Citi
Investment banking / financial services · researched 2026-10-02. Processes change every year, so confirm on the employer's own page.
At a glance
- Dates
- Closes: London Markets COO Apprentice (2026): 20 August 2026.
- Pay
- Not published in the sources we found.
- Length
- 2 to 6 years
- Degree
- LLB (Hons)
- Entry
- BBB at A level or UCAS equivalent (Markets COO)
- Stages
- 3: Online application, Online assessment, Video or live interview
What you'd actually do
- Markets COO apprentices help run the trading business: tracking revenue, controls and projects.
- Operations apprentices check, settle and fix trades and payments.
Our plain-English summary from the firm's adverts, not the firm's own words.
Why this firm: talking points
Recent facts you can use in a "why us?" answer. Check for newer news before your interview.
- Under CEO Jane Fraser, Citi has simplified into five core businesses, exited 12 of 14 overseas consumer banking franchises and cut management layers from 13 to 8. Several independent reports source
Programmes and entry
- UK apprenticeships in Legal, Markets, Operations and Technology (2 to 6 years depending on the partner institution; some are degree level, some are not) · Belfast, London
- Legal degree apprenticeship (Degree apprenticeship, 4 years part-time) · LLB (Hons) · Belfast
- Market Operations Apprentice (Apprenticeship (level not stated in the summary)) · Belfast
- Investment Operations Specialist (Global Markets COO Office) (Level 4 (not a degree)) · London
- Markets COO Apprentice (Level 3 AI & Data Technician) (Level 3 (not a degree)) · London
BBB at A level or UCAS equivalent (Markets COO) · 5 GCSEs including Maths grade B and English Language grade C, or equivalent (Markets COO). source
closes London Markets COO Apprentice (2026): 20 August 2026. · Dates vary by programme and location. Partner institutions in Belfast include Ulster University, Queen's University Belfast and Belfast Met. source
Process, stage by stage
1. Online application
Online application for a specific programme and location.
- Check whether the programme is degree level: several London routes are Level 3 or 4.
Official source source
2. Online assessment
A behavioural assessment called 'Plum' is reported; one prep site says Korn Ferry Talent Q instead. Citi has not confirmed the provider.
- Answer behavioural questionnaires consistently and honestly.
Several independent reports source
3. Video or live interview
Pre-recorded video interview with about 6 questions and set preparation and answer time, or a Zoom/phone interview depending on the role.
- Prepare 'why Citi', 'why this team' and 3 or 4 STAR examples.
Single report source
Video interview
Reported: pre-recorded, about 6 questions with set preparation and answer time; some roles use a Zoom or phone interview instead.
Single report source
Values they assess against
Leadership Principles: We take ownership · We deliver with pride · We succeed together
Advice for this firm
- Belfast is Citi's main degree apprenticeship hub; many London apprenticeships are Level 3 or 4, so check the level before applying.
- Know the turnaround story: under CEO Jane Fraser, Citi has simplified into five core businesses, sold most overseas consumer banks and cut management layers. Citi is a leader in transaction banking (Services) and foreign exchange.
- Use Citi's three Leadership Principles (ownership, pride, succeeding together) in your examples.
- For Markets and Operations roles, be ready to explain in plain words what happens after a trade is agreed (checking, settling and fixing problems).
Not verified
- Which London roles are Level 6 (degree) versus Level 3/4 for 2027.
- Official online test provider.
- Salaries (Citi says 'full-time salary and benefits').
- Facts were read through search summaries of the pages, not the full pages.