HSBC Group Chief Executive Noel Quinn: Keep Pace with Chinese Enterprises' "Going Global" Strategy to Accelerate Building a Globally Connected Network

HSBC Group CEO Georges Elhedery recently stated during the China Development High-Level Forum 2026 Annual Conference that China is entering a new stage of development, shaping the next era of global growth.

“China’s economy is inspiring the vigorous development of emerging industries and has the strength to achieve greater breakthroughs,” Elhedery pointed out. He noted that Chinese companies are accelerating their “going global” efforts, with strong growth in outbound direct investment (ODI), highlighting China’s increasing influence as a major global investor.

“The structural changes in the trade landscape have created new opportunities and led to the emergence of new trade corridors, such as China–Southeast Asia and China–Middle East. However, tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and military conflicts also bring uncertainties,” Elhedery said frankly. Under the “new normal” of the global economy, Chinese companies face new challenges and demands in their internationalization process. “Financial institutions need to keep pace with Chinese enterprises’ ‘going global’ efforts, accelerate the development of global linkage networks, and tailor integrated innovative financial solutions to meet their needs at different stages of internationalization.”

He believes that financial institutions should view enterprises as interconnected multinational groups rather than isolated entities operating in different regions. Establishing service teams aligned with the company’s structure can provide seamless, standardized financial support at global and local levels. Efficient and convenient global payment solutions, customized trade financing, and innovative currency risk management products and services can help “going global” companies improve management efficiency, optimize working capital, and mitigate trade settlement risks, enabling them to better seize global opportunities.

Elhedery also stated that accelerating the enhancement of Hong Kong’s status as an international financial center and offshore RMB hub will play a vital role. It can further improve the connectivity mechanisms between mainland China and Hong Kong financial markets, providing international investors involved in these markets with more convenient and efficient risk management tools and products.

“As one of the most invested international financial institutions in China, HSBC will continue to invest in the Chinese market, helping overseas clients seize opportunities in China and supporting Chinese companies in expanding globally,” Elhedery said. To support Chinese enterprises in expanding internationally, HSBC has established the “Overseas Service Department for Chinese Enterprises” in 28 countries and regions worldwide, coordinating with multiple markets globally.