Pros
HSBC is a financial behemoth, and despite the Household International acquisition, is still risk-adverse and proactive. Obviously not untouched in the current economic climate, HSBC has acted before many of its competitors to head-off bad debt losses. My experience at HSBC was very position. Management is very hierarchically arranged, as is to be expected at a bank, and is sometimes slow to change. After observing other organizations, while HSBC sometimes lacks the willingness to make necessary information technology investments, the ability to adapt to change in this organization is above average. I really felt like a part of the team at HSBC.
Cons
Management's long tenure with the bank leads to a very safe, but stodgy atmosphere. Specifically, when considering international expat assignments, one must be "a good old boy" for consideration.