• Innovate within existing positions
• Stay competitive in a rapidly evolving economy

As Fraser notes, AI isn’t just about replacing jobs—it’s about creating opportunities for those ready to adapt.

Final Take

Citigroup’s AI training program sets a new standard for corporate responsibility in the age of automation. By investing in their employees’ skills and confidence, the bank demonstrates that AI can be a partner, not a threat. The future of work may be uncertain, but with the right training, employees can remain in the driver’s seat.