HSBC in Ireland

Laura joined HSBC Ireland in May 2022 as CEO and Head of Wholesale Banking, following a 20-year career with HSBC based in London. Laura is responsible for all of HSBC's operations in Ireland, which encompass a corporate banking business that supports Irish corporates with their local and international operations, as well as a subsidiary banking business that provides transactional banking services such as trade finance and cash management solutions to global multinationals with operations in Ireland. HSBC also has a large securities services business in Ireland supporting asset managers with fund administration, custody and fiduciary services.

Prior to joining HSBC Ireland, Laura worked for HSBC in various senior roles in the UK and Europe, most recently as European Head of HSBC's Origination business. In this role, she was responsible for advising clients on all aspects of their strategic financing needs, including structuring their capital base appropriately via debt and equity solutions and advising on strategic events such as acquisition financing, capital markets activity and initial public offerings. This role included coverage of HSBC's corporate clients in 22 countries including Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, Israel and South Africa, supported by a team based in London, Paris, Frankfurt and India. Laura has an extensive investment banking and commercial banking background with prior roles in leveraged finance, investment grade debt, convertible bonds and equity capital markets.

Over the last decade Laura has played a leading role in driving HSBC's activities to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues. For example, in 2020 she founded HSBC's European Shadow ExCo, a development programme for colleagues to work with senior leaders on business challenges such as sustainability, the future of work, and Europe's position as an international connector. She also co-founded HSBC's "Inclusive Europe" employee resource group in 2021, which leads activities to promote cultural diversity and to ensure colleagues supporting inclusivity are recognised and rewarded.

John Weedle is the Country Head for HSBC Securities Services in Ireland.

Prior to his current role, John was Country COO for HSBC in Ireland since 2016 with responsibility for the operational and technology infrastructure supporting both our Banking and Securities Services businesses.

John is a current Director of HSBC Securities Services (Ireland) DAC and has also held various positions within the HSBC Group namely, Head of Global Product Management, Asset Managers Sector until February 2016, responsible for the product direction and development of our global service. The role incorporated regional coverage across Asia, Europe, MENA and US working with key strategic clients, Head of Product Management, Accounting & Valuations Services until August 2012, with responsibility for the global direction and development of the service, Head of Client Account Management until June 2009, with responsibility for all client segments, and Head of Institutional Fund Services until January 2008, with responsibility for fund services to traditional asset managers.

John was previously Head of Offshore Operations in Ireland and The Channel Islands from May 2002 to July 2004 and Managing Director for HSBC Fund Administration (Ireland) Limited from April 1999 to May 2002.

Prior to joining HSBC in 1998, John was Audit Manager, Financial Services with KPMG where he trained as a Chartered Accountant gaining audit experience in the Banking, Insurance, Funds and Pensions sectors. He is a graduate of University College Dublin, obtaining a degree of Master of Accounting and is a Fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.