HSBC appoints Mark Mallia as new head of debt syndicate

HSBC has hired Mark Mallia as the firm’s new head of debt syndicate for Asia-Pacific, effective January 1, 2011. Mallia will replace Sean Henderson who is transferring to Sydney to take up a new role as the firm's head of debt capital markets for Australia.

Mallia, an industry veteran with 16 years of experience, will be based in Hong Kong and will be responsible for the pricing and primary distribution of Asian fixed-income products.

Prior to joining HSBC, he held various positions across debt capital markets and syndicate at investment banks including UBS and Morgan Stanley and also worked as head of credit products for Asia at Dresdner Bank. Most recently he ran an Asian credit portfolio on the buy-side for Shinsei Bank.

Mallia will report locally to Stephen Williams, head of debt capital markets for Asia-Pacific,
and functionally to Bryan Pascoe, global head of debt syndicate.

“Mark’s expertise in Asia will further strengthen the bank’s leadership in primary capital markets and advance our financing-related services in the region,” said Williams.

As reported last week, Henderson will move to Sydney and will report locally to Gavin Powell, head of global markets in Australia, and functionally to Rod Sykes, head of debt capital markets origination for Asia-Pacific. In his new role, Henderson will be responsible for originating and executing bonds, loans and Australian dollar product for HSBC’s public sector, financial institutions and corporate clients.

Henderson has been with HSBC since 1998 and has been the bank’s head of debt syndicate for Asia-Pacific since 2005. During his time as head of syndicate, he has made significant contributions to the firm’s DCM business and he will no doubt be missed in Asia.

HSBC ranks first in Asia ex-Japan G3 bonds for 2010 year-to-date, having featured on ground-breaking transactions such as Reliance Industries' $1.5 billion bond and the Republic of the Philippines' debut peso global bond. The bank also has a strong Asian local currency bond franchise.

HSBC already has a team on the ground in Australia and Henderson’s move is expected to further boost the firm’s presence Down Under.  

“Sean’s Asian debt syndicate experience will strengthen the links between Australian issuers and the Asian investment market at a time when demand for Australian debt is increasing. As an increasing number of Australian corporates and institutions seek to diversify their funding across developed and developing markets, HSBC’s strong international DCM franchise is an obvious attraction,” said Powell.