How the future of work and other forces impact private banking

Creating a sense of community among the clients of Citi Private Bank worldwide is one of the goals for Ida Liu, its global head.

"That's one of the most special things about being a private bank client is the community, that network that you're a part of," Liu said.

In the effort to achieve that, the private bank is working to re-imagine how it engages with clients digitally. "We're trying to keep it interesting," she said.

Besides the more common podcasts and webinars, the private bank has hosted virtual events such as a cooking class and art class, which have drawn participation from clients across Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America, just as Liu had hoped. "The clients don't just want to hang out with you. They want to hang out with each other," she said.

Virtual might not be a substitute for live gatherings, but it offers its own advantages. "You can still mix and mingle. You can still get to know people in a virtual format," Liu said. "And interestingly, you get more participation from all the countries."

Liu shared her thoughts on this and more in a wide-ranging discussion that touches on the economy, the state of private banking, the future of work, ESG and cryptocurrencies.