Head of Client APIs

HSBC Global Services Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global financial services provider is looking for a Head of Client APIs to drive the execution of Open Banking API standards and strategy globally. The role requires significant technology leadership experience, expertise in API design principles, and the ability to manage a diverse team. Based in London, the candidate will collaborate across markets to innovate and deliver compliant open banking solutions while fostering inclusive workplaces. Competitive compensation and engagement with a diverse team are integral to this position.

Qualifications

• Significant technology leadership experience in software development, ideally in open banking or financial services.
• Proven success in senior technology leadership roles in complex financial services companies.
• Deep expertise in Open Banking standards like PSD2 and UK Open Banking.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee a global team of engineers developing open banking solutions.
• Establish technical leadership and relationships with architecture teams.
• Drive engineering innovation through AI and emerging technologies.

Skills

Technology leadership

API design principles

Software development lifecycle

DevOps

Agile methodologies

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Cross-cultural communication

Influencing global teams

Tools

API management tools

Job description

The success of International Wealth and Personal Banking (IWPB) has allowed us to build on our position as one of the world’s largest and fastest growing wealth franchises. Significant effort has already been made towards the IWPB strategy to deliver exceptional products, service, and experiences to our customers.

Reporting into the Head of Platforms Engineering, the Head of Client APIs will lead the definition and execution of HSBC Open Banking API standards and strategy on a global scale. The role will be responsible for ensuring high-quality API governance, developing cutting-edge open banking solutions that comply with diverse market requirements, and driving our technology roadmap. This leadership role requires collaboration across global markets and alignment with engineering practices, toolsets, and control frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee a team of over 200 engineers globally developing cutting-edge open banking solutions that comply with diverse market requirements
• Own and ensure accountability for Open Banking service stability.
• Establish and nurture strong technical leadership and relationships with architecture teams, as well as Value Stream and Platform leads.
• Represent Digital Platforms for Client facing APIs, especially Open Banking, within the broader IWPB and Technology community, focusing on engineering controls, resiliency, and operational stability.
• Leverage AI and emerging technologies to drive engineering innovation and efficiency.
• Maintain a strong technical relationship with Architecture teams, as well as Value Stream and Platform leads in IWPB
• Maintain a good relationship with Open Banking or Digital business leaders
• Foster strong partnerships and maintain effective relationships with third‑party partners for Open Banking business case development or vendors to ensure optimal uptime and cost efficiency.
• Build and manage trusted working relationships both within and outside of IWPB by cultivating connections across the broader HSBC group.

Knowledge & Experience required

• Significant technology leadership experience in Software development, ideally including open banking, fintech, or financial services sectors.
• Proven track record of success in senior technology leadership roles within complex financial services companies and involvement in complex technology transformations.
• Deep expertise in API design principles, Open Banking standards (e.g., PSD2, UK Open Banking, FAPI), and API management tools.
• Experience managing cross-market or multi‑regional API deployments.
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycle, DevOps, and agile methodologies.
• Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong ability to balance risks vs. rewards and maximizing the cost effectiveness and profitability for the business.
• Respectful of different cultures, working with colleagues from different regions.
• Ability to lead and influence global teams.

This role is based in London.

Being open to different points of view is important for our business and the communities we serve. At HSBC, we’re dedicated to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces – no matter their gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring careers at HSBC are inclusive and accessible for everyone to be at their best. We take pride in being a Disability Confident Leader and will offer an interview to people with disabilities, long term conditions or neurodivergent candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

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