HSBC Private Bank names Chris Harwood market head for Malaysia

He has 15 years' experience with HSBC.

HSBC Private Bank has announced the appointment of Chris Harwood as Market Head for Malaysia, Global Private Banking, South East Asia.

According to a release from HSBC Private Bank, Mr. Harwood has 15 years of experience with HSBC Group. Prior to his appointment as Market Head for Malaysia, Mr. Harwood was leading the Bank’s Intra Group Business Development and Private Wealth Entrepreneurs (PWE) teams in South East Asia since 2010.

Based in Singapore, Mr. Harwood will report to Mr. Sandeep Sharma, Head of Global Private Banking, South East Asia. Mr. Sandeep Sharma, Head of Global Private Banking, South East Asia said: “Chris has a proven track record and has been instrumental in driving new client accounts growth, streamlining operational efficiencies and pushing collaboration efforts with other lines of businesses within HSBC Group.”

Here's more from HSBC Private Bank:

“South East Asia remains a priority market under the Bank’s Pivot to Asia and ASEAN strategy. I am confident under Chris’ leadership, the team will continue to drive our business into the next phase of growth. His deep knowledge of the private banking business in this region as well as the strong network that he has established with HSBC Group companies will serve to push forth our growth agenda for South East Asia.”

“We will continue investing in our people as there remains great opportunity for the private banking business in this region.” In his new role, Mr Harwood will be responsible for new business development as well as deepening existing relationships and executing the Bank’s strategy in the Malaysia market.

Reporting to Mr Harwood will be the newly appointed Desk Head, Mr Hammad Hashmi. Mr Hashmi is a seasoned private banker with more than 20 years of experience. He has been with the Bank since 2007 and has played a critical role in its Malaysia business.

Mr Harwood continues to have oversight on the PWE team to provide continuity. PWE is an incubator proposition offered to high potential HSBC Commercial Banking clients who are contemplating an exit from their business or who are in the course of building wealth as a business owner. Both Mr Harwood and Mr Hashmi appointments are effective from 26 April 2016.