Who is Viswas Raghavan? Why was he let go by JPMorgan and hired by Citi for $52 million amid allegations of abusive behavior?

Viswas Raghavan is a senior investment banker known for his long tenure at JPMorgan Chase, where he built a strong reputation in global banking and capital markets. Over the years, he worked on major deals and held leadership roles, making him a prominent figure within the firm. Reports suggest he later exited JPMorgan following internal concerns tied to workplace conduct, including allegations of abusive behavior. The details around the circumstances have not been fully disclosed or confirmed publicly. Despite the controversy, Citigroup brought him on board with a compensation package estimated at around $52 million.

Raghavan joined Citigroup in February 2024 as its head of banking, just days after JPMorgan informed him he had no long-term future at the firm, according to a report by the Financial Times. In a move that drew significant attention, the senior banker was reportedly offered a staggering compensation package shortly after his exit. The development came amid claims that he had faced years of internal complaints at JPMorgan, with allegations accusing him of abusive behavior, as highlighted in the report.

Over a 23-year career at JPMorgan, Raghavan played a key role in strengthening the firm’s position in European investment banking. According to the New York Post, he helped drive the bank’s growth beyond its US roots, rising through the ranks to become CEO of its Europe, Middle East, and Africa operations and eventually the sole head of global investment banking.


JPMorgan ultimately decided to part ways with Raghavan after years of complaints about his conduct, according to the Financial Times. His behavior was examined in two separate internal reviews, and concerns were reportedly escalated directly to CEO Jamie Dimon on more than one occasion.

Opinions about Raghavan within the bank were divided. Some colleagues viewed him as a demanding leader who consistently delivered strong results and helped elevate JPMorgan’s position in European deal rankings. Others, however, saw his management style as aggressive and intimidating.

People familiar with the situation alleged that he used harsh language toward employees, reportedly calling them 'a waste of calories', 'ignorant', and 'inadequate'. At one point, the bank even reduced his compensation in response to concerns over his behavior, reported the outlet.

At Citigroup, Raghavan has delivered strong results over the past two years. He has attracted top investment bankers from JPMorgan and other competitors, while the firm’s banking division posted record revenues last year, according to the FT report.

Citi, however, pushed back on reports about his hiring, telling the FT that 'the process for how Vis joined Citi has been mischaracterised'. The bank said the recruitment began in January 2024, spanned more than a month, and involved both internal and external due diligence, along with direct oversight from senior leadership and the board.

Despite the controversy, Raghavan is now seen by some as a possible successor to Citigroup's CEO Jane Fraser - a prospect that has unsettled some former colleagues and encouraged critics to voice their concerns more openly, as per the report.