The bank operates branches and representative offices in 14 cities, with the largest in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. New branches and sub-branches will make additional hiring a top priority.

'Our greatest concern is to manage a talent pipeline to facilitate growth,' Ms Lo said.

'Therefore, we have decided to focus on certain areas, particularly performance management, development and ensuring that staff are engaged.'

One key task is helping new staff settle into their roles. About 170 recent graduates are taking various induction and management training programmes as an introduction to the bank.

'They will undertake job rotations, academic training and overseas attachments to give them the necessary exposure to our international network,' Ms Lo said.

Senior management and experienced coaches provide extra information and support.

Standard Chartered prides itself on its training record and puts considerable effort into identifying individual strengths and steering people in the right direction.

'For training and development, we look to people's strengths. And in China, we are working hard to help employees understand their particular skills,' Ms Lo said.

'In this way we can improve both individual and team ability and bolster our overall philosophy of a strength-based organisation.'

Many frontline and specialist staff are also being recruited. And in line with the bank's policy, most are hired locally in each city.

'We need people in consumer and wholesale banking, operations and support staff, as well as legal and compliance experts,' Ms Lo said.

'They will all help us to achieve balanced growth.'

The rapid expansion in China means there are more chances for promotion for those who perform well. While there are no guarantees, staff are given every opportunity to prove themselves, and rewards are commensurate with achievements.

'Promotions are based on merit, but we also have a fast-track employment route for people coming through who have impressed management,' Ms Lo said. Several branch managers with significant responsibilities have reached that position at a relatively young age. Although most hiring is done locally, there are many opportunities for candidates from Hong Kong with the necessary experience and qualifications.

'Hong Kong is one of the group's biggest operation centres and many of our staff there also speak Mandarin, so about half of our mainland expats come from there,' Ms Lo said.

However, what guides the bank's recruitment policy is its strict policy of non-discrimination and selecting the person most suited for the job.

'We focus on diversity and inclusion, and look at the skills required to fill the post - not at the origins or culture of the applicant,' Ms Lo said. 'What matters is that the person can provide the right level of management or technical skills for the position and country concerned.'

Even when recruiting specifically for the China market, the bank follows its own international requirements.

Therefore, language proficiency, particularly in English, is regarded as essential, since there is so much internal communication between offices. 'We expect all staff to speak English, and interviews are usually conducted in English, although the level required will depend on the position,' Ms Lo said.

branching out

Standard Chartered is one of the mainland's fastest-growing overseas-based institutions.

The bank is now shaping its HR policies and recruiting for further expansion.

There is a strong emphasis on training.

Opportunities are available for candidates from Hong Kong who have the necessary experience and qualifications.

Requirements include a proficient level of English skills.