Overview
- Multiple outlets say the former UK chancellor is one of three finalists alongside Naguib Kheraj and Kevin Sneader.
- HSBC says the appointment process is ongoing, and Brendan Nelson has been serving as interim group chair since 1 October.
- Coverage highlights Osborne’s lack of listed-company chair and direct banking experience, noting his current roles at Evercore’s Robey Warshaw, the British Museum, Coinbase and Lingotto.
- The next chair will have to navigate strained Western–China relations and regulatory scrutiny, a key challenge for a bank refocusing on Asian markets.
- Context for the search includes HSBC’s roughly £190bn market value, strong share gains over the past year and an October deal to take full control of Hong Kong lender Hang Seng for $13.6bn.