Citi, which is financing a string of takeovers, could have double the exposure to risky leveraged loans backing private equity-led buyouts than some of its investment banking rivals, according to analysts.

Citi's balance sheet exposure through its leveraged lending operations could range from $22bn (€16bn) to $27bn compared to $12bn to $17bn at rival JP Morgan Chase, according to a report today from independent credit research firm CreditSights.