Citigroup's wealth-management offerings have long paled in comparison to rivals.
The spending jump was driven by a rebound in global travel and entertainment spending, the company said.
CEO James Gorman said the U.S. economy is in better shape than it was in 2008.
Dividend payouts by the nation's six largest lenders rose by almost half last year.
Rising interest rates and the ensuing increase in borrowing costs are hindering deals.
Most of the 18 new hires are located in the U.S.
The phenomenon is evidence of a divergence between conservatives and big business.
Among cardholders, consumer spending remains strong.
Institutional investors' interest in digital assets has swelled in recent years.
The typical bonus paid to employees in New York's securities industry climbed to $257,500.