RBS (NYSE:RBS) reported a 2011 net loss of 2 billion pounds compared with a 1.1 billion-pound loss in 2010. Analysts had forecast another 1.1 billion-pound loss in 2011. A 950 million-pound provision to compensate some customers for being improperly sold personal-loan insurance contributed to losses. RBS I-bankers are still receiving bonuses, though the bonus pool has been cut to 390 million pounds from 950 million pounds a year ago.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) is adding as many as five branches in China over the next 2-3 years, accelerating its expansion there. The company currently has three branches: Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou (Canton). Bank of America is amenable to other options, including a securities venture with a local partner.

Investing Insights: JPMorgan Takes Bets on More Debt.

Citigroup (NYSE:C) is selling its entire stake in India’s Housing Development Finance Corp. on Friday, with the goal of raising up to $2.1 billion, according to sources. Holding 145 million shares, or around a 9.9 percent stake, Citigroup is seeking to bolster its capital with the sale, in light of new banking rules.

Adding foreign debt to its portfolio, including bonds tied to U.K. and Dutch mortgages, JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) has more than tripled its holdings of mortgage securities, which lack U.S. government guarantees, from $19 billion at the end of 2009 to $72 billion today. In contrast, other leading U.S. banks are cutting back holdings of U.S. subprime securities, and are expanding agency notes guaranteed by GSEs.

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To contact the reporter on this story: Mark Lawson at staff.writers@wallstcheatsheet.com

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Damien Hoffman at editors@wallstcheatsheet.com

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