People build HSBC Philippines’ 150-year success
For a century and a half, HSBC Philippines has grown with the nation—serving as a trusted partner that has seen the country through its challenges and strides towards progress and innovation. Beyond the Bank’s role in development, HSBC Philippines has also built a legacy as a leading global financial institution. At the heart of its longevity is a simple truth: people power its success.
From supporting international trade as early as 1875 to leading in global financial services today, the Bank’s greatest strength has always been its people—high-performing, values-driven professionals who thrive in a culture of care, purpose, and growth.
As HSBC Philippines marks its milestone 150th anniversary, it reaffirms its commitment to being an employer of choice—one that invests in people and creates opportunities at every stage of the employee journey. This commitment is shaped by core principles that guide how HSBC supports its people: opening global opportunities, recognizing performance with purpose, embracing flexibility, celebrating diversity, and championing wellbeing. Taken together, the Bank creates a work environment that champions career growth, holistic wellbeing, and empowers people at every stage of their career.
At HSBC, careers are shaped not just by roles, but by the doors they open. With one of the world’s most connected banking networks, the Bank offers its people opportunities to grow beyond borders and lead with a global mindset.
“HSBC’s purpose is opening up a world of opportunity. These opportunities are not only meant for our customers or stakeholders, but also for us, as employees,” shares Lani Biacora, former Head of Global Trade Solutions (GTS) – Business Development in HSBC Philippines, now Head of GTS – Business Management based in Singapore. “It means opportunities to learn new skills, to work with a different group of people and to learn more about different cultures. This is made possible because of our vast network and international connectivity.”
Through short-term assignments, pathways to global roles, and access to regional learning and leadership programmes, employees are equipped to lead across geographies and disciplines. This focus on internationalism empowers Filipino talent to build truly global careers—without losing the local values that shape how they lead. A professional network called ampliPHI enables HSBC Philippines alumni, as well as other Filipino nationals working across HSBC locations globally, to connect not only with each other, but also to “home.” It aims to create career development and mobility options for its members as well as local HSBC Philippines employees that empowers them to act as ambassadors wherever they may be.
Flexibility is a defining part of how people work at HSBC. Whether pursuing personal goals or navigating life transitions, employees are supported with the time, trust, and tools to thrive on their own terms. With flexible working arrangements, employees have been able to pursue postgraduate degrees and acquire professional certifications and licenses. On a holistic level, the flexibility embedded into the Bank’s culture has helped individuals balance the demands of family and personal life, while giving employees the support they need to continue to perform well.
Gold Ocampo, ASP Regional Head of Anti-Bribery and Corruption, further emphasizes the supportive work environment: “HSBC is a strong advocate of work-life balance, and it is truly something embedded into the culture of the Bank. I have benefitted from a flexible work scheme that allows me to attend to the needs of my family without compromising my work deliverables.”
The Bank’s hybrid model and agile ways of working help people stay present in the moments that matter, while still delivering their best. But beyond day-to-day arrangements, HSBC takes a broader view of wellbeing: one that is rooted in care and sustained commitment.
Employees benefit from above-market parental leave, mental health inclusion in health benefits, and caregiver support that acknowledges the demands of life outside work. These initiatives are part of a culture that prioritises people as whole individuals, understanding the multi-faceted nature of each employee.
Diversity and inclusion at HSBC are brought to life through action—through the relationships employees build, and the communities that they shape. One of the most powerful expressions of this is found in the Bank’s employee resource groups (ERGs), which give colleagues a platform to connect and become advocates for one another.
These groups reflect the diversity of HSBC’s people and the experiences that shape them. There are communities for LGBTQ+ employees, working parents and caregivers, differently-abled persons, and people of all faith; other ERGs focus on generational understanding and gender equity. Through purposeful activities, these ERGs build a culture that promote diversity, empathy, and empowerment.
This culture of inclusion and growth begins early. From internships and graduate programmes to short-term assignments, HSBC equips individuals with a clear sense of purpose and endless possibilities.
For example, the Bank’s Internship Programme is designed to give penultimate year undergraduates a meaningful first look at banking, offering hands-on experience and exposure to real-world projects. It helps young talents explore career paths and build professional confidence, while supporting the local talent pipeline in the country. For those ready to take the next step, HSBC Philippines’ Country Graduate Programme offers an 18-month journey focused on leadership and long-term growth. Participants are immersed in cross-functional learning and equipped with both technical capability and behavioural readiness for future management roles.
A member of the HSBC Philippines’ Graduate Programme Nathan Chan, now AVP Corporate Sales Originator, reflected on the environment and culture he’s experienced in the HSBC: “One thing that has remained constant since my first day at the Bank is continuous learning, which has been helpful as I navigate not only my own field of work, but also my long-term career path. HSBC has given me countless opportunities to grow, develop, and discover myself as I find my place in the Bank and as a young professional.”
Aside from the internship and Graduates programme, within the organisation, short-term assignments also allow employees to step into other local or international roles and functions on a temporary basis—supporting professional exploration, skill development, and encouraging cross-team collaboration. These programmes underscore HSBC’s commitment to building globally-connected and future-ready leaders, capable of boosting the nation on its path of success.
As HSBC Philippines marks its 150th anniversary, it celebrates more than just longevity. With every milestone, the Bank remains anchored in its purpose: to open up a world of opportunity, powered by a culture that puts people first. Put succinctly by Sandeep Uppal, CEO and Head of Banking of HSBC Philippines: “As we continue to create opportunity at every level of the organization, we remain focused on building a workplace that is forward-looking, innovative, and truly world-class. Our 150-year legacy of empowering people and enabling progress is what has brought us to where we are today, and it is what will power us through the next century and beyond. After all, the best bank, or any organization for that matter, is built by the best people.”
