As financial institutions strive to gain market share through mergers and acquisitions, the question remains, "Which one will emerge as the global banking leader?"

According to a survey report just released by Total Research Corporation, Citigroup is the only bank that is seen as a millenium leader.

Survey respondents, who included leading investment professionals, gave Citigroup high marks in categories such as future growth, investment track record, quality of management, customer focus, responsibility to the community/environment and to employees, and financially sound.

Citibank led the pack as perceived global leaders with 67 percent of the respondent vote. Rounding out the top five were Deutsche Bank in second place with 42 percent, HSBC and UBS AG tied for third place with 26 percent, and Chase Manhattan with 21 percent of the votes. The survey cites 27 banks in all.

For a complete copy of the report, please contact Irene Lang at Total Research Corporation.