Citi has made a strategic investment in Japanese AI firm Sakana AI, marking the bank's first such direct investment in a company from Japan. Announced on February 24, 2026, this Citi Sakana AI strategic investment aims to accelerate innovation across global financial services, leveraging Sakana AI’s advanced research and development capabilities.
Sakana AI has built a strong track record by applying frontier AI within the financial sector. The company's unique approach focuses on bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical business applications. In 2025, Sakana AI initiated custom AI model development for specialized financial domains through strategic partnerships with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) and Daiwa Securities Group.
This investment follows Sakana AI's broader funding efforts, including its Series B round, which saw participation from Santander Group's venture capital arm, Mouro Capital, expanding its global footprint. Robert Nakamura, Citi Country Officer and Banking Head for Japan, highlighted Sakana AI's role in driving innovation in the Japanese market.
Siris Singh, Global Head of Markets Strategic Investments at Citi, praised Sakana AI’s "unique and robust offering" and its proven product-market fit in Japan. David Ha, Co-Founder and CEO of Sakana AI, expressed honor in the investment, viewing it as a testament to the company's technological prowess and financial sector expertise. The collaboration is poised to transform global financial services.