HSBC Group

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The Company Secretarial function leads, develops and manages corporate governance throughout the Group. As principal advisors to the boards of directors on corporate governance matters, the team also holds responsibility for establishing and managing stock exchange listings; directing and managing shareholder meetings and equity raisings, and representing Group interests in the development of laws and regulations.

We are currently seeking an experienced individual to join our Risk and Compliance function in the role of Head of Governance, International Wealth & Premier Banking and Head of International Individual Accountabilities.

Role purpose

The iWPB business is one of 4 businesses through which the HSBC Global organisation operates.  HSBC aims to be the international bank of choice for affluent customers, supporting their domestic and international banking, and holistic wealth management needs. IWPB provides a leading premium proposition through Premier Banking and, together with our Global Private Bank, are present across the world’s most important markets, booking centres, and corridors most valued by our clients. Our wealth offering is further enhanced through our best-in-class manufacturing capabilities in Asset Management and Insurance.

 The Corporate Governance & Secretariat function (CG&S) serves as principal adviser to the boards of directors on corporate governance matters and leads and implements world-class governance practice across the four businesses and global infrastructure functions throughout   the Group.  The CG&S function consists of c.280 FTE across 25 countries. It is led globally by the Group Chief People and Governance Officer who reports directly to the Group Chairman.

Reporting functionally to the Head of Business and Subsidiary Governance and on a business basis to Chief Executive (CEO) IWPB, this role has accountability for the governance of iWPB. The role holder leads the CG&S function within IWPB and ensures that effective company secretarial support and advice is provided to IWPB Group companies through an appropriate and consistent application of the Group’s Subsidiary Accountability Framework (SAF).

 As a respected and highly professional Company Secretary or Governance professional, the role holder is:

• a member of the senior leadership team of the CG&S function, contributing to the development, formulation, communication and consistency of strategic and operational objectives for the function;
• a member of the senior leadership team of the Group’s IWPB business; and
• the head of the CG&S teams responsible for entities within the IWPB business.

 The role holder must demonstrate exemplary leadership skills and stakeholder management with the ability to build strong relationships, navigate complex stakeholder landscapes and effectively influence decision-making, including the Board, Regulators & CEO through effective relationships with such key stakeholders, ensuring alignment of operational goals with broader organisational objectives. 

 Key areas of responsibility:

• Advising the CEO, IWPB and the board of directors, through the Chairs, CEOs and respective Company Secretaries of the Asset Management, Insurance and Private Banking entities. The role holder is responsible for proactive liaison with the CEO IWPB and other senior executive stakeholders on the IWPB Operating Committee. This includes:
  • strategic guidance and advice to IWPB CEO and OpCo members;
  • ensuring compliance with relevant Regulatory Authorities’ expectations on corporate governance; 
  • driving high standards of governance service delivery through liaison with relevant Company Secretaries;
  • responding to regulatory and other requests, second line reviews and internal audits to the extent these relate to CG&S or IWPB governance;
  • tracking, influencing and acting upon changes in legislation, regulation and guidance in relation to the iWPB business and associated legal entities.
•  Leading the development of training and implementation plans for international individual accountability regimes including provision of strategic advisory and practical application of individual accountability regime best practices. Training and development programmes will extend to group-wide initiatives led by both the CG&S function and/or those where CG&S are a considered a key contributor.  Responsibilities include:
  •  Supporting the Businesses and Infrastructure Functions (as appropriate) in the review and assessment of management information related to international regulatory accountabilities. The role holder will have authority to approve information sharing with key regulators and senior management as required.  
  • Maintenance of the Global Accountability Library and providing advice to the organization on the adoption and implementation of international individual accountability regimes.    
  • Fostering and strengthening enhanced working relations with CG&S colleagues across the Group to help achieve sustainable and practical outcomes which serve the best interests of the Group and deliver its strategic ambitions in respect of international regulatory accountabilities.  

The role holder:

• has line management responsibility for the Company Secretaries of Asset Management, Insurance and indirect oversight of the Company Secretary of Global Private Banking;
• leads and directs the governance teams to deliver the highest standards of governance advice, guidance and services to subsidiary boards of directors and senior management and compliance with the Group’s SAF;
• uses well-developed communication skills to deliver key strategies and messages;
• leads the development of talent within the CG&S teams;
• acts as a role model of the HSBC values and business principles to create an inclusive and engaging culture where people are valued for who they are and what they contribute.

 Principal Accountabilities:

Customers / Stakeholders

• Positive influential relationship with Chairs, NEDs and advisors
• Effective relationships with core internal stakeholders, colleagues in the function and senior executives
• Positive and constructive relationships with the regional regulators

Leadership & Teamwork

• Leadership of the CG&S function within the IWPB business: 
  • Strategic - Attract, develop and retain a strong, diverse IWPB and regional team, building professional and personal skills and capabilities in a culture of trust, honesty and accountability.
  • Inspirational - Brings the IWPB team along the journey by demonstrating an ability to inspire at scale, using purpose and values to generate followership. 
• Active role in the leadership of the global CG&S function.
• Maintain and develop positive and professional working relationships with IWPB business heads.
• Effective escalation and cascade of information to and from the  regional, country and global CG&S teams

Operational Effectiveness & Control

• Monitor the effectiveness and appropriateness of the corporate governance framework of the board of directors of HBEU, its Committees and among Group companies in IWPB.
• Monitor the resourcing, costs and expenses of the CG&S  function in IWPB.
• Assess operational and cost efficiency of the CG&S function in IWPB.
• Re-engineer existing CG&S processes to deliver efficiencies.

Major Challenges

• HSBC is an extremely diverse business which is undergoing rapid and significant change. There is a constantly evolving environment of corporate governance, statutory, regulatory, governmental and best practice requirements and standards.
• In a complex, integrated business, working closely with and influencing internal stakeholders globally, including senior relationships in the second line functions, and external stakeholders (regulators, auditors etc.)
• Dealing with changing priorities and arrangements. 
• Dealing assertively but sensitively with internal stakeholders’ demands and conflicts  
• Working under pressure to meet tight deadlines 
• Pace of change and seniority of stakeholders 

Role Context

HSBC Holdings plc is listed on the London, Hong Kong, New York, and Bermuda stock exchanges. By market capitalisation, it is one of the largest listed companies in the world.

 The role holder has holistic oversight and accountability for corporate governance in IWPB and is responsible for setting the standards for the CG&S support to the boards of directors of the legal entities in that business. The role holder works with considerable autonomy in managing and leading the CG&S function within the IWPB Business and requires a detailed knowledge of the HSBC Group and a clear understanding of its culture. It is essential that the role holder has a very  good working relationship with and is trusted by the Asset Management, Insurance and Private Banking subsidiary boards in IWPB, and also has respect and co-operation from his/her direct and functional reports.

Management of Risk

Adheres to processes and controls to identify and mitigate risks and ensures timely escalation of control issues and corporate compliance risks. Demonstrates leadership on regulatory and compliance matters. Maintains awareness of risk and minimises the likelihood of it occurring through its identification, assessment, mitigation and control.

Observation of Internal Controls

Maintains HSBC internal control standards and addresses audit points and/or any issues raised by regulators in a timely manner. Fosters a compliance culture, managing compliance risk and ensuring that the necessary training is completed. Optimises relations with the second line and external stakeholders (such as the entity auditors).

Role Dimensions

The role holder will hold a position of significant influence within the function, contributing to the development and prioritisation of change as well as the development of the functional annual Financial Resource Plan with respect to investment in governance optimisation and corporate governance compliance. The role has line management responsibilities for CG&S operations in IWPB.

Knowledge & Experience

• Qualified company secretary or lawyer with broad corporate governance experience being a trusted adviser to boards of directors and senior stakeholders in a high profile, international and complex organisation
• UK, US and European regulatory experience/awareness, is highly desirable
• Strong understanding of legal entity corporate governance obligations and ability to effectively navigate complex organisations
• Financial services experience essential
• Understanding of the wider HSBC Group context and strategies within which the role operates
• Proven strong leadership, management, decision-making and communication skills
• Proven ability to effectively manage change
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong relationships at a senior leadership level
• Excellent analysis, design and problem-solving skills
• Able to deal with and constructively resolve conflicting views and where necessary, escalate to senior management in a clear and succinct manner
• Able to understand and consolidate diverse and complex business information and identify / mitigate issues
• Provide effective representation of requirements across a multitude of business and change initiatives
• Ability to deal effectively with ambiguity, complex matrix environment and multiple stakeholders
• Ability to look at the bigger picture as well as have a keen eye for detail

Essential Capabilities 

• Strategic Mindset: Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.
• Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Builds Effective Teams: Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals
• Drives Vision & Purpose: Painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.
• Persuasion & Conviction: Using compelling arguments to gain the support and commitment of others; stepping up to address difficult issues and saying what needs to be said.
• Manages Ambiguity & Ensures Accountability: Operating effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear; holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.

The chosen candidate for this role will be required to undergo enhanced vetting. Subject to local laws, this will require the individual to satisfactorily pass a series of additional checks as part of the recruitment process and on an ongoing basis, if appointed to the role. HSBC Group reserves its position with regards to any steps which it may take in relation to any material adverse findings which arise either when the checks are originally completed, and/or if relevant, on an ongoing basis. For more information about the enhanced vetting for this role, please contact the recruiter for this role.

When applying, please submit a full resume and attach your appraisal reports for the last two performance years. Your local internal application policy should be followed. For internal applicants in Hong Kong with less than twelve months in their current role, please also obtain and enclose the endorsement from your current line manager in the application as well; for more information, you can visit HRDirect and search for content "HKG: Do I need any approval to look for internal career opportunities?".

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Issued by The Hong kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited.