HSBC poised for fully active role in the country’s recovery

By Evgenia Tzortzi

In an interview with Kathimerini, HSBC’s CEO in Greece Steve Banner is upbeat about the prospects of a Greek recovery and says the bank is well positioned to assist local companies in the process.

In contrast to other global banks, HSBC opted to remain in Greece. What led to this decision?

Despite the challenges due to the unfavorable economic environment, Greece is showing the first signs of recovery and HSBC can play a clear role and contribute substantially in this direction. For instance, it was among the global banks that supported Greece’s return to international bond markets last April. HSBC also played an important role in the return of the systemic Greek banks as well as several leading local enterprises to capital markets. On the one hand, we are in the position to support Greek enterprises in their expansion abroad and, on the other, we can help Greek companies link up with international trade and international business partners. At the same time, HSBC is also in a favorable position to support international companies interested in investing in Greece. In addition, the bank continues to offer its 100,000 retail banking clients access to a broad array of investment services, using its international strength, experience and know-how.

What are your plans for the Greek market and what sectors are you interested in?

We offer a broad range of banking services in Greece but, as a global bank, we follow a more focused strategy, seeking to be the best wherever we have chosen to have a strategic presence. HSBC’s wholesale banking team provides a full range of financial services to companies, focusing particularly on businesses with an international orientation. In...