Citigroup's FX deals might have made only $1 million but cost $2.5 billion

Reuters

Published Jun 10, 2015 01:32PM ET

Citigroup's FX deals might have made only $1 million but cost $2.5 billion

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Employee misconduct in foreign exchange trading that cost Citigroup Inc (NYSE:C) $2.5 billion in fines and penalties might have made only $1 million for the bank, an executive said on Wednesday.

Speaking at an investor conference, James Forese, president of Citigroup and head of its investment bank, described the episode as "hugely painful" and said the bank is spending more time than ever to reduce "conduct risk" by employees.

Forese also said the investment bank will need to increase revenue to continue to improve efficiency as the benefits of cost-cutting taper off.