Awards for Excellence national winners 2026: Costa Rica

Best bank for corporate responsibility: Citi

Citi stands out in Costa Rica for its sustained and structured approach to corporate responsibility, combining philanthropic investment, employee engagement and targeted community programmes to deliver measurable local impact.

The bank has embedded community development into its business model, serving a broad corporate client base while supporting initiatives that address social and economic challenges.

At the core of its strategy is a multi-pronged framework that brings together Citi Foundation funding, year-round volunteerism and senior leadership involvement. This integrated approach ensures that initiatives are aligned with community needs identified through ongoing dialogue with local stakeholders.

In 2025, the bank supported projects that reached more than 2,950 low-income individuals, while the Citi Foundation contributed over $330,000 to community programmes.

Employee engagement is a defining feature. More than 915 volunteers participated in initiatives across the year, contributing over 1,450 hours to causes ranging from food security and indigenous community support to tutoring and employability training. These efforts are complemented by flagship programmes such as Global Community Day, which mobilises staff and partners for high-impact activities nationwide.

Citi Costa Rica has also demonstrated a strong focus on employability and social mobility. Programmes such as English for a Bright Future address skills gaps by supporting over 1,000 students and jobseekers with language training, interview preparation and workshops.

Meanwhile, partnerships with organisations including TECHO and regional initiatives backed by the Citi Foundation target housing challenges and youth employment, expanding the bank’s reach beyond immediate philanthropy.

This combination of financial commitment, hands-on volunteerism and long-term partnerships positions Citi as a leader in corporate responsibility in Costa Rica.