HSBC #OneStepCloser

Bahrain Confidential interviews Shakofa Asghar, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at HSBC in Bahrain.

Can you tell us what a typical day in your job role looks like?

A typical day starts very early with a review of all the emails that need response, feedback from the frontline team and an update on the calendar for the day.

That normally is done while drinking a nice warm cup of coffee. And I do not have too much time before the first meeting starts.

In the retail business there is never much time for rest and I try to lead by example and show my teams the importance of pro-active thinking and customer centric actions.

Why choose HSBC over other banks?

HSBC has been in Bahrain for over 70 years and we have established long-lasting relationships with our customers in the country.

We have always worked hard to help them fulfil their hopes and dreams and realize their ambitions.

At HSBC we aim to realize the ambitions of our customers and fulfil their hopes and dreams.

What is the benefit of banking with HSBC?

HSBC in Bahrain has a full suite of retail banking products and is specifically geared towards serving customers with banking needs in multiple countries.

Through our internet banking platform customers have the convenience of viewing and transferring funds from one account to another instantly without the need to log onto different internet banking sites.

Our conveniently located ATM and branch network make the bank accessible for all customers in the country and we offer additional services through our 24 hour call centre.

What has been your biggest challenge to date in the workplace?

I like to think about challenges as opportunities and would therefore say that my greatest opportunity was to lead a business that focuses on delivering excellent customer service with a motivated and energized team who always want to deliver their best work.

Here at Bahrain Confidential, we are strong believers that ‘lifestyle is a choice’. How do you feel HSBC ties in with that?

At HSBC we aim to realize the ambitions of our customers and fulfil their hopes and dreams. Our #Onestepcloser campaign that will be valid until the end of March 2017, offers customers easy access to loans with special rates and terms to help them make the lifestyle ambitions a reality.

Customers can benefit from no processing fees on all personal loans and car loans. When opening a new HSBC Visa platinum credit card customers will receive a guaranteed return ticket to Dubai as well as an annual fee waiver, further discounts on flights, hotels and car rental, over 8000 offers from the HSBC Entertainer app as well as offers from the home and away privilege programme. New Advance account holders will receive airport lounge access vouchers.

On a personal note, where is your favourite place to visit in Bahrain?

I enjoy going to the National Museum in Bahrain whenever time allows.  For me it is a place that is comforting and allows me to reflect, connect to history, culture, art and the journey from the past to what this nation is today. ν

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