HSBC, Europe’s largest bank, appointed Christopher Chua as its new global head of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) on Wednesday. This follows the exit of the previous global head, Kamal Jabre, who left last month to join JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Chua to Assume Role Immediately from Hong Kong
Chua, formerly HSBC’s head of Asia M&A, will begin his new role immediately. He will remain based in Hong Kong, according to a memo seen by Reuters and confirmed by a company spokesman.
Adam Bagshaw, HSBC’s global head of capital markets and advisory, stated in the memo that he will continue to lead M&A activities in Asia and the Middle East. He emphasized that HSBC holds strong competitive advantages in these regions and aims to deliver significant value to clients there.
Focus on Asia and Middle East Markets
Christopher Chua’s promotion highlights HSBC’s sharpened focus on M&A and equity capital markets in Asia and the Middle East. The bank launched a global restructuring last year to concentrate on these markets while scaling back operations in Europe and the Americas.
Earlier this year, HSBC closed its M&A and some equity businesses in Europe and the Americas. This shift coincided with Kamal Jabre’s departure to JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Chua’s Extensive Experience
Chua joined HSBC in 2022 from Credit Suisse to lead its Asia M&A division. He brings over 20 years of experience advising international blue-chip companies on complex cross-border M&A transactions.
Additional Leadership Roles
In addition, Vikas Seth will serve as Chairman of HSBC’s M&A business. He will also take on the role of Vice Chairman of Corporate and Institutional Banking, focusing on strategic client engagement.
