HSBC Group

Some careers have more impact than others.

If you’re looking for a career where you can make a real impression, join HSBC and discover how valued you’ll be. Whether you want a career that could take you to the top, or simply take you in an exciting new direction, HSBC offers opportunities, support and rewards that will take you further.

Our GCIO organisation plays a critical role for the bank. This team partners with the businesses to build the platforms, systems, and products that our customers use every day. We keep people’s money and data safe, and are at the forefront of driving innovation for our businesses, customers, and colleagues. As a part of the technology organisation, the HSBC Emerging Technology, Innovation and Ventures team is a dedicated group of technologists, scientists, and venture capitalists focused on emerging trends that will help HSBC deliver world-class, digital-first banking across our global network.

We are currently seeking a high calibre professional to join our team as a Director, AI Applied Research - GCIO.

Role purpose

Group AI Management and Strategy (AIMS) team is responsible for developing and implementing Group-wide strategic programs across HSBC aimed at accelerating the commercialisation and delivery of Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) across HSBC. Key areas of focus include responsible development practices, common platforms and capabilities, AI technology enablement, governance, and the Group-wide AI Strategy.

AIMS is seeking a talented candidate to join a growing team to as a lead of AI Applied Research. This pivotal role will focus on advancing AI research initiatives that drive innovation and value within HSBC's Group Businesses and Functions (GB/GFs). The lead will spearhead research projects, ensure alignment with strategic objectives, and foster collaboration across teams to integrate cutting-edge AI solutions. They will be a trusted advisor to GB/GFs and cultivate strong relationships with AI researchers and developers across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct and oversee applied research projects that explore new AI methodologies and technologies, aiming to enhance business processes and outcomes.
• Develop and implement strategies for scaling AI research projects from proof-of-concept to full-scale deployment, ensuring alignment with business objectives and resource availability.
• Lead the publication of research findings in reputable journals and conferences, enhancing HSBC's reputation as a leader in AI innovation and contributing to the broader AI community.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify research opportunities and establish partnerships that advance AI knowledge and application.
• Mentor and guide a team of AI researchers and data scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Stay informed about industry trends and advancements in AI research, integrating relevant findings into strategic projects.
• Ensure compliance with HSBC Responsible AI standards and regulatory requirements throughout all research activities.

Principal Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and support to establish the Responsible AI/GAI Framework working with other stakeholders.
• Empower the HSBC workforce by partnering with AI leadership team which will enable bank-wide deployment of priority AI use cases.

Leadership & Teamwork

• Lead and manage the AI/GAI Enablement and Engagement leadership.
• Represent the AI program at the HSBC Group AI/GAI Committee, ensuring adherence to standards, principles, and ethical/responsible use for product development.

Minimum Experience and Key Competencies:

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.
• Proven experience in AI research / AI Engineering with a track record of leading teams and successful project delivery.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Proficiency in relevant AI frameworks and tools, such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar technologies.

Functional Knowledge

• Business and Risk Acumen: The ability to understand both digital products and regulated industry so can bridge and move between where we are and where HSBC aspires to be.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies, including various algorithms, neural networks, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP) etc.
• Familiarity with Big Data Technologies and distributed computing frameworks to leverage these technologies for processing and analysing large datasets.
• Awareness of Cybersecurity and Data Privacy threats, and the ability to implement robust security measures to protect sensitive financial data and AI systems.
• Understanding the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to the financial services industry, such as GDPR, Data Sharing, CCPA, or specific financial regulations
  Others
• Trusted and respected across financial services with a proven record of success in senior leadership roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in the successful development and implementation of AI/GAI products and capabilities.
• Comfortable interacting with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including Customers, Product teams, Regulators, Industry/Trade Groups, and HSBC senior leadership (i.e., GEC, Board, etc.).
• Highly competent, collaborative, and outcome-oriented, with a strong ability to drive results and navigate complex challenges. 
• Tenacious and committed to delivering necessary outcomes in alignment with HSBC's mission and purpose.
• A strong focus on customer and teammate needs, with a dedication to serving and supporting them in achieving their goals.

Experience    

• Broad and comprehensive understanding of concepts and principles within multiple disciplines or a fast changing discipline

Business / Commercial knowledge

• The role requires a comprehensive understanding of several value units / products / regions / legal entities, alongside an advanced understanding of the industry and the relative positioning of the HSBC's products and services.

Problem Solving    

• Covers a wide range of activities that require complex judgements based on advanced analytical thought. Problems often require an innovative approach, based on extensive research

Innovation    

• Is proactive in developing ideas, continuously searching for improvements in techniques which add value to the business and has full responsibility for implementation.

Accountability / decision making

• Latitude to make decisions within the objectives of HSBC global business / global function overall. Little guidance is available and role holder is expected to formulate strategy following the objectives of the business.

Strategic Responsibility

• Sets strategy for value unit / region / product / legal entity

Communication

• The role requires an extremely high level of interactive listening, in order to negotiate with others often at the highest level.
• The job is likely to be involved in both internal and external negotiations which will have a major impact on the function, and possibly the entire business unit.

Please note that as well as the advertised location we are also open to consider applications for this role in London/ Sheffield/ Pune/ Guangzhou, if you are interested in these locations, please make that clear as part of your application.

Opening up a world of opportunity
http://www.hsbc.com/careers

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Issued by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited.