Citi forms AI-focused infrastructure banking team; makes first investment in Japan

ChainWatcher · 2026-02-28T01:53:18+00:00

Citi unites its investment and corporate banking leaders to target advisory and lending in the booming data centre and AI market, estimating a $3 trillion need by 2030. Their first investment in Japan's Sakana AI aims to enhance operational efficiencies and support international expansion.

ChainWatcher

2026-02-28 01:53:18

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The new unit brings together senior leaders from the bank’s investment banking and corporate banking divisions to focus on advisory and lending opportunities linked to data centres, computing capacity and related digital assets.

Citi estimates that $3 trillion of capital will be required by 2030 to fund the expansion of data centres, computing power and other AI infrastructure as adoption of the technology accelerates. The bank wants to get ahead of the curve by acting as an adviser and lender to the investors and companies driving that spending.

The investment in Sakana AI, made by Citi’s Markets Strategic Investments unit, is the bank’s first in Japan. The company is developing new kinds of foundational models and enterprise-grade AI solutions by using “nature-inspired” intelligence. The firm focuses on enhancing operational efficiencies across various industries by bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical business applications.

Sakana AI has a proven track record of working with financial institutions to develop highly specialized AI models for financial domains. This investment from Citi aims to further accelerate Sakana AI’s international expansion.

Robert Nakamura, Citi country officer and banking head for Japan: “As a leading AI company in Japan, Sakana AI is driving innovation across the Japan market. We are proud to support their journey and look forward to providing value-add opportunities as they expand their financial services product offerin.”

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