Bloomberg Talks HSBC CEO Michael Roberts Talks H-1B Visa Applications
Sep 22, 2025
Michael Roberts, the CEO of HSBC, discusses the bank's transformation amid shifting U.S. policies. He highlights the implications of the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee on staffing and operations. Roberts also emphasizes HSBC's strategic focus on Asia and the Middle East for growth. The conversation dives into the risks of global policy changes, the importance of innovation in finance and tech, and the bank's plans for digitization and AI to enhance operations. Get insights into how these elements shape the future of HSBC.
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Rapid, Large-Scale Transformation
- Michael Roberts says HSBC executed an unusually fast and broad transformation in under a year.
- He believes much has been achieved but acknowledges tougher work remains to embed the changes.
Focus On Simplification And Agility
- Focus the next phase on simplification, efficiency, and agility rather than more structural reorganization.
- Make the bank easier to operate so it can respond faster and serve clients better.
Asia And Middle East As Strategic Focus
- HSBC prioritizes regions where it has scale and cross-border leadership, notably Asia and the Middle East.
- Roberts argues future growth and relevance lie in those regions rather than seeking bulge-bracket U.S. investment banking dominance.