Citi has quietly assembled a 4,000-person internal AI workforce through a peer-driven program, accelerating AI adoption across the bank. This grassroots approach is reshaping how Wall Street integrates AI, with volunteers teaching colleagues about AI tools and use cases.
Citi is not just adopting AI—it’s building an internal movement. The bank’s AI Champions and Accelerators program, launched in early 2024, has grown to include around 4,000 voluntary AI helpers. These employees, embedded across various business units, are not part of a specialized tech team but are colleagues working alongside their peers to drive AI adoption.
The program is a bottom-up approach to AI integration, where “accelerators” help colleagues within their business units understand and leverage AI tools. Meanwhile, approximately 25-30 “champions” lead these accelerators in their respective lines of business. This peer-to-peer model is uniquely embedded throughout the bank, fostering a culture of AI literacy and innovation.
The Power of Peer-to-Peer Learning
The idea for the program emerged as Citi’s tech leaders brainstormed ways to engage a broader segment of the bank’s workforce with AI. Initially, the goal was to recruit 2,500 accelerators, but the response exceeded expectations, leading to a waitlist for the program. The only requirement for participation is enthusiasm for AI, making it accessible to employees across all levels and departments.
Josh Goldsmith, the AI champion for internal audit and head of digital solutions and innovation, highlights the program’s success in “demystifying AI.” He notes that learning from a colleague is far more impactful than hearing from a technologist. “To be able to see someone put it in action: ‘Hey, they can do it! I’m just like them, I can do it as well,'” Goldsmith explains.
Carey Ryan, chief of staff for the technology organization and one of the initiative’s leaders, emphasizes the importance of this peer-to-peer approach. A small central team could never achieve the same reach or understanding of job-specific AI use cases across the bank. Accelerators have already hosted over 100 Citi AI Days, where they conduct demonstrations and answer questions, further embedding AI into the bank’s culture.
The Time Commitment and Benefits
Accelerators meet with their cohorts twice a month to participate in demos, learn about new tools, receive training, and discuss their recent work. Goldsmith, who oversees around 50 participants, dedicates between three and five hours each week to the program, in addition to his regular responsibilities. Despite the extra hours, he finds the experience rewarding, gaining a broader perspective on AI across Citi and a clear vision of what’s coming next.
The program also offers optional trainings on topics like agentic AI, allowing participants to earn visual “AI badges” that they can display in their email signatures. While there are no specific engagement metrics, the flexibility of the program ensures that participants can contribute in ways that suit their schedules and interests.
Ryan notes that the program fosters a symbiotic relationship between participants and the bank. Accelerators provide valuable feedback on AI tools and use cases, helping Citi fine-tune its approach to AI. For example, their suggestions have led to enhancements like adding notifications and allowing employees to upload larger files.
The Broader Impact on Wall Street
Citi’s AI tools are now available in 84 countries for 182,000 employees, with adoption rates above 70%. This widespread adoption is a testament to the success of the AI Champions and Accelerators program. CEO Jane Fraser has high expectations for all employees, including accelerators, and has emphasized the role of AI in reshaping how work gets done at the bank.
The program is part of a broader trend on Wall Street, where banks are racing to adopt AI. From offering capstone-style courses for engineers to attracting top tech talent, financial institutions are investing heavily in AI. Citi’s peer-to-peer approach stands out for its ability to engage a wide range of employees and foster a culture of AI literacy and innovation.
As AI continues to transform industries, Citi’s grassroots movement offers a model for how large organizations can integrate new technologies. By empowering employees to become AI champions and accelerators, the bank is not just adopting AI—it’s building a workforce that is equipped to lead in the AI-driven future.
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