The following is excerpted from the question-and-answer section of the transcript.
(Questions from industry analysts are provided in full, but answers are omitted - download the transcript to see the full question-and-answer session)
Question: Brianna Harrington - Harrington Investments Inc - Analyst
: Morning. I'm Brianna Harrington, the shareholder advocacy coordinator and research analyst at Harrington Investments Inc. Citi
claims that have robust policies and procedures in place to address the material risks posed to the company, including attention to
areas of high caution, risks to biodiversity and flora and fauna. But then perplexingly backtracks, stating, quote, Should animal welfare
related risks become material to Citi's operations or clients, our existing stakeholder engagement and risk management processes
would enable us to identify, evaluate and address these risks accordingly, end quote.
Animal welfare and risks associated with cruelty to animals are in fact very material to our company. And the contradictory statements
made by Citi in this very proxy statement are an insult to the intelligence of all stakeholders. So which is it Citi? Do you have adequate
oversight and or risk management processes already in place, or do you deem animal welfare related risks immaterial?
Still, we have yet to receive a definitive answer or genuine transparency on what our company is doing, if anything, to conduct
sufficient due diligence. Ethical consumer.org with Citigroup as being among the worst banks for animal exploitation, noting their
heavy financial involvement in the factory farming industry. Banks for Animals.org, a project of international organizations Synergy
Animal, hosts a database of financial institutions methodically evaluating them in relation to animal welfare oversight. Out of 100
points, Citigroup earns zero.
Just this morning I did a quick online search. Well, does Citigroup care about animal cruelty? My search engines AI overview produced
this response. Quote, while Citigroup has not explicitly stated a policy against animal cruelty, there's evidence to suggest it may not
adequately address the issue. It continues its investments and activities may contribute to issues related to animal cruelty, particularly
through its support of industries like to factory farming, end quote.
When addressing the scope of animal welfare, factory farming is but one facet, yet inextricably linked to other material concerns,
including availability and access to resources, impacts on global food systems, health and safety slash disease, and climate change.
Simply, animal cruelty is not just bad for business, it is bad business.
This statement might come off a bit harsh, but our intent is to press for progress towards a more humane society and encourage
Citi to set a standard. We're not trying to hurt any feelings. However, corporations don't have feelings. Corporations don't feel pain
and suffering. Animals, they do. Thank you.
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APRIL 29, 2025 / 1:00PM, C.N - Citigroup Inc Annual Shareholders Meeting
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