bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

sponsorType

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

Mark Regan

The bank is scouting for cash management talent as demand for its services surges

IN THE CORPORATE world, effective cash management is more than just working out how much pocket money you have. It is about implementing a company-wide strategy to manage your cash flow from start to finish. And it is not just about next week. Cash management goals are long term, while allowing flexibility for change.

HSBC has seen a huge increase recently in demand for its payments and cash management (PCM) services, globally and across the region.

'Traditionally, the demand for these services came mainly from western multinationals, but increasingly we are seeing a demand from Asian companies seeking to expand globally, or who are simply looking to improve their working capital and cash flow management,' said Lawrence Webb, HSBC head of payments and cash management, Asia-Pacific.

'Additionally, the solutions we are putting together for clients are far more complex.'

HSBC is therefore looking to increase its team numbers in Hong Kong by about 25 per cent. The bank has about 200 local PCM employees.

HSBC is looking to recruit a range of talented individuals primarily in the roles of client management, product development and sales. Positions range from assistant manager to assistant vice-president. Recruitment will be mostly local, with some new employees possibly brought in from overseas.

HSBC is also recruiting from non-banking areas and is considering  people with backgrounds in consulting, sales and client management, as well as graduates.

'The skills pool is too small if we only look for people from other banks. We have to broaden our horizons in that sense, but also we can use different skill sets. We are looking for people who may have come from IT, software or other technology companies.

'Additionally, we will look at those with customer service or retail experience. We are looking across industries,' Mr Webb said.

Commercial and business acumen and a strong interest  in personal and team success are qualities the bank is looking for.

'The four core values of our business are integrity, professionalism, teamwork and belief. We are very focused on these values. All our colleagues should be aligned to these.'

HSBC offers a strong training programme. The bank  is confident that, with the appropriate training, candidates outside the banking industry will succeed in PCM. For example, graduate recruits are given two years of training to hone their cash management skills and prepare them for permanent positions. They are trained in the core areas of product management, market development and sales and client management. They are also given training in Britain.

In the case of other recruits, the training period depends on the individual's experience and the nature of the post being filled. The training may also involve overseas attachments. Customised courses simulate real-life situations. Cash management trainees learn skills for their day-to-day work, from internal presentations to high-performance sales.

'The business is growing, and the people we recruit today will add  value in a year or two  when they have completed their training,' Mr Webb said.

New recruits can look forward to plenty of opportunities to prove themselves and enjoy promotion in the future.

'We are keen to retain, develop and promote talent. We have a very good track record in this respect. We provide opportunities for promotion within Hong Kong or in other parts of Asia, or even further afield. Our aim is to ensure all our colleagues have the opportunity to rise to the extent of their abilities,' Mr Webb said.

Money talks

HSBC plans to hire around 40 to 50 people for its payments and cash management team

Candidates will be drawn from a range of backgrounds, including outside banking

Training in four core areas of product management, market development, sales and client management

Overseas attachments in Britain and Asia

Excellent promotion and career prospects



Join HSBC and go with the flow