HSBC’s top executives, including CEO Noel Quinn, will no longer have private offices within the bank’s Canary Wharf headquarters in London, as the bank joins other global players – including Google and Microsoft – in slashing office space following the largest worldwide remote-working experiment due to COVID-19.

HSBC will be replacing what used to be its executive floor with client meeting rooms and collaborative areas, according to the Financial Times, and its top execs will shift to hot desking.

“Our offices were empty half the time because we were traveling around the world. That was a waste of real estate,” the HSBC CEO told CNN Business, adding “it’s the new reality of life.”

Mr Quinn had stated, earlier in the year, that the bank plans to cut its global real estate footprint by 40 per cent in the coming years, in favour of a more hybrid model which will see employees splitting their time between working at the office and from home.

Other UK banks, including Lloyds and Standard Chartered have announced similar plans to do away with expensive office space in favour of flexible working arrangements.

Related

alan arrigo

Alan Arrigo welcomes new laws as ‘first step of many’ towards quality tourism

17 April 2026
by Tim Diacono

Alan Arrigo says the accommodation laws are a positive first step but that Government needs to maintain momentum.

‘No mixed signals’ – Tony Zahra stresses enforcement of new short-let laws

17 April 2026
by Tim Diacono

Tony Zahra says the MHRA unequivocally supports the new tourism accomodation laws

MFCC or Pembroke? James Cassar says both sites should be used for events  

16 April 2026
by Tim Diacono

242 Group Managing Director says MFCC better for larger local events and Pembroke more ideal for international delegates.

The Convenience Shop appoints Ramon Falzon as Chief Financial Officer

15 April 2026
by Nicole Zammit

Ramon, a veteran finance executive, brings over two decades of international experience to the role.