Governor Josh Stein joined state and local officials and Citi partners on Mar. 16 to celebrate the grand opening of Citi’s major office facility in Charlotte. The expansion by the global financial services company represents a $16.1 million investment in Mecklenburg County and is expected to create 510 new jobs, expanding Citi’s workforce in areas such as retail cards, finance, and marketing.
The event highlights Charlotte’s role as the country’s second-largest financial center and underscores North Carolina’s growing banking industry. “Charlotte is the country’s second-largest financial center, and North Carolina’s strong banking industry helps power growth across our economy,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Citi’s investment in the Queen City is an investment in our people and will strengthen Charlotte’s position as a hub for financial innovation.”
Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt said, “Whether it’s our universities or our community colleges workforce programs across the state, we know that investing in people is the best way to stay competitive and keep attracting companies like Citi.” Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley added, “North Carolina has one of the most highly educated workforces in the country, produces more than 11,000 finance and business graduates each year, and employs 232,000 people across the fintech and banking industries. Citi’s expansion in Charlotte further strengthens our financial ecosystem and underscores the opportunities our state offers global companies.”
Edward Skyler, Citi’s Head of Enterprise Services & Public Affairs, said, “Today marks a significant milestone as we put a stake in the ground in Charlotte with the opening of our state-of-the-art office. This expansion deepens our commitment to Charlotte with its vibrant financial landscape, exceptional talent and business-friendly environment. We appreciate Governor Stein’s support which will help us to create more than 500 new jobs in addition to the several hundred Citi colleagues that have called this area home. We look forward to deepening our roots in this great American city.”
Before this expansion, Citi employed about 350 employees locally across several lines of business. The project is partially facilitated by a Job Development Investment Grant awarded to Citigroup Technology Inc., which over ten years is expected to grow North Carolina’s economy by more than $2.7 billion.
The Office of the Governor of North Carolina serves all residents statewide according to its official website. As chief executive officer for North Carolina, Governor Stein leads execution of state laws and heads the Council of State according to its official website. He also directs policy through budget management and granting pardons according to its official website, serves as commander-in-chief of the National Guard, and appoints executive officials according to its official website.
Within the past year alone, North Carolina was named Top State for Business for a third time in four years as well as Top State for Workforce Development and Economic Development; it also added more jobs than any other state during Q4 2025.
