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Citi's Jane Fraser reshapes management structure by cutting layers

May 30, 2026, 2:00 AM10
(Update: May 30, 2026, 2:00 AM)
British-American banking executive, Chief Executive Officer of Citi
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Citi's Jane Fraser reshapes management structure by cutting layers

  • Jane Fraser, the CEO of Citi, implemented a major restructuring by reducing management levels from 13 to 8.
  • Citi experienced its highest revenue in a decade post-restructuring, with all divisions reporting gains.
  • The shift to a flatter organization aligns with broader trends in corporate governance, emphasizing agility and faster decision-making.
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In an effort to streamline operations at Citi, Jane Fraser, the bank's CEO, implemented a significant organizational change by reducing the layers of management from 13 to 8. This decision was part of a broader strategy initiated after Fraser took the helm at the financial institution, aiming to create a more efficient and responsive organization. The overhaul reflects a growing trend in corporate structures toward flatter hierarchies, which are believed to enhance agility and decision-making processes. In recent months, financial institutions and tech companies alike, including Coinbase, have also embraced similar restructuring approaches as part of their efforts to adapt to rapidly changing market dynamics. By eliminating unnecessary management layers, Fraser aimed to foster a corporate culture that prioritizes client service and shareholder value. Following these changes, Citi reported its highest quarterly revenue in a decade, indicating that Fraser's strategies might be yielding fruitful results. The return on tangible common equity reached its highest point since 2021, showcasing improved financial performance across all divisions. However, the transition to a flatter organizational structure does present challenges. With fewer managers, employees can often struggle with direction due to a loss of traditional power hierarchies. While this model may appeal to innovative companies looking to harness speed and creativity, there is a risk that less experienced workers may feel isolated on larger teams. Consequently, many teams might revert to informal hierarchies for better management. As organizations navigate these transitions, the notion of flattening seems partly catalyzed by the advent of technological advancements like artificial intelligence. Many corporate leaders now believe that they can maintain operational effectiveness and efficiencies with fewer personnel due to AI's capacity to automate certain managerial tasks. This belief is shaping workplace environments, reflecting a generational preference among millennials and younger employees for inclusive management styles over traditional command and control methodologies. Despite the compelling narrative surrounding flatter organizations, research on their efficacy remains varied, signaling a complex landscape for corporate leadership going forward.

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