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Senior Manager, Reputational, Climate and Sustainability Risk

HSBC • Hong Kong • Added on Aug 26, 2026
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This role acts as a critical guardian within the Global Enterprise Risk Management function, overseeing the second line of defense for sustainability-related risks across Asia. You will lead the stewardship of reputational, climate, and sustainability risks, ensuring that the bank’s operations in the region align with global policies and regulatory expectations. The focus is on providing technical advice, challenging existing risk assessments, and integrating advanced AI tools to enhance the team’s productivity and oversight capabilities.

The position is vital because it directly safeguards the bank’s Net Zero commitments and protects against greenwashing risks in one of the world’s most dynamic financial hubs. By providing rigorous oversight on green and sustainability-linked lending, you ensure that high-level environmental pledges translate into responsible, compliant financial products. Your work bridges the gap between commercial ambitions and climate-resilient banking practices.

This suits someone who possesses deep expertise in risk management within global financial institutions and thrives on navigating complex regulatory landscapes. You should be a diplomatic yet firm communicator who can influence senior stakeholders and effectively manage the intersection of geopolitics and environmental governance.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

You will be responsible for leading the Risk Stewardship of reputational and sustainability risks across several Asian markets. This involves providing oversight to the first line of defense to ensure they are managing risks related to climate change, sustainability execution, and the bank's greenwashing exposure correctly. A significant part of the role includes providing technical advice to global businesses and functions. You will review high-quality papers for risk committees, monitor geopolitical developments that could impact the bank's reputation, and act as a technical approver for client transactions that fall under sustainability risk policies.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Working at a Globally Significant Financial Institution (GSFI) like HSBC provides unparalleled exposure to the intersection of international finance and environmental policy. You will gain a deep understanding of how global climate frameworks are operationalized within a massive, matrixed organization. Furthermore, the role explicitly targets the adoption of AI tools for productivity. This offers a unique chance to lead the digital transformation of risk management, learning how to leverage emerging technologies to monitor ESG data and regulatory changes more effectively.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate brings significant experience in risk management from a large financial institution. You need a strong grasp of the regulatory landscape surrounding ESG and climate risk, specifically how these impact commercial banking and global product offerings. Beyond technical knowledge, you should have the personal integrity and communication skills to provide 'robust challenge' to senior business leaders. A background in data or specific certifications in climate risk would be highly advantageous given the bank's focus on quantitative analysis and reporting.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate your ability to balance commercial pragmatism with strict risk oversight. Show examples where you have successfully navigated a matrixed environment to influence change without having direct authority over the teams you are auditing. Your application should also highlight any experience with geopolitical analysis or AI integration. HSBC is looking for a 'change agent,' so emphasize your track record in improving risk cultures and modernizing legacy processes through diplomacy and technical expertise.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on the integrity of Net Zero commitments. You will be the gatekeeper ensuring that green and sustainability-linked loans actually meet the bank's risk appetite and environmental criteria, preventing reputational damage from greenwashing. You will also manage Sustainability Execution Risk, which means ensuring that the bank's internal transition plans are implemented safely. This involves monitoring the environmental impact of the bank's lending portfolio and ensuring compliance with evolving climate regulations across different Asian jurisdictions.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges will be managing stakeholder tension between commercial growth targets and stringent sustainability risk appetites. You will often need to deliver difficult messages or decline transactions that do not meet ESG standards. Additionally, the regulatory fragmentation across Asia presents a hurdle. Keeping pace with different climate disclosure and risk management rules in various markets while maintaining a consistent global standard requires high levels of mental agility and attention to detail.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with reviewing geopolitical risk reports to assess potential reputational impacts on the bank's regional operations. You would then move into advisory sessions with business heads to discuss the risk profile of upcoming sustainability-linked deals. Afternoons are often spent in committee meetings or working groups, providing second-line opinions on policy implementation. You might also spend time collaborating with the regional climate risk team to refine the data models used for stress testing the bank’s loan portfolio against environmental scenarios.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This position offers a clear pathway to senior leadership within Group Risk or dedicated ESG functions. Given the 'Global' nature of the ERM team, there is potential for lateral moves into global risk stewardship or climate strategy roles. You will also build a high-visibility network among executive management in Asia and the UK. Mastering the blend of AI and risk management will position you as a future-ready leader in the rapidly growing field of sustainable finance.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with Risk and Control Owners in the first line of defense, providing them with guidance and necessary pushback. You will also report to and support Global Businesses and Functions, ensuring their strategic initiatives align with the bank's risk framework. Externally, you may be involved in discussions with regulators or industry bodies. Internally, you will collaborate closely with the Group Geopolitical Risk team and regional Climate Risk specialists to ensure a holistic view of the bank's risk landscape.

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