Hang Seng Bank has no plans to lay off staff and could even increase hiring if necessary, Margaret Leung Ko May-yee, the bank's new vice-chairman and chief executive, said.
Mrs Leung, the successor of Raymond Or Ching-fai, who retired after the bank's annual general meeting yesterday, said she hoped the bank could continue to outperform its peers under her leadership.
'Hang Seng has a very strong working team, and we will strengthen it further,' she said. 'I will get to know the working teams and see if we need to hire more talent [to facilitate business growth].'
She said the bank had no plans to lay off employees, but she did not rule out the possibility that there could be some redeployment according to the demands of the bank's businesses.
Mrs Leung said Hang Seng could continue to focus on its Hong Kong operation but would also explore business opportunities elsewhere, particularly on the mainland.
'We have 34 outlets on the mainland, and definitely there is still room for further expansion,' she said.