HSBC Strengthens Regional Trade Capabilities with New Senior Appointment

Published: July 18, 2025

HSBC today announced the appointment of Ms Runa Baksi as Head of Southeast Asia for Global Trade Solutions (GTS), which is part of the Corporate and Institutional Banking business.

With over two decades of experience in banking and trade finance, Ms Baksi will oversee HSBC's GTS business across Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. She was most recently Managing Director and Country Head of GTS for HSBC India. Under her tenure, Ms Baksi successfully drove business growth by delivering a comprehensive range of trade and supply chain financing solutions to support clients' regional and global expansion. Prior to joining HSBC, Ms Baksi has held senior leadership roles in trade and transaction banking at DBS, Receivables Exchange of India and Deutsche Bank.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Kee Joo Wong, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Singapore said: "Singapore continues to serve as a critical hub for clients tapping into ASEAN's sizable trade flows. Runa's extensive expertise in trade finance and her strong track record will be instrumental in helping our clients navigate the evolving trade landscape by connecting them to new regions of growth. Her appointment reflects HSBC's commitment to support the career ambitions of our top talents through international mobility."

Mr Aditya Gahlaut, Regional Head of Global Trade Solutions, Asia, HSBC added: "Runa brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience from India, one of HSBC's most strategic trade corridors. Her deep understanding of client needs and market dynamics will enhance our ability to connect clients seamlessly across the region and beyond, driving innovation and delivering best-in-class solutions to support their trade and working capital requirements."

Based in Singapore, Ms Baksi will report to Mr Wong Kee Joo, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Singapore on an entity-basis, and Mr Aditya Gahlaut, Regional Head of GTS, Asia, at a functional level.

Ms Baksi holds a Bachelor in Economics from the MS University of Baroda and a Masters in International Business from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade.

Her appointment comes as HSBC continues to strengthen its trade capabilities in Southeast Asia, building on its position as the region's leading international bank. HSBC was recently named Best Bank for Trade Finance in Asia Pacific and Singapore by Euromoney.