Investment Banking

HSBC to slash 3.6 million square feet as office life morphs to flex working

Bank is moving to a hybrid working model wherever possible

HSBC plans to cut up to 20% of its real estate footprint by the end of this year
HSBC plans to cut up to 20% of its real estate footprint by the end of this year Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

HSBC will cut 3.6 million square feet of office space this year as the majority of its workforce move into a flexible working model in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The UK lender plans to cut up to 20% of its real estate footprint by the end of this year, its chief executive Noel Quinn said during its first quarter earnings call, reflecting a permanent shift in the way the bank's employees work.

WSJ Logo