Pros
HSBC has a strong international presence that helps it's overall financial stability. As a result many clients find it more attractive than other smaller banks.
Cons
It's recent restructuring at the end of 2008 has had a negative effect on it's Premier Client Consultants. Although the hourly rate has increased modestly for these employees they are asked to take on many more tasks that in the past were handled by specialized departments. As a result these Consultants may not be as proficient at these specialized tasks. "Premier Customers" (those having over $100,000.00 in the bank) will notice a difference. The "One Stop Shop" may sound good as a concept but in execution it lacks effectiveness. Trying to save money by eliminating specialized departments and overloading it's Premier Consultants will only result a diminishing of good customer service.