HSBC CEO: Use blind CVs for gender parity

HSBC will now actively require recruitment firms to send 50/50 name-blind candidate shortlists only.

Antonio Simoes, CEO at HSBC’s UK, said: “It’s completely unacceptable that in 2015, women are still significantly underrepresented at a senior management level across the financial services industry. We are committed to putting that right at HSBC UK.

"Our aspiration is to achieve gender parity at all levels of the bank and to create a true meritocracy where everyone has the opportunity to develop their career, regardless of their background, age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity or beliefs.”  

Currently, 54% of HSBC’s 37,000 workforce is female, but only three in ten top jobs are held by women. While they are on target to reach Lord Davies renewed target of 33% female Board representation by 2020, it is hoped there will be an even balance of genders in the majority of senior roles when the bank opens a new office in Birmingham in 2019.