Muscat, September 3rd 2013 - HSBC Bank Oman S.A.O.G. has introduced a new graduate scheme to spawn more opportunities in the banking sector for emerging Omani talent. The graduate scheme is a two year programme offering 'on the job' training to new and recent graduates in the Sultanate. Already implemented internationally across the HSBC Group, the programme fosters leadership development and acts as a platform for real-time tailored personal growth.

Ali Al Abri, Country Head of Human Resources at HSBC Bank Oman, said, "The programme presents 12 highly promising Omani graduates with the chance to learn from seasoned HSBC Bank Oman professionals across a wide range of departments. Each module of the programme is supported by classroom training, mentoring and possibly a short-term assignment in one of HSBC's other operations in the Middle East. HSBC Bank Oman's graduate scheme encourages high level leadership growth with professional qualifications and training critical to a career in banking. It has been specifically designed to maximise the potential of each candidate."

"The HSBC graduate programme identifies and nurtures talented graduates around the world to lead our industry in the future. We are delighted to bring this programme to Oman and strengthen our commitment to advancing the capabilities of future Omani business leaders using the global expertise of the HSBC Group," added Ali Al Abri, "this is an exciting time for Omani graduates and a step forward in our journey to become the leading bank in the Sultanate."

HSBC Bank Oman will work with each participant to identify their areas of interest in order to match individual career aspirations with the right opportunities to expand their skillset. They are assigned to different divisions of HSBC Bank Oman's operations, rotating between the Commercial Banking, Business Banking, Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Trade & Supply Chain and Risk departments to cultivate broader knowledge and experience of HSBC's services. The programme also provides learning about the bank's Security Fraud and Risk, Human Resources, Communications and Sustainability divisions to impart insights into the core values that underpin HSBC's corporate culture.

The graduate scheme is open to ambitious Omani nationals who have graduated in the last three years with a GPA of 2.8 or higher as well as those expecting to graduate this summer. The highest performers will join HSBC's other top graduates from around the world at a Group Graduate Development Centre at an international location to accelerate their career progression.

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HSBC in the MENA Region
HSBC is the largest and most widely represented international banking organisation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with a presence in 14 countries across the region. HSBC has operations in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Algeria and the Palestinian Autonomous Area. In Saudi Arabia, HSBC is a 40% shareholder of Saudi British Bank (SABB), and a 49% shareholder of HSBC Saudi Arabia for investment banking in the Kingdom. In Iraq, HSBC holds a majority shareholding in Dar Es Salaam Investment Bank. HSBC also maintains a representative office in Libya.

This presence, the widest reach of any bank in the region, comprises some 273 offices and around 12,000 employees. In the full year 2011, HSBC in the MENA region made a profit before tax of US$1,492m.

HSBC in Oman
HSBC is the largest international bank operating in the Middle East, and Oman is an important market in the region for the bank. Oman has one of the most stable political, social and economic environments in the region, with a growing economy supported by a young population and significant investments in infrastructure.

Oman is also a key access hub to the fast-growing trade corridors connecting the MENA region with Asia - a major focus for growth for HSBC. Its economy is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4%1 forecast from 2011 to 2016.

HSBC Holdings plc
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 7,200 offices in over 80 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, North and Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. With assets of US$2,556bn at 31 December 2011, the HSBC Group is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations.

For more information, please contact:
ShazaTaher
Senior Media Relations Manager
TRACCS Oman
Telephone: +968 24 649-099
Fax: +968 24 649-088
Email: shaza.taher@traccs.net

© Press Release 2013