An Economics graduate from Durham University, Peter has been an associate with HSBC for two years, and has spent time working in New York, Hong Kong and London.
Q: Can you describe your globe-trotting career at the bank so far?
After graduating, I spent two months at HSBC in London, where I did the basic training course and all the regulatory exams. Then I headed to New York for eight months training on the bond origination desk. From there, I went to Hong Kong for another six months training on the institutional sales desk covering everything from treasuries to derivatives. Then I moved back to London, where I’ve been trading FX products ever since.
Q: What does your current role involve?
I trade emerging market forward books. Put simply, these are currency products based on the differential between two countries’ interest rates.
Q: Does everyone at HSBC get to work abroad during training?
It’s not mandatory, but you’re encouraged to spend at least one of the three six month placements abroad.
Q: Do you plan to move again?
Not immediately. I’ve finished the rotation programme, and I now intend to spend some time in London, which is the largest global centre for FX, and probably the best place to expand my experience of the market.
Q: What’s the best thing about working overseas?
The diversity it offers. People in different parts of the world have different ideas about business, and it gives you a great perspective on that. Plus it gives you a chance to meet your colleagues internationally.
Q: Was it all work and hardly any play?
Not really! I had a fair bit of time to experience the countries where I worked. In New York, HSBC provided accommodation on 58th Street and 5th Avenue, which was great as it was so central. I grew up in Hong Kong, so it wasn’t so new to me, but I had a great lifestyle there too, and there were plenty of opportunities to visit other parts of Asia.
Peter’s tips- Choose the bank you work for carefully – not all offer such great scope for working overseas as HSBC.
- Don’t just go somewhere for the location – look at where you can get the best experience and opportunities in the area of financial markets that most interests you.
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