Colin Bell
About Colin Bell
Colin Bell serves as the CEO of HSBC Bank plc and HSBC Europe, overseeing a significant asset base and customer network. He has held various leadership roles in compliance and operational risk at UBS and HSBC, and he advocates for diversity and inclusion within the organization.
Work at HSBC
Colin Bell has been serving as the CEO of HSBC Bank plc and HSBC Europe since 2021. In this role, he oversees operations across 21 markets, managing over 16,000 employees. Under his leadership, HSBC Europe has assets exceeding £681 billion and a customer base of 1.2 million. Prior to his current position, he held several key roles at HSBC, including Group Chief Compliance Officer from 2018 to 2021 and Group Head of Financial Crime Risk from 2016 to 2018. His extensive experience within the organization has contributed to his understanding of its operational and compliance frameworks.
Previous Experience at UBS
Before joining HSBC, Colin Bell worked at UBS for several years. He served as the Global Head of Operational Risk Control from 2011 to 2014. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the operational risk management framework. He also held the position of Global Head of Compliance and Operational Risk Control from 2014 to 2016, further solidifying his expertise in risk management. Earlier in his tenure at UBS, he was the Global Head of Investment Bank Operational Risk Control for a brief period in 2010 to 2011.
Background in Operational Risk Management
Colin Bell has a robust background in operational risk management, having held various positions prior to his roles at HSBC and UBS. He was the Head of Operational Risk Control at Barclays Wealth from 2009 to 2010. His career in risk management began in the British Army, where he served as an Officer from 1990 to 2007. This extensive experience in high-pressure environments has equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate complex risk landscapes in the banking sector.
Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion
In his role as CEO of HSBC Europe, Colin Bell advocates for diversity and inclusion within the organization. He emphasizes the importance of these values across the diverse markets that HSBC operates in, which range from Bermuda to South Africa. His commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace reflects the broader goals of HSBC to create an environment that supports varied perspectives and backgrounds.
Personal Interests
Colin Bell has personal interests that include photography and various sports. He enjoys skiing, hill-walking, and running, which reflect his active lifestyle. These interests contribute to his well-rounded character and may influence his leadership style, promoting a balanced approach to both work and personal life.