HSBC is headquartered in London but makes much of its money in Asia, especially Hong Kong. Its investment bank, part of Global Banking and Markets, isn't a bulge bracket in M&A, but it's very strong in debt financing and anything involving Asia. People usually put it in the "in-between" group: bigger than a boutique, not quite a bulge bracket in advisory.
Who HSBC suits best
If you're a Chinese or Hong Kong student, or anyone who wants to work on deals connecting Asia with Europe or the Middle East, HSBC is one of the best places to apply. That gives you an honest "why HSBC?" that most applicants don't have.
- Languages count here. Mandarin or Cantonese at business level is genuinely useful. Write the level honestly. You may be tested.
- Hong Kong is a real option, not just London. HSBC hires graduates into Hong Kong, and for some students that's the better route.
What HSBC's CV screen wants
- A predicted grade and school results, especially for UK programmes.
- Interest in finance shown through roles and programmes, not adjectives.
- Something international that's real: a year abroad, an internship in another country, work with clients across markets.
Before: Fluent in Mandarin and English, international outlook
After: Translated due diligence documents between Mandarin and English for a £25m Chinese investment in a UK care business