Joined HSBC in May 1994 as Chairman of HSBC Markets Limited, with particular responsibility for developing HSBC's capital markets capabilities worldwide. He was appointed Vice Chairman, Client Development of HSBC Investment Bank plc in September 1999, and to his current position in March 2001.

Prior to joining HSBC, he was head of J P Morgan's capital markets activities in Europe. Previously he was President and Tokyo branch manager of J P Morgan Securities Asia Ltd. Robert also headed J P Morgan's world wide loan syndication group and was later responsible for their eurobond underwriting business.

He is Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Regulatory Policy Committee of the International Capital Market Association and a former Chairman of the International Primary Market Association, a predecessor body. In addition, he serves as Chairman of HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited and as a Board Member of British Arab Commercial Bank and HSBC Bank Egypt. Robert graduated from St John's College, University of Cambridge with an Honours degree in History.