HSBC Malta names new commercial head, new risk chief

Last Updated on Tuesday, 2 July, 2019 at 7:57 am by Christian Keszthelyi

Joyce Grech was appointed Head of Commercial Banking at HSBC Malta, and Gerard Walsh as the bank’s new Chief Risk Officer, subject to regulatory approval, according to a press statement sent to Business Malta. Ms Grech is succeeding Michel Cordina, who was recently named the Executive Director and Head of Business Development.

“With Michel, Joyce and Gerard’s appointments we are clearly signalling that following completion of our successful risk management programme, HSBC is now increasing focus on growth. I am also proud that in line with our merit-based commitment to diversity and inclusion, two of HSBC’s three business divisions are led by talented female executives,” said Andrew Beane, HSBC Malta’s Chief Executive Officer.

Appointed Chief Risk Officer in April 2013, Ms Grech has worked with HSBC for 22 years. During her career, she has undertaken a number of roles, principally in Malta. She started her career in trade finance and commercial banking before moving to the bank’s credit department where she spent over five years, the last three of which as Deputy Head of Credit. Before taking up her role as Chief Risk Officer she worked in the bank’s retail banking and wealth management division where she headed the customer value management department.

In her new capacity, Ms Grech will lead the commercial banking business to deliver products and services to the bank’s diverse business customers, supporting them locally and internationally.

“I am very excited at this opportunity to support our business customers directly, helping them to achieve their aspirations. My intention is to work more closely with our customers and to employ our resources in ways which help us better understand their needs and, using the HSBC Group’s international reach and capabilities, deliver products and services to them to meet those needs,” Ms Grech said.

Mr Walsh is originally from South Africa and served previously as Chief Risk Officer for HSBC Mauritius before joining HSBC in Malta as Head of Risk Governance and Lending Services in 2018. He has been with HSBC since January 2007 and during his tenure as Chief Risk Officer, in the Mauritius office, covering both the domestic and offshore operations. Mr Walsh is a certified anti-money laundering specialist. He will build on strong risk management practices already in place, ensuring that growth is achieved in a safe and sustainable manner.

“I am delighted to join the Bank’s executive management team and look forward to working with the retail and commercial businesses in partnering for growth, to support Maltese corporates and individuals in achieving their aspirations,” Mr Walsh said.

Mr Cordina started his banking career in 1981 with Mid-Med Bank Limited and HSBC in 1999. He has worked in various areas of banking in both personal banking and commercial banking business units. He has also led a number of operational and support functions of the bank. Mr Cordina has occupied various executive roles within HSBC Malta including, Deputy Head of Operations and Head of Business Transformation. He was also the programme manager responsible for bringing the HSBC UK Contact Centre to Malta. In 2010, he was seconded to HSBC Commercial Banking in London where he performed the role of Head of Sales Performance.

He will work to develop the bank’s business with its primary clients and external stakeholders as it focuses on a balanced return to growth. Facilitating growth in HSBC’s corporate business will be a particular priority.

“I am honoured and privileged to be appointed as a Director on the bank’s Board and very excited to take on this new executive role in my more than 37-year-long association with the bank. I am fortunate to be part of the HSBC Group and I look forward to strengthening our business in Malta and connecting our customers to opportunities, both locally and internationally, enabling them to thrive and supporting the Maltese economy to prosper,” Mr Cordina said.

HSBC Malta appointed Michel Cordina as Executive Director and as the bank’s first Executive Head of Business Development in May. Michel Cordina was Head of Commercial Business for the past eight years, prior to moving his current position.

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