Pam Kaur Named as HSBC's First Female CFO in 160-Year History

In a groundbreaking move that marks a significant milestone for gender diversity in global banking, HSBC Holdings has appointed Pam Kaur as its first female Chief Financial Officer.

Banking giant HSBC has appointed Pam Kaur as its first female Chief Financial Officer in its 160-year history.

Kaur, 60, will take on the new role from January 1, 2025, after a long career in banking and risk management.

Her appointment comes as HSBC adapts to changing financial landscapes and global challenges.

Kaur, a graduate of Panjab University with an MBA in Finance, started her career in internal audit at Citibank.

She has since held key positions at some of the world's leading financial institutions.

These include:

Kaur joined HSBC in April 2013 and has since held the role of Group Chief Risk and Compliance Officer.

Her appointment comes at a crucial time for HSBC, as the bank navigates new interest rate cycles and evolving global relationships, particularly between China and the West.

Kaur is a passionate supporter of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

She serves as a global sponsor of HSBC's Embrace employee network, which promotes ethnic and multicultural diversity among the bank's 225,000 staff worldwide.

As CFO, Kaur will be responsible for overseeing the bank's financial performance and strategy.

She will also be a member of HSBC's Group Management Board.

In her own words, shared on LinkedIn three years ago, Kaur highlighted the importance of adaptation: "The world around us is changing faster than ever before. We all need to evolve and thrive in a dynamic culture where we're developing future-ready skills."

This historic appointment not only breaks the glass ceiling at one of the world's largest banks but also sets a powerful example for future generations of financial leaders.