Ida Liu Named CEO of HSBC Private Bank

By: WE Staff | Friday, 26 December 2025

• HSBC has named Ida Liu as chief executive of its private banking business
• It marks a change of leadership for HSBC’s wealth management business
• She was also the global head of Citi Private Bank

HSBC revealed Monday that it had named Ida Liu as the chief executive officer. This is effective Jan. 5. This is a management transition at one of the key wealth management franchises for HSBC.

Ida is a former global head of Citi Private Bank and brings extensive experience of over 25 years in wealth management and business transformation of ultra-high-net-worth and multi-generational families and strategic advisory. The appointment was first announced through a Reuters report.

She takes over from Gabriel Castello, who had been acting as the head of its private banking arm since December of last year.

On the appointment, Group CEO of HSBC International Wealth & Premier Banking, Barry O’Byrne, stated that this appointment is a manifestation of the bank’s emphasis on reinforcing its private banking business and making it a preferred choice for wealth management as a global partner.

HSBC has a private banking arm, HSBC Private Banking, focusing on high/ultra-high net-worth private individuals, a vital component of the firm’s wealth vision. HSBC has grown its private banking arm globally, especially with its expansion into Asia.

Ida's appointment is also taking place against the background of growing competition among international banks vying for private banking business due to shifts in approaches to strategic investment and rising needs for cross-border advisory.

Given her background running a competing private bank operation, it’s anticipated that Liu will play a key role in improving client relationships and driving growth efforts. This will be particularly important for HSBC, which will look to leverage her expertise in improving its presence in global private banking.