HSBC hires new digital gurus to accelerate digital transformation

The global bank has hired two executives to drive its digitalisation to improve customer experience and to create growth.

HSBC has made two new senior technology hires for roles to drive forward the bank’s digitalisation plans, including seeking partnerships with and investing in new fintech start-ups. 

The bank, which has nearly $3trn of global assets making it one of the largest in the world, wants to improve customer experience and create innovative growth opportunities by hiring Catherine Zhou as global head of venture, digital innovation and partnerships and Kate Platonova as chief data and architecture officer.  

HSBC says investment in technology and digitalisation is one of its highest strategic priorities. The bank saw 220 per cent increase in mobile payments in the second quarter of 2020 versus the same period in 2019. 

Catherine Zhou, (pictured) will lead a bank-wide mandate to look at investments and partnerships with established and emerging technology companies including fintechs. She is based in the US, where prior to joining HSBC she led East West Bank’s consumer and digital businesses. Previously Catherine had a consulting career with PwC, EY, Accenture and Intuit. 

Kate Platonova has been promoted internally to Chief Data and Architecture Officer. London-based Platonova, will be responsible for combining the bank’s Data and Architecture disciplines to improve data-driven business decision making. Prior to joining HSBC in 2017, Platanova held a number of senior technology roles in JP Morgan, Barclays Capital and Morgan Stanley. 

John Hinshaw, Group COO HSBC, said: “Investment in technology will make it easier for our customers to bank with us.  We are also making the bank safer and more personalised for each of our customers.”