Citigroup is reducing the timeline from analyst to associate for junior investment bankers, moving staff up after two years regardless of whether their performance is exceptional. The bank is extending the faster track even to moderate performers, a notable shift from past practice.

The move is a direct response to private equity firms recruiting entry-level banking talent before they reach senior roles. The policy change highlights growing pressure across Wall Street to keep entry-level bankers as rival firms actively recruit young bankers.