The creation of a single IT hub from which an organisation can share standardised IT services globally with little or no replication is something of a nirvana when it comes to corporate technology. But this has not deterred HSBC from pursuing such a course, despite being one of the largest banking and financial services organisations in the world with about 8000 offices in 88 countries and territories.
In order to manage operating expenses more effectively, the bank has spent the past two years creating a single point of accountability in the shape of an internal organisation known as HSBC Technology and Services, which is led by group chief technology and services officer Ken Harvey.
