HSBC
Case Study
Central to our approach is understanding who is having the problem and how they will benefit from the solution.
Who is having the Problem?
HSBC's Global Head of Audit (Wealth & Personal Banking)
What do we assume about them?
They wish to find a solution to a global issue of a lack of new auditors entering the business. By proposing FDM as a solution, this will also enhance the position of the Global Head of Audit.
Who will benefit from the solution?
Both HSBC, their Audit function and the Global Head of Audit (Wealth & Private Banking)
​
Before rushing to find a solution, pause and reflect on how much you really know about the problem.
​
Einstein once said, “If I had an hour to solve a problem I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and five minutes thinking about solutions.”
What is the problem about?
HSBC are struggling to attract new auditors to begin their careers, particularly those with mathematical and data science backgrounds, and cannot find the numbers required in a consistent manner.
Is there an actual/real problem?
HSBC has told us that they have tried a number of ways to recruit enough graduates to meet their requirements, but "they haven't worked". They have not shared anything more though.
Understanding where and when the problem occurs can give us insights into the causes and triggers.
​
Find proof to test how real this problem is.
Where does it occur? What is the context?
HSBC need early career auditors across their global footprint and would like to manage numbers and maintain a consistent level of quality through training that is tied in to their own Audit Academy.
What is the proof of the problem happening in a certain context or space?
It is assumed that the previously mentioned failures are proof of this problem.
Having gathered your insights together, test with the problem owner how important this problem is. Where does it sit in their priorities? Is it really worth solving?
Why is it worth solving? Why care about it?
Solving the problem will help reduce pressure on their existing teams, improve their productivity, morale, etc. as well as launch new careers. For FDM, it creates an opportunity to work in new functions in a key client, with the possibility to replicate this offering across clients.
What pain point would a solution help get rid of?
Lack of junior auditors globally.
What is the most important value for the user?
Consistent quality of new trainee auditors on a global level.
Why is it worth our client's investment? How does it meet their business goals/KPIs?
Improve their outputs, efficiencies, reduce cost of acquiring new talent (higher rates, but hit ground running).