Citi and Mastercard Launch AI Digital Exploration Program to Develop Future Leaders

Citi announced on September 23, 2026, a collaboration with Mastercard to host the inaugural Mastercard AI Digital Exploration Program in New York, aimed at further advancing the development of future leaders. This program is specifically designed for the next generation of high-net-worth wealth clients, providing participants with an immersive digital innovation experience.

Program Background and Objectives

This collaboration builds on the success of Citi's Young Heirs Program held in Singapore, which attracted over 500 participants from 14 markets, helping them develop leadership skills, broaden their perspectives, and establish meaningful connections.

The Mastercard AI Digital Exploration Program leverages Citi's unique position as a global banking partner, offering participants exclusive engagement opportunities with leading institutions and organizations such as Cornell Tech, Google Cloud, Palantir, Mastercard, and Citi.

Participant Experience

Participants will engage in a series of carefully curated activities, including:

• AI courses at Cornell Tech, discussions on navigating uncertainty, and a risk decomposition workshop led by Cornell Tech professor Karan Girotra.
• Insights on global economic trends and outlooks provided by Mastercard Chief Economist Michelle Meyer, along with an exclusive presentation hosted by Mastercard Experience Center Director Mariana Aguirre.
• Exclusive events at Citi headquarters, including roundtable discussions with leaders from Google Cloud, Palantir, and Citi.

Vicky Kong, Head of Citi's North Asia and Australia Wealth Division, stated, "The Mastercard AI Digital Exploration Program represents the pinnacle of our curated experiences for high-net-worth clients, designed to help them navigate and lead in a world increasingly reshaped by artificial intelligence and rapid innovation."

Yeo Wenxian, Head of the South Asia Wealth Division, also emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "Our Young Heirs Program has been ongoing for 14 years, dedicated to nurturing tomorrow's leaders. This year, we are excited to enhance this program through our inaugural collaboration with Mastercard."

Victor Nordenson, Executive Vice President of Global Client Management at Mastercard, noted that this collaboration is based on the long-standing shared commitment between Citi and Mastercard to provide clients with the support they need for the future.

Conclusion

Through the strong partnership between Citi and Mastercard, the AI Digital Exploration Program not only showcases Citi's commitment to its clients and their families but also offers unique growth opportunities for future leaders, helping them confidently tackle challenges in an ever-changing global environment.