HSBC vs other bulge brackets

Question

Hi guys,

I’m currently studying at a target university in the UK and planning to apply for summer internships in investment banking. I’ve been researching the bulge brackets and HSBC caught my eye because of their strong presence in Asia and the UK, and their focus on cross-border deals. However, I’ve noticed that they don’t always come up in conversations alongside firms like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, or J.P. Morgan.

That said, their EMEA team seems solid, and I’m wondering how selective they really are when it comes to internship recruitment. Do they receive as many applications as the other BBs? And is the interview process just as technical and competitive?

If anyone has gone through the process or interned there recently, I’d really appreciate your thoughts. Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Hey there!
I haven’t gone through the HSBC process personally, but from what I’ve heard, they’re still quite competitive. Especially for roles in London and HK, where they have a strong presence.

Compared to some of the US bulge brackets, HSBC might not always come up first in conversations, but their cross-border focus and strength in certain regions (like Asia and the UK) definitely make them stand out in specific areas.

In terms of the interview process, it’s probably not drastically different. You can expect the usual mix of technicals, market questions, and personal fit. It makes sense to prepare just as thoroughly.

If you’re interested in their international angle, I think it’s definitely worth applying. And sometimes the “best” fit depends more on team culture and focus than pure brand name.

Hope that helps a bit!
Rita