Pros
Great opportunities to learn, grow and progress. There is generally support to broaden your career and expand international experience -- but it takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice to realise it. When HSBC finally decides to do something, they do it.
Cons
There's a strong "we do it ourself" culture at HSBC. This is sometimes positive, but often turns projects into expensive elongated affairs that seldom come to conclusion when they need to. There is a significant tension in the corporate ranks between "global" and "local", and a less tense but ever-present UK/Hong Kong leadership tension. It it's a bureaucratic place, steeped in traditions, held back but the scar tissue of multiple acquisitions and divestments. Insiders often suggest hay HSBC means How Simple Became Complicated.