My Journey at HSBC, Chennai

I began my journey at HSBC on January 10, 1995, at the Rajaji Salai Branch in Chennai. While I don't have a vivid memory of my first day, I recall being assigned to the "Bills Department," the only new employee in a group of 10-12 to receive this allocation. At that time, I had no idea what this unit entailed, and to this day, I still wonder why I was chosen for this role. I joined under the designation of "Clerk-cum-Cashier," later renamed "Banking Assistant" by the time I left on August 31, 1997. 

 The selection process involved a written exam and a group discussion, which likely contributed to my placement in the Bills Department. My early days were filled with learning, guided by my mentor, Mrs. Ramamani, who had been with the bank for some time. She encouraged me to read the rules of the ICC, specifically URC 422 and UCP 500, as UCP 500 had just been implemented a year earlier, in January 1994. 

Initially, I struggled to grasp these rules, so I often stayed late at the office, where Ramamani patiently helped me understand the intricacies involved. I remember starting with the Documentary Credit advising activity, which required affixing a large stamp on each telex message as part of a checklist. While this task was straightforward, it included Nostro reconciliation activities, such as managing foreign currency cheques sent for collection, with USD being the dominant currency at the time. 

As I grew more proficient, I took on additional responsibilities, including surprise monthly balancing, Export Collections, and Discounting. I was excited by the work, especially as my starting salary of INR 1,800 gradually increased to INR 2,400. One memorable challenge was with the discounting activity. Initially, I struggled to understand the process, particularly when it came to discounting Salem Textile bills in Italian Lira. One Friday, I couldn't complete all the discounting and left some for Saturday, not realizing the implications. When I informed Ramamani that I planned to discount four of the remaining twelve bills on Saturday, she was shocked to learn I had reported a currency purchase but hadn’t utilized it. 

Back then, we reported currency transactions via a handwritten notebook sent to the Treasury unit, and my lack of understanding led to a loss for the bank when I had to sell the unused currency at a new rate on Monday. I also fondly remember the days I felt overwhelmed, especially when I had to wait for cold tea before I could take a sip. Having previously worked at LIC, where I enjoyed sipping hot tea, I missed my lunch often, leading to tears when friends from LIC would call to ask if I had eaten. Over time, I learned to prioritize lunch and started enjoying meals in the staff canteen, where a hearty lunch cost only around INR 10-12, including a boiled egg. The earlier I went for lunch, the hotter the sambhar! 

There were many lighthearted moments, too. While searching for old records in the records room, colleagues joked about there being cameras monitoring us because we often spent time chatting instead of working. I don’t recall seeing any CCTV at HSBC in 1995-96, so I guess they were introduced later. 

At the beginning of each month, we received travel allowances in cash, often in new crisp RBI notes, which made us feel proud to bring home fresh currency. Mother used to feel proud holding those new notes - A privilege for Bank employees. My daily pocket money for lunch was INR 10, and I was also entitled to trimester subway passes. 

As I grew to enjoy my work, I found myself spending long hours at the office, occasionally taking the first train home the next morning and even missing my stop a few times! I had to rush back to work again after having my shower and breakfast. Saturdays were particularly fun, with half-day shifts that allowed for outings after work. I fondly remember going to three consecutive movies with colleagues one Saturday.

I appreciated the well-written ABCD guides for each department in HSBC, which made it easy to learn and transition between roles. I am also grateful for the Basics of Trade training I attended at Tollygunj Club in Calcutta, where I took my first flight and returned with Rasgullas and “Moda” (two of them- used for sitting!). 

Despite my happiness at HSBC, the burden of my father’s debts motivated me to seek new opportunities that offered better pay. Within 30 odd months at HSBC, I had covered all the desks within the Bills Department, handling both exports and imports. Guarantees were managed by the Credit Administration unit at that time. 

This brief but formative experience laid the groundwork for my career in Trade Finance. I still remember Mr. Raymond Lobo, the HR Manager at HSBC, telling me that I would always be welcome to return. My time at HSBC ignited my ambition to dream big, inspiring me to aspire to become a Head of Trade one day!