Citigroup plans to double its commodities trade finance team within the next three years as it seeks to benefit from a retreat by some rival banks, the head of the business said. Citigroup is one of the biggest players in trade finance but has been relatively small in the specific area of commodities trading. It started building a commodities trade finance team to focus on the sector in 2012. Trade finance is a form of short-term lending or guarantee that ensures payment is made on an international shipment of goods. Kris Van Broekhoven, global head of commodities trade finance at Citi, told Reuters he hoped to double the team's 14-strong headcount within three years and become a top five player.