The president of the Policy and Resources Committee, Senator Frank Walker, said HSBC House, on the Esplanade sent out ‘a powerful signal of the bank’s strong and enduring commitment to the Island’.But the event was clouded by reminders of last week’s bombing of the HSBC building in Istanbul, which claimed the lives of three members of staff.
Guy Hamilton, chief executive officer of HSBC International in Jersey, asked those present to spend a few moments in silence for those who had lost their lives, their families, and the many more still in hospital.The Island’s Lieut-Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire, also paid his respects to the HSBC colleagues.
‘I would also like to salute those who lived and had the courage and fortitude not to bow to terrorism, but to go back to work,’ he said.During the evening HSBC pledged sponsorship of £35,000, to be donated to the Lieut-Governor and Lady Cheshire to share among the charities of which they are patrons.The bank also pledged a further £15,000 to fund the Regent Tigers swimming team, who were present for the occasion.Bill Dalton, the London-based chief executive officer of HSBC plc, said his organisation recognised Jersey’s finance industry as a premium brand, with many benefits including stability, quality of service, and flexible yet rigorous regulation.
‘This building is a symbol of our future intent.
We anticipate growth of our offshore business and this is a demonstration of our commitment to Jersey,’ he said.HSBC brings together 462 staff previously operating from five different locations around St Helier.
