Trading
Your interest in the world around you, coupled with your analytical mind and decisive nature will enable you to capture opportunities for our clients and the bank before anyone else has even thought about them.
Support the buying and selling of financial assets
It’s a high pressure, fast-paced area and things change quickly - you’ll be processing lots of information and thinking on your feet. You need to respond quickly to changes in the financial markets as you look for opportunities for the bank and our clients.
Skills you’ll develop
Your skillset is your passport around HSBC. You'll continue to develop a core set of behavioural skills that will enable you to have a long and varied career with us - think skills like collaboration, learning agility and communication.
These behavioural skills form the foundation you need to continually develop industry-relevant technical skills. Your technical proficiency will evolve as you assume greater responsibility and take on new roles. The skills below are an example of what you’ll learn.
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Macroeconomic analysis
Studying the wider economy to understand business impacts.
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Pricing and valuation methodologies
Working out the financial value of products, services or companies.
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Risk analysis, management and governance
Spotting and managing business and legal risks that could affect the bank and our clients.
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Deal execution
Helping customers commit to buying assets or making investments.
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Financial analysis
Examining numbers to check how a company is doing.
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Basic programming
Writing simple code to solve problems or automate tasks.
Frequently asked questions
No, we encourage applications from students from all backgrounds who are passionate about this area and willing to learn the technical skills needed to succeed. The learning curve is steep, so having a real interest in this area is important, but we’ll provide all the support you need as long as you’re willing to put the work in.
The financial markets can be unpredictable and that will affect your work schedule. Aspects such as world events and financial month-ends (to name but a few) can spark peaks in trading activity. Your hours and workload will also vary depending on the products and markets you’re trading. This area isn’t recommended for someone looking for a consistent 9-5.
In general HSBC supports hybrid working. As someone new to the team, we encourage you to come into the office as often as you can to interact with your peers and learn from your colleagues, however we support you to work across home and office locations.
Once a programme is open for applications you will find it listed on the Find a programme page.
Application opening dates vary for different programmes and markets. To be emailed when programmes open, join our Talent Community(opens in new window) (opens in new window).
We don’t offer all programmes in all markets, and in several locations our graduate programme places are filled via our internships. In locations where internships are available, they are the best route to securing a graduate opportunity. Our insight programmes (where they are offered) are also a great way to fast-track to an internship programme.
The best way to know when we open applications is to join our Talent Community (opens in new window).
You will receive a monthly email which will advise you which programmes we are actively recruiting for.
Working environment
Every day is different in the financial markets – sometimes you’ll be working alone and sometimes collaborating with others on trades that could have global impact. A competitive edge, calmness under pressure, resilience and great communication are key to thriving on the trading floor.
Our teams
You’ll be plugged into the latest financial trends and tapping into the knowledge of colleagues with a range of specialist skills across the world. They’re here to support you and inform crucial decisions for clients.
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New York, USA
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London, UK
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Hong Kong
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Dubai, UAE
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Multiple locations, India
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Multiple locations, Mainland China
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Singapore
Samuel
Role: Quantitative Trader, Electronic FX Joined: 2017 Location: New York, USA Studied: Computer Science and Quantitative Economics
I had an outstandingly positive experience on both my internship and graduate programme. I learnt so much and developed strong relationships.
Step by step application guide
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Apply
Answer simple eligibility questions and potentially provide a copy of your CV.
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Advise of adjustments
Tell us about any adjustments you may require during the application process.
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Access support
Join our Candidate Zone which will guide you through the application process.
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