In this spotlight, we are proud to feature our 2020 Top Flight alumna, Anjana Srinivasan. Anjana recently stepped into a new role at HSBC as Head of Business Risk & Resilience, Asia and Middle East. With nearly 23 years of experience at HSBC, her career journey is a credit to her resilience and leadership. Anjana’s journey with The Pipeline began in 2020 through the Top Flight programme, where she developed a stronger, more confident understanding of her own value.
Anjana's journey to HSBC
Carving her own path: from family legacy to building her identity
I come from a long line of accountants, going back seven generations to when my great-grandfather's great-grandfather served as the Village’s Chief Accountant. I began my journey to become a Chartered Accountant in my father’s firm, learning the ropes under my brother’s guidance. During my apprenticeship, I was often recognised as Srinivasan’s daughter or sister. While I was grateful for the invaluable exposure and learning opportunities at the start of my career, there was a yearning - a desire to be acknowledged as Anjana, in my own right. Upon completing my training and earning my qualifications, I decided to explore opportunities outside the family firm. I applied for a role at HSBC and embarked on a journey to establish my own identity. It’s now been nearly 23 years, and it has been an incredibly rewarding career thus far.
Anjana's new role as MD, Head of Business Risk & Resilience, Asia and Middle East
Key priorities and responsibilities
The Business Risk and Resilience position for Asia and the Middle East is a significant role, overseeing 27 diverse markets. This position integrates diverse first-line risk management capabilities, ensuring a holistic approach to risk mitigation.
The role focuses on effectively embedding the bank’s operational resilience framework, with an emphasis on strengthening controls, managing third-party risks, and enhancing supply chain resilience. By addressing these priorities, it aims to mitigate disruptions and safeguard against emerging risks, contributing to the stability and security of operations across the region.
Top Flight's impact on Anjana
A truly transformative experience
Participating in the Top Flight leadership programme was truly transformative, reshaping my understanding of my own potential. It provided a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with leaders from various fields. Their stories of resilience and purpose not only inspired me but also lit a clear path for what can be achieved.
Environment of shared growth and development
Beyond learning from these influential figures, the camaraderie I developed with other remarkable women in my cohort was invaluable. Surrounded by such strength and capability, I felt challenged, supported, and uplifted. Within this environment of shared growth, I gained not only new skills but also a deep sense of confidence, self-awareness, and empowerment. I emerged from the programme with a comprehensive and holistic recognition of my abilities.
How Top Flight helped Anjana step into a bigger leadership role
Igniting her passion and refining her goals
Several barriers women face are either internal or perceived external ones, often influenced by societal conditioning. Fortunately, I've had the right sponsors, mentors, opportunities, and unwavering support from my family throughout my career.
Top Flight ignited a passion within me to view my career as an integral part of my life - an endless canvas, with the paints in my hands to decide what I want to create. By sharing my thoughts and aspirations, I was able to refine my goals and help others see me in a new light.
Building self-belief to excel in new roles
A decade ago, I participated in the Bank’s Aspiring COO Programme, a flagship programme designed to build the pipeline of future COOs. Having spent most of my career in the Risk and Control space, I felt that a COO opportunity would be difficult to attain.
However, during the Top Flight Programme, I had my first opportunity to pursue a COO role. The support I received from Baroness Margaret McDonagh and Lorna Fitzsimons was incredible; their preparation focused on building my self-belief and equipping me to excel in any role.
Anjana's advice to other women aspiring to senior leadership
One - Be curious and never stop aspiring
Stay curious. Ask questions and challenge assumptions. Always aspire to learn more and aim higher; it is a sure path for growth and new opportunities.
Two - Focus on excelling
Remember, excelling is not just being busy in your day-to-day responsibilities. Be “proactive” and take initiative. Put yourself in your leaders’ shoes, and you will find yourself being able to achieve more. It’s less about the amount of time you spend, but more about expanding your mental bandwidth and drawing energy from within.
Three - Draw support from your family, mentors, and sponsors
Aspiration is a powerful force, but you don't have to fuel it alone. Draw strength from those who believe in you: the unwavering support of family, the guiding wisdom of mentors, and the influential advocacy of sponsors. Leverage this network without hesitation, as their belief can often illuminate the path when your own vision is unclear.
A pivotal moment in Anjana's leadership journey
How dismantling her function strengthened her resilience
My first role as COO came after a long wait, and I found it rewarding for two main reasons. Firstly, it reignited my curiosity and put me back on a learning curve. Secondly, it made me vulnerable, as I had to reach out to many people to learn about this new domain.
However, the role came with an unexpected twist - I had to dismantle the function and redistribute its capabilities across other business and functional areas. As COO, I led this transformation, fully aware that there wouldn't be a role for me at the end. This news was unsettling for the entire function, and I had to compartmentalise my personal feelings to focus on providing psychological safety for the team.
The nearly six-month transition was transformative for me as a leader, making me more resilient through the experience.
The key skills and mindset for a risk leader in finance
Leading her team calmly and adaptably
The key is to be a calm problem-solver who can identify trouble on the horizon. It’s less about predicting the future and more about being well-prepared and adaptable, so you can navigate any storm. Most importantly, it’s about bringing people together to build confidence and find a way forward, even in times of uncertainty.
How Anjana's leadership has developed
Leadership built on trust and collectivity
My leadership has matured from directing to connecting, recognising that global success is built on trust, not authority. I actively seek diverse perspectives and remain open to new ideas, understanding that collective wisdom leads to the best outcomes. I've learned to maintain a steady presence, carefully discerning which courses to adjust to ensure sustained progress. Most importantly, I strive to bring my team along on the journey, fostering a sense of purpose and ensuring we find fulfillment and joy in every opportunity we navigate together.
Paying it forward through mentorship
I have also evolved to understand that my greatest impact lies in my ability to inspire and influence others, actively paying it forward by mentoring aspiring individuals and helping them advance in their careers.
Anjana Srinivasan is the Managing Director and Head of Business Risk & Resilience, Asia and Middle East at HSBC. With nearly 23 years at the bank, she has carved out a remarkable career in risk and resilience leadership, overseeing 27 diverse markets in her current role. A 2020 Top Flight alumna, Anjana credits the programme with transforming her confidence, igniting her passion for leadership, and empowering her to step into bigger roles.
