Citigroup wants to pay big bonuses

Citigroup (C) wants to pay some "key" employees big bonuses and it is seeking government approval to do so.

Most of the people Citi wants to compensate are heavy hitters with a history of creating big profits for the bank. Top traders and bankers have been leaving large U.S. financial institutions because of compensation restrictions. Citi is making the case that its most critical talent will walk out the door.