Standard Chartered Bank, which recently reported strong profits for 2007, is planning to recruit up to 600 staff to complement its business growth. It also plans to open up to six new branches in Hong Kong.
With worrying news on the global economic front, one could be forgiven for being surprised at Standard Chartered Bank's aggressive plans this year to seek hundreds of recruits in Hong Kong. Of particular note is the bank's expansion in consumer banking, which was bolstered by some excellent performances last year.
At 29.5 per cent of group profit, Hong Kong remained the largest earnings contributor, with a record pre-tax profit of US$1.19 billion, up 34 per cent from a year ago.
Consumer banking achieved its highest ever profit of US$657 million, an increase of 22 per cent year on year.
The bank expanded its total branch sites by 7 per cent, with 75 outlets at the end of 2007, opening and expanding 10 additional branches throughout Hong Kong. The bank's headcount grew by more than 500 - or 11 per cent - to more than 5,000 staff during 2007, including an increase in the sales force of about 25 per cent.
In branch and direct banking, the bank is looking to recruit relationship managers, personal financial managers, personal financial management trainees, personal financial consultants, customer service ambassadors and business relationship managers. Within SME (small- to medium-sized enterprise) banking, the lender requires assistant relationship managers, investment sales consultants and sales consultants.