Job Description

Who is HSBC Innovation Banking?

We’re the power behind the UK’s forward-thinkers, future-makers and leap-takers, helping them ignite the bold ideas that reshape our world. We offer flexible banking solutions for start-ups, scale-ups, growth businesses, investors and those working towards IPO.

Whether it’s comprehensive corporate banking, managing cashflow, plans for buyouts or funds banking, we power ideas at every stage of their journey. From the first-time founders to the funds that back them and everything in between. Here’s to never standing still. We're proud to accelerate growth for tech and life science businesses, create meaningful connections and open a world of global opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

The programme

The 18-month graduate programme is designed to build the core skills you need for a successful career in corporate banking. You’ll be challenged, supported and given opportunities to broaden your capabilities while working alongside colleagues with deep expertise and a shared commitment to supporting our clients. You’ll also have a dedicated mentor and buddy to support you throughout the programme.

You’ll complete a series of rotations across Relationship Banking, all focused on clients in the technology and life sciences sectors. The rotations are designed to give you broad, well-rounded experience of our core focus within the innovation ecosystem.

The Relationship Banking pathway offers exposure to clients at different stages of growth, from early-stage, venture capital-backed start-ups to large public companies. You’ll contribute to day-to-day client management, conduct due diligence, support debt and credit structuring, assist with portfolio management and work with colleagues across the bank to help meet clients’ needs.

You can expect meaningful, hands-on experience with the clients you support. Alongside your rotations, you’ll take part in training designed to build the knowledge and practical skills you need to succeed. Topics include:

• Financial analysis and portfolio management
• Credit structuring and underwriting
• Client positioning and negotiation
• Our product suite and sales strategies
• The innovation ecosystem and venture capital funding cycles

Skills and requirements

This could be the right programme for you if:

• You have a genuine interest in innovation, particularly technology and life sciences.
• You enjoy solving problems, welcome a challenge and are willing to explore new approaches. When you don’t know the answer, you take the initiative to find it.
• You’re motivated, organised and able to manage competing priorities effectively. You take ownership and follow through on commitments.
• You’re curious, eager to learn and quick to apply new knowledge.
• You work well as part of a team and are also comfortable working independently. You remain calm and dependable under pressure.
• You communicate clearly and confidently, both in writing and verbally, and can explain complex information in an accessible way. An understanding of financial analysis and financial statements would be helpful but is not essential.
• You have, or expect to obtain, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification. Previous work experience is welcome but not required.

Programme details

Duration: 18 months

Eligibility: Applicants must have graduated in 2026 or be due to graduate in 2027.

Start date: Monday 6 September 2027

Location: London (hybrid)

Being open to different points of view is important for our business and the communities we serve. At HSBC, we’re dedicated to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces - no matter their gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic background or age. We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring careers at HSBC are inclusive and accessible for everyone to be at their best. We take pride in being a Disability Confident Leader and will offer an interview to people with disabilities, long term conditions or neurodivergent candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

If you have a need that requires accommodations or changes during the recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Helpdesk via hsbc.recruitment@hsbc.com.