David Liao

David Liao is Co-Chief Executive of Asia and Middle East at HSBC, serving alongside Surendra Rosha. He is a member of HSBC's Group Operating Committee and serves as Executive Director on the Board of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited. He holds positions as Chairman of HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited and Non-Executive Director of Hang Seng Bank Limited.

After joining HSBC in 1997, Mr Liao was responsible for the local currency fixed income business in Greater China and Singapore. He was appointed Treasurer and Head of Global Markets, China in 2005; then became Head of Global Banking and Markets, China in 2013; and served as President and Chief Executive, HSBC China from 2015 to 2020. Prior to his current role, he was Head of Global Banking Coverage for Asia-Pacific. Before joining HSBC, Mr Liao previously worked in IBJ International (now Mizuho International).

Career history

• Co-Chief Executive, Asia and Middle East, HSBC (2021–present)
• Head of Global Banking Coverage, Asia-Pacific (2020–2021)
• President and Chief Executive, HSBC China (2015–2020)
• Head of Global Banking and Markets, China (2013–2015)
• Treasurer and Head of Global Markets, China (2005–2013)

A big proponent of technological innovation, David Liao said in 2021 that HSBC had invested US$5.8 billion on technology the previous year. David Liao has emphasized that digital transformation is no longer a choice for businesses, but a necessity, and he has supported the launch of HSBC Innovation Banking to serve venture-backed businesses. In 2022, he was conferred as an Honorary Certified Banker of The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers, and in 2024, he was appointed Justice of Peace of Hong Kong. Mr Liao holds an Honours degree from the University of London.

What David Liao could bring to his role as Co-CEO Asia and the Middle East: With nearly three decades at HSBC, including five years leading HSBC China during a transformative period, Liao brings proven expertise in franchise growth and regional expansion. His established focus on digital transformation, innovation banking, and emerging technology adoption positions him to drive modernization across HSBC's largest profit-generating region. His deep relationships with government and regulatory bodies across China, Hong Kong, and the broader region, combined with his recognized thought leadership on digital payments and fintech, equips him to navigate complex regulatory environments and capitalize on Asia's rapid technological and financial innovation.