Citicorp awaits an OK to start consumer network around US

Citicorp intends to set up 10 ''consumer banks'' outside New York State, pending approval by the Comptroller of the Currency, Citicorp chairman John S. Reed said this week. But Mr. Reed acknowledged that some congressional opposition to such banks remains and said the banking giant might have to ''roll back'' the banks if Congress bans them retroactively.

Earlier this week, Sears, Roebuck & Company announced agreement to buy a small bank in Delaware. This will be a first step toward setting up its national consumer banking network - in competition with Citicorp, among others. Consumer banks accept demand deposits but do not make commercial loans.