Citi Global Wealth unveiled the ULTIMA Mastercard credit card earlier this week, targeting Citi Private Bank clients across Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore, two of Citi's four global wealth hubs.

The by-invitation only card comes to market as spend by the bank's ultra-high net worth clients continues to outpace pre-pandemic levels. Spend in the first half of this year, compared to the same period in 2019, was up 56% in Singapore, and 36% in Hong Kong. Across both markets, shopping, dining and travel were leading spend categories.

Research commissioned by Citi across Hong Kong and Singapore found that ultra- high net worth clients wanted to access more experiences for themselves and their loved ones, particularly in travel, as well as invest quality time in wellness.  In response to the penchant for spend, and evolving preferences of this client segment, the card includes bespoke travel and lifestyle experiences and wellness features in addition to best-in-class rewards and exclusive benefits, supported by dedicated Lifestyle Relationship Managers. 

ULTIMA Mastercard was introduced to select clients on Monday evening (31^st July) at a 'Citi ULTIMA Gala Dinner' held at the Rosewood Hotel in Hong Kong which was attended by Oscar Award winning actress, Michelle Yeoh. 

Exemplary of the exclusive access availed by ULTIMA, guests heard first-hand from the inspirational icon during a fireside chat between Ms. Yeoh and Angel Ng, Asia Head of Citi Global Wealth. Both role models in their respective fields, Ms. Yeoh and Angel discussed the pursuit of excellence, living life of the fullest, and their shared passion to advance diversity and inclusion to create impact in the lives of others and build a world free of bias.

Guests also enjoyed exclusive experiences showcased at the event, including an interactive digital art gallery and an immersive experience which brought clients to select natural wonders around the world. A corresponding exclusive client event will be held in Singapore on August 21.

Angel said, "Citi's ULTIMA proposition has etched its place as a leading and exclusive credit card for ultra-high net worth clients. The latest iteration of the card ensures that we continue to stay ahead of our clients' needs and wants as their spending behaviors evolve. As part of Citi Global Wealth, we are leveraging the full wealth continuum to now include this credit card as part of the product suite for private banking clients in Asia. The partnership between our credit cards and private banking businesses is helping us to unlock new opportunities to expand and deepen our client relationships in the ultra-high net worth segment."

Citi Global Wealth is the bank's unified wealth management platform, serving clients across the wealth continuum in Asia through Singapore and Hong Kong.  The business comprises Citi's credit cards franchise in the region, our Citigold and Citigold Private Client propositions, the International Personal Bank, Citi Private Bank and Citi's consumer banking arm in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Asia Pacific and EMEA Head of Cards and Unsecured Lending, Sanjay Nambiar, said, "We are pleased to be partnering with Mastercard to bring this card to our clients in Asia. The collaboration brings together Mastercard's network and Citi's in-depth experience in conceptualizing leading credit card propositions to expand our reach to existing and potential clients in the region."

"The Asia Pacific region has experienced a strong and sustained economic recovery post-pandemic. It is now home to 30% of the world's ultra-high net-worth population and in recent years has seen the affluent segment in Singapore and Hong Kong expand," said Jason Lane, Executive Vice President, Global Account Management, Mastercard. "Mastercard is delighted to extend its long-standing partnership with Citi to launch the enhanced ULTIMA card. It meets the needs of Citi's ultra-high net-worth customers, and leverages the Mastercard Priceless Experiences Program, designed to give cardholders special access to unforgettable experiences tailored to their individual desires."

More on the updated ULTIMA Proposition: 

From bespoke experiences to wellness benefits and exclusive service, ULTIMA offers compelling benefits including:

Ultimate Dedication:

• Dedicated ULTIMA Lifestyle Relationship Managers
  
  

Ultimate Horizons:

• Golf at St. Andrews with a Pro or Golfing experience at the Open
• Access to luxury private islands in different regions across Asia and the Pacific Islands with full-serviced resorts for personal and family retreats
• Access to renowned distilleries and vineyards in Europe
• Supercar drive experiences – on racetracks around the world and exclusive tours to automotive museums
• Complimentary one night stay with a minimum of two consecutive nights booked at over 900 luxurious participating properties worldwide
• Complimentary companion airfare with a purchase of a full fare First or Business class ticket on eight participating airlines
  
  

Ultimate Indulgence:

• Access to priority booking for designated Michelin restaurants in Hong Kong and chef-curated exclusive dinners in Singapore through the bank's partnership with Michelin Guide
  
  

Ultimate Balance:

• Exclusively curated Wellness retreats