HSBC makes senior hires to drive its Asia Wealth ambition
Both appointments aim to further help HSBC achieve its ambition to be the leading international bank in Singapore and support the region’s strategic ambition to be the leading wealth manager in Asia-Pacific.
In February 2021, HSBC announced plans to invest over USD3.5 billion in the next five years to accelerate its ambition to become the leading wealth bank in the region. With a particular emphasis on Hong Kong, mainland China, and Singapore, HSBC is investing to expand its wealth distribution teams and capabilities; enhance digital wealth platforms; and develop new innovative products particularly for high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients.
Singapore is central to HSBC’s Asia Wealth ambitions. In particular, HSBC Bank (Singapore) has been building a team that can effectively tap on its rich customer insights to design and deliver unique banking and wealth products as well as propositions that leverage the international connectivity and capabilities of its network.
Mr Anurag Mathur, Head of Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC Bank (Singapore) said: “Since we embarked on our Asia Wealth strategy, the Singapore wealth business has grown significantly thanks to strategic investments in our people and technology. We have also accelerated the pace of our digital banking transformation and have seen strong mobile banking adoption among our customers.”
“With the strong foundation in place, I’m very excited to further strengthen our leadership capability with Singaporean talents to grow our business at pace and scale. Both Ian and Melissa have proven track records in building strong teams and partnerships that will help us achieve our growth ambitions in Singapore.”
The new appointments are:
Mr. Ian Yim
Head of Distribution
A seasoned banker, Mr Yim has been with the bank for over 18 years, having held leadership roles across Premier International and Branch Network. In his prior role, Mr Yim was Head of Wealth and International, having been appointed in 2019. Mr Yim has been Acting Head of Distribution since 1 March 2021 and will be effective in the new role from 26 April 2021.
As Head of Distribution, Mr Yim will be responsible for all staff-assisted sales and service channels, including Branch Network, International Wealth Hub (formerly known as Premier International Centre), Contact Centre, Direct Sales, Wealth Specialists and Bancassurance. This is a key role to drive synergy across all staff-assisted channels, enabling the bank to improve sales productivity and customer experience gains.
Ms. Melissa Craig
Head of Digital and Innovation
Ms Craig - who is currently Group Head of Digital Messaging Experiences & Sales, International, HSBC, and a Singaporean returning home - will be appointed to lead the recently expanded Digital & Innovation team.
Whilst enhancing the bank’s digital platforms remains fundamental to its transformation, HSBC Bank (Singapore) will also seek to create new business opportunities and reach new customers through strategic partnerships. Ms Craig will have oversight on Partnership Development and Innovation to help drive this strategy.
Ms Craig has over 18 years of global digital banking and eCommerce experience, having served in leadership roles at Zuji and Lazada in Singapore, with responsibilities across country general management, digital strategy, product development, digital marketing and commercialisation. Ms Craig will join on 1 May 2021.
Both Mr Yim and Ms Craig will report to Mr Mathur.
The new appointments highlight the strength of HSBC’s global career opportunities. In particular, its focus on developing local talents as well as ability to tap on HSBC’s global network for key talents.
Media enquiries to:
Betty Fong, HSBC Singapore | +65 6658 4103 | betty.c.y.fong@hsbc.com.sg
About HSBC Singapore
HSBC Group’s history in Singapore dates back to 1877 when its founding member, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, opened its first branch on the island. A qualifying full bank, HSBC in Singapore offers a comprehensive range of banking and financial services including retail banking and wealth management; commercial, investment and private banking; insurance; forfaiting and trustee services; securities and capital markets services. One of the earliest banks to establish in Singapore, HSBC today is a prominent player in Singapore's financial services sector serving the banking needs of multi-national corporations, home-grown businesses, private banking clients, institutional and retail customers. In May 2016, HSBC locally incorporated its retail banking and wealth management business in Singapore and established, HSBC Bank (Singapore) Limited. HSBC Singapore has a retail network of 10 dedicated HSBC Premier Centres and 2 HSBC Jade Centres including a Premier International Centre as well as many locations across the island providing self-service terminals.
About The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited is the founding member of the HSBC Group. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 64 countries and territories in its geographical regions: Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, and Middle East and North Africa. With assets of US$2,984bn at 31 December 2020, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.
1 HSBC Press Release: "HSBC to invest over USD3.5 billion to boost wealth business in Asia"