Pros
International presence provides for mobility for those who seek challenges worldwide. Large corporate culture. They are a well capitalized company that will survive the current economic climate. HSBC looks down the road and plans for long term growth - not short term profits for the stock price.
Cons
Large Corporate culture. Continuous change is the name of the game at HSBC. An individual might spend 5 years in a position & are ready for the next level when their manager leaves. Unfortunately, at HSBC, international managers can be brought in. The mobility at HSBC has an up and down side. Evolving but does not deliver on " Best Place To Work". Some policies are not thoroughly vetted and are somewhat impractical in the real world - " Clean Desk"