HSBC's new CEO Georges Elhedery plans to merge its global and commercial banking units, potentially saving three hundred million dollars by eliminating high-paid senior banker roles. This restructuring aims to streamline costs within the bank's 221,000 strong workforce while a formal announcement is expected soon. HSBC, which benefited from high interest rates last year, faces future financial challenges as interest income may drop with lowered base rates.
HSBC's new CEO, Georges Elhedery, is planning a strategic restructuring that involves merging the bank’s global banking and commercial banking units.
This move is expected to save as much as 300 million dollars by cutting positions among high-earning senior bankers.
Although staff have not yet been informed, the restructuring plan is advanced, with an announcement anticipated later this month.
The bank, which employs 221,000 globally, reported salary and wage costs of 17 billion dollars out of total costs of 32 billion dollars last year.
HSBC’s recent financial performance benefited from high interest rates, with net interest income rising by 20% to 36 billion dollars in 2023.
However, falling base rates are expected to decrease this figure to 33 billion dollars this year.
The bank's recent financial results included an 80% profit drop due to a writedown in its stake in China's Bank of Communications.
In the restructuring proposal, Surendra Rosha, co-chief executive of HSBC’s Asia Pacific business, may potentially lead the combined commercial and global banking division.