HONG KONG – HSBC Holdings has announced a significant restructuring of its investment banking operations, withdrawing from equity capital markets and advisory services in Europe, the UK, and the Americas. The move aligns with CEO Georges Elhedery’s strategy to focus on core markets in Asia and the Middle East.
The bank will complete ongoing deals in the affected regions, offering incentives to staff during the transition. The overhaul is expected to cut $3 billion in expenses, with redeployment of some employees to bolster operations in growth markets.
HSBC will prioritize debt underwriting, leveraged acquisition finance, and strategic equity finance, aiming for a scalable, financing-led investment banking model while reducing its presence in Western markets.