By Andre Atallah, CEO of EP Advisory
Investment banking · London · graduate programme and internships
Not listed in London · checked 19 October 2026London listing up · check its datesLondon listing closed · checked 19 October 2026Other HSBC routes
Short answer: On 19 October 2026, HSBC listed no investment banking graduate programme in London. HSBC gives no next date.HSBC now lists a London investment banking graduate programme. Check its close date in the listing.HSBC’s London investment banking graduate listing had closed when we checked on 19 October 2026. HSBC says that where internships exist, they are the best route to a graduate place. On 19 October 2026, its four London investment banking internship ads read as filled. Join HSBC’s Talent Community for alerts. Get your CV and test practice ready now.
Where are you now?
Independent guide. EP Advisory is not affiliated with HSBC.
HSBC hires into investment banking through its early careers programmes. On its investment banking page, HSBC says you could support “high-profile clients on complex transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, large-scale debt financings”.
This playbook shows the routes HSBC itself points to. Then it takes you through each stage of HSBC’s process. For nearly 10 years, we’ve helped more than 5,000 professionals get hired. Want to know if your CV will pass screening in the UK? Check your CV for free: a score in 30 seconds, then a fix for each problem.
01/10
Your route to an offer
HSBC lists no investment banking graduate programme in London. On 19 October 2026, its programme search showed 0 results for that filter.HSBC now lists a London investment banking graduate programme. Check its close date in the listing.HSBC’s London investment banking graduate listing has closed. We checked its programme search on 19 October 2026.
HSBC gives no date for a London opening, as of 19 October 2026.HSBC may close it early once places fill.Watch for the next London opening.
Our check: HSBC’s archived pages for the last two intakes showed no London investment banking graduate programme either. We read copies saved by the Wayback Machine on 21 January 2025 and 14 November 2025. The archive shows only the first 20 programme cards, so this is not full proof.
HSBC’s investment banking page says: “in several locations our graduate programme places are filled via our internships. In locations where internships are available, they are the best route to securing a graduate opportunity”.
HSBC does not say: whether London is one of those locations.
Get alerts. HSBC’s UK programme search says: “To be notified when applications open, join our Talent Community”. HSBC says members get “a monthly email which will advise you which programmes we are actively recruiting for”.
London windows near investment banking, from archived HSBC pages
2025-26 cycle
CIB Spring Insight Programme: 4 to 30 November 2025
2026-27 cycle
Infrastructure Finance Off-Cycle Internship: 1 to 15 October 2026
London graduate programme
No date published, as of 19 October 2026Listed now. Check its close dateListing closed by 19 October 2026
The two windows come from copies of HSBC’s programme search saved by the Wayback Machine on 14 November 2025 and 5 October 2026.
Our reading: the recent London windows we found near investment banking were for insight and internships. This is a past pattern, not a date.
Do this now
Join HSBC’s Talent Community. HSBC calls it “The best way to know when we open applications”.
Watch for London insight. HSBC says insight programmes “are also a great way to fast-track to an internship programme”.
Pick one route. HSBC takes one application per cycle.
The Talent Community form is on HSBC’s careers portal. We did not sign up, so we cannot show the emails.
Get ready now
Six things to finish before a London window opens. Each comes from HSBC’s own pages.
Your CV and transcripts
HSBC says “You may need to provide your CV or transcripts”. Have both ready.
One route for the cycle
HSBC’s Skills Matcher suggests programmes for you. HSBC says “It takes just five minutes to complete.”
HSBC’s Practice Zone
HSBC’s own practice tests sit in its Candidate Zone. It needs a free account.
Graphs and data tables
HSBC’s tests “could include audio or visual content, including graphs or data tables”. Practise reading charts fast.
The skills of the job
HSBC lists corporate valuation, M&A modelling, and leverage and buy-out analysis. Learn what each means.
A webcam answer
HSBC says “you’ll need a laptop or tablet with a webcam”. Record one practice answer and watch it back.
Pick your stage and tick each step when done. Stages are from HSBC’s application guide, checked 19 October 2026. Prep times are ours.
1. Get ready and apply: form of around 10 minutes
One application per cycle, so choose your route first. Prep 2 to 3 weeks, before a window opens.
2. Online assessment: one or two stages
Behavioural and cognitive questions, with short written and video answers. Prep about 1 week.
3. Interviews: online, for insight
For insight and work experience, stage three is usually an online interview. Prep 3 to 5 days.
4. Assessment centre: about three hours
Interviews and exercises, mostly virtual, with senior staff. Prep 1 to 2 weeks.
Your ticks save on this device.
02/10
The routes at a glance
HSBC points to internships, and insight before them. Where HSBC is silent, we say so.
0 listedListedClosed
London IB graduate programmes, 19 October 2026London IB graduate programmeLondon IB graduate listing, 19 October 2026
No dateSee adClosed
Next London opening, as of 19 October 2026Close date: in the listingWatch for the next one
1 a cycle
Programmes you can apply to
10 min
The application form
3 hours
The assessment centre
Not stated
HSBC publishes no pay
Graduate programme
In several locations, HSBC says its graduate places are “filled via our internships”. It does not name them.
Internships
Where available, HSBC calls them “the best route to securing a graduate opportunity”.
Where these facts come from
- The London link. HSBC’s investment banking page still lists “London, UK” under graduate programmes. On 19 October 2026, its link returned 0 results.
- Other markets, context only. HSBC’s programme search lists its 2027 investment banking graduate programme in Hong Kong, Singapore and Mainland China. These are not UK routes.
- Length. HSBC’s last archived graduate page, for the July 2025 intake, said “Two years”. It listed no UK location.
- Degree. HSBC says you do not need a finance background. It encourages “students from all backgrounds who are passionate about this area and willing to learn the technical skills needed to succeed”.
- Hours. HSBC says: “The hours in these roles can be long.”
03/10
What HSBC looks for
HSBC says it is “interested in your behavioural and cognitive skills, not what you studied.” Its investment banking page names the traits below.
An eye for detail
HSBC wants people who “have an eye for detail”. Show it with a form with no typos.
Calm under pressure
HSBC wants people who “thrive under pressure”. Show it with a hard deadline you met.
Interest in finance
“If you’re fascinated by the world of finance”. Show it with one deal you followed.
Collaboration
HSBC says “think skills like collaboration, learning agility and communication.” Show it with a team result.
Learning agility
HSBC wants people “willing to learn the technical skills needed to succeed”. Show it with a skill you learned fast.
Communication
The third skill in HSBC’s list. Show it with a time you explained something complex simply.
From HSBC’s investment banking page and application guide, 19 October 2026. HSBC says you will build skills in risk analysis, financial analysis and modelling, corporate valuation, M&A modelling, leverage and buy-out analysis, and financial market analysis.
04/10Stage 1 · Apply
How to apply and the London routes
HSBC’s form takes around 10 minutes. HSBC says “there are no long written questions to complete”.
1
Pick one route
One programme per cycle
2
Read the ad
Degree and visa lines
3
Form
Around 10 minutes
4
CV or transcripts
If the form asks
From HSBC’s application guide, 19 October 2026. The guide covers all programmes and states no cycle. HSBC says entry requirements vary and sit on each programme description.
The London investment banking internships
HSBC’s job board has four London investment banking internship ads for 2026-27. They are the Investment Banking Internship, the Corporate and Institutional Banking Off-Cycle Internship, the Infrastructure Finance Internship and the Infrastructure Finance Off-Cycle Internship.
On 19 October 2026, each ad read “Sorry, this position has been filled.”
The Infrastructure Finance Off-Cycle Internship took applications from 1 to 15 October 2026.
That window is from a Wayback copy of HSBC’s programme search, saved on 5 October 2026. We found no record of the other three windows. The ads’ details can no longer be read, so we do not repeat them.
Last cycle’s London insight programme
Last cycle, the London CIB Spring Insight Programme took applications from 4 to 30 November 2025.
On 19 October 2026, it was not listed on HSBC’s programme search.The next one is listed. Check its dates on HSBC’s programme search.The next one had closed when we checked on 19 October 2026.
HSBC says insight programmes “are also a great way to fast-track to an internship programme”. The window is from a Wayback copy saved on 14 November 2025.
Nearby London routes, not investment banking
Not investment banking: Treasury graduate
The Business Analyst, Treasury, Graduate programme takes applications from 19 October to 2 November 2026.This ad has closed, with applications due by 2 November 2026.
Not investment banking: Quant internship
The Data Analyst, Quantitative Finance, Internship takes applications from 1 October to 4 December 2026.This ad has closed, with applications due by 4 December 2026.
HSBC’s guide asks: “Can I apply for more than one programme? Sadly not”.
Our reading: pick one route per cycle with care. An application to one of these uses your one application for the cycle.
Rolling review, reapplying and deferral
- Rolling review. HSBC says “we review applications on a rolling basis and may close a programme early if all vacancies are filled.”
- Reapplying. “If you applied in a previous recruitment cycle and year, then yes, you can apply again.”
- Deferral. “We don’t encourage deferred entry … but will consider individual requests on a case-by-case basis.”
- Adjustments. “Tell us about any adjustments you may require during the application process.”
All from HSBC’s application guide, 19 October 2026.
Do
“I built a valuation model for our investment society’s stock pitch and presented it to 40 members”
A real task with a number. It uses a skill HSBC lists: corporate valuation.
Don’t
“I am passionate about finance and want to join a leading global bank”
It could fit any bank. HSBC wants you to “clearly explain why you are interested in joining”.
HSBC may ask for your CV with the form. Our CV achievement examples show how to give each line a result. Our guide to an impressive CV covers the layout. Getting ready to apply for jobs in the UK? Check your CV for free: see it the way a recruiter does, then fix each problem.
Save HSBC and over 2,000 other UK schemes to one free calendar. See what closes next and what you have applied to.
Track my schemes freeFree account, no card.
Not this cycle? Your other HSBC routes
- Alerts. HSBC’s Talent Community sends a monthly email on the programmes it is recruiting for.
- First or second year. Watch for London insight.London insight is listed now. Last cycle’s CIB Spring Insight Programme took applications from 4 to 30 November 2025.
- Nearby routes. See the two London routes above. Neither is investment banking.
- Events. HSBC says: “We run events at peak recruitment periods around the world.” On 19 October 2026, the first view of its events listing showed no UK event.
- Applied before. HSBC lets you apply again in a later cycle.
05/10Stage 2 · Online assessment
The online assessment
The online assessment comes in “one or two stages”. HSBC says “Each assessment will take around 40 minutes to complete.”
1 or 2
Stages, by market and programme
40 min
Each assessment, in HSBC’s guide
Days
To hear your result
HSBC says formats “could include audio or visual content, including graphs or data tables”. There may also be “some short written and video responses”. You hear back on the assessment “within a couple of days”.
Who runs it. HSBC’s Candidate Zone says your details are held “on systems operated on behalf of HSBC by Cappfinity Limited”. HSBC’s guide links the Candidate Zone but names no test company itself.
HSBC’s two assessment formats
Online Immersive Assessment
It mixes information sources with behavioural and cognitive questions. HSBC suggests allowing about 50 minutes.
Job Simulation
It is untimed as a whole, about 30 minutes. Its video and written questions have time limits to prepare and answer.
From HSBC’s Candidate Zone, seen 14 October 2026. Which one London investment banking sends is not stated. These timings differ from the guide’s 40 minutes for each assessment.
Step through the screens
Numerical: Cappfinity’s practice version
HSBC says questions can include “graphs or data tables”. This is how Cappfinity’s practice numerical test shows them.
Read the instructions
The test opens with instructions. In the practice version the clock counts the time you take rather than counting down, and speed counts towards your score. Employers set their own version, so yours may differ.
Rank the options
Work out the answer from a table, then drag the options into order. A Time Taken clock runs at the top.
Type the answer
Some questions have no options. Work out the figure from the chart and type it into the answer box.
Your moves
- Have a calculator, a pen and paper ready.
- Find the one row or bar the question needs before you calculate.
- Check units and percentages before you answer.
Video questions: the likely look, not confirmed for HSBC
HSBC’s Job Simulation has timed video answers. This is how Cappfinity video questions look.
Test your camera
Before the questions you record a short test clip, play it back and accept it. Employers set their own version, so yours may differ.
Read the question
The question appears with a short preparation countdown. Use the time to plan, then press Record Now.
Record your answer
A second timer shows how long you have to answer. Press Finish Recording when you are done.
Your moves
- Use the preparation time to plan one example and two points.
- Make notes, but do not read them out word for word.
- Answer the question asked, then stop.
Our own simplified drawings of Cappfinity’s practice screens, not screenshots. HSBC mixes question types in one assessment, so your screens may differ. We do not draw HSBC’s immersive hub or its email-style tasks.
Before you start
1
Calculator
Plus a pen and paper
2
Webcam
“a laptop or tablet with a webcam”
3
System check
Test video and sound first
4
Notes
Allowed in prep time
From HSBC’s guide and Cappfinity’s practice hub. HSBC’s platform “will help you do a system check” before the video questions. Cappfinity says behavioural questions are untimed, except video and written ones.
Go further: the best outside help
Our own picks, checked on 19 Oct 2026. We are not linked to any of these sites and earn nothing from them.
From the employer
- HSBC application guideHSBC · checked 19 Oct 2026 · no account neededHSBC’s three stages with timings, the assessment formats and when you hear back.Free
- HSBC Candidate Zone and Practice ZoneHSBC, run by Cappfinity · free accountHSBC’s own guide to its assessments, with practice tests. The closest practice to the real thing.Free
- HSBC Skills MatcherHSBC, run by Cappfinity · account not checkedSuggests HSBC programmes that suit your skills. It helps you pick one route for the cycle.Free
From Cappfinity
- Cappfinity assessment demoCappfinity · no account neededNumerical, verbal and critical reasoning demo questions from the company behind HSBC’s tests.Free
- Cappfinity practice behavioural assessmentCappfinity · no account neededHSBC says it is interested in your behavioural and cognitive skills. This is a practice run of the behavioural kind.Free
Skip paid “HSBC test” packs. HSBC gives you its own Practice Zone, and Cappfinity’s demos cost nothing.
Next: see how other employers use reasoning and behavioural tests in our guide to psychometric and logic tests.
06/10Stage 3 · Interviews
Interviews and how to answer
For insight and work experience programmes, stage three “is usually an online interview”. For other programmes, interviews happen at the assessment centre.
HSBC says: “We’ll let you know the outcome of your online assessment within a couple of days. Due to the volume of applications we receive, creating an interview shortlist can take a couple of weeks or longer.”
HSBC publishes no investment banking interview questions. Its guide says: “Reflect on why you applied, the activities you’re good at and prepare questions to ask.”
How to answer
HSBC names no answer method. This is our frame, STAR, for stories from your past.
Situation
Set the scene in one or two lines.
Task
Say what you had to achieve.
Action
Spend most of your time here, on what you did.
Result
Say what changed, and what you learned.
Be ready to talk about
Why HSBCWhy investment bankingA deal you followedQuestions for the team
HSBC suggests you “do your research about HSBC and your chosen programme so you can clearly explain why you are interested in joining”. See also our guides on how to pass a job interview and the toughest interview questions.
Practise: one question at a time
Motivation questions
HSBC publishes no investment banking interview questions. These are our own, each built on a line HSBC publishes.
Why HSBC
Why HSBC, and why this programme?
What they’re testing: whether you can “clearly explain why you are interested in joining”.
Show a strong answer
- One fact about HSBC from its own pages.
- One thing you have done that fits it.
- Why this route, not another one.
Why IB
Why investment banking?
What they’re testing: whether you are “fascinated by the world of finance”.
Show a strong answer
- One moment that drew you to deals.
- What you did next to learn more.
A deal
Tell me about a recent deal you followed.
What they’re testing: interest in “mergers and acquisitions, large-scale debt financings”.
Show a strong answer
- Who did the deal and why.
- One risk you would flag.
- Where you read about it.
Long hours
How do you feel about long hours on a deal?
What they’re testing: HSBC says “The hours in these roles can be long.”
Show a strong answer
- A time you worked hard to a deadline.
- How you kept the quality high.
Strengths questions
Each question tests a trait from HSBC’s investment banking page. The questions are ours.
Detail
Tell me about a mistake you caught before it caused a problem.
What they’re testing: “an eye for detail”.
Show a strong answer
- What you spotted and how.
- What you changed so it did not happen again.
Pressure
Tell me about a time you worked well under pressure.
What they’re testing: whether you “thrive under pressure”.
Show a strong answer
- The deadline and what was at stake.
- How you planned your time.
- The result, with a number.
Collaboration
Tell me about a team result you are proud of.
What they’re testing: “collaboration”.
Show a strong answer
- Your part, not just the team’s.
- How you handled a disagreement.
Learning
Tell me about a skill you learned quickly.
What they’re testing: “learning agility”.
Show a strong answer
- Why you needed the skill.
- How you learned it, step by step.
- How you used it.
Your story bank: a worksheet to print or copy
Two STAR stories for each trait HSBC names, plus your motivation.
| Trait | Story 1 | Story 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Eye for detail | ||
| Under pressure | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Learning agility | ||
| Communication | ||
| Why HSBC and why investment banking |
Go further: the best outside help
Our own picks, checked on 19 Oct 2026. We are not linked to any of these sites and earn nothing from them.
From the employer
- HSBC application guide: assessment centreHSBC · read stage three · no account neededHSBC’s own description of the final round: three hours, mostly virtual, with senior staff.Free
- HSBC investment banking careers pageHSBC · checked 19 Oct 2026 · no account neededWhat HSBC wants and the skills you would build. Material for your why HSBC answer.Free
From Forage
- HSBC Global Banking & Markets job simulationForage · self-paced · free accountAn HSBC-branded set of tasks. It gives you real work to talk about at interview.Free
07/10Stage 4 · Assessment centre
The assessment centre and your offer
HSBC says the assessment centre “usually runs for three hours and there are plenty of breaks”. It is the final round for graduate and internship programmes.
Mostly virtual
“These are mostly virtual but sometimes will be run in-person at one of our offices.”
Senior assessors
“In most cases you’ll be assessed virtually by senior business representatives at the office you applied to.”
Interviews and exercises
“You’ll meet HSBC employees and complete different interviews and exercises to showcase your skills.”
Meet the team
HSBC’s investment banking page lists: “Answer questions from the team you’ll be working with and ask your own.”
Feedback at each stage
“you’ll always receive a final decision, along with developmental feedback, from us via email at each stage of the process.”
From HSBC’s application guide, 19 October 2026. HSBC adds: “Use the feedback email to know where you excelled and where to improve.” It does not publish the exercises for London investment banking.
Pay. HSBC publishes no pay for this route. Compare salaries in the UK.
08/10
Visa sponsorship
HSBC says sponsorship “is dependent on country legal requirements and business need”. Each programme’s eligibility criteria say whether it is open to sponsorship.
HSBC’s application guide, checked 19 October 2026: “Any offer of employment will be subject to you gaining immigration approval before your start date”.
The four London investment banking ads could not be read on 19 October 2026. So their visa line is unconfirmed.
The two London ads taking applications that day are not investment banking. Both say: “We will consider candidates that require visa sponsorship for this role”.
Our reading: check the visa line in the ad you apply to.
The Graduate visa
- Graduate visa. It lasts “2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026” and “18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027” (GOV.UK).
Need sponsorship? See our guides to UK companies that sponsor visas and staying in the UK after studying. This is general information, so check GOV.UK.
09/10
Key takeaways
Before you apply
- On 19 October 2026, HSBC listed no investment banking graduate programme in London. HSBC gives no next date.HSBC now lists a London investment banking graduate programme. Check its close date in the listing.HSBC’s London investment banking graduate listing had closed when we checked on 19 October 2026.
- HSBC says internships are the best route to a graduate place where they exist. It does not say whether London is one.
- Join HSBC’s Talent Community for a monthly email on the programmes it is recruiting for.
- You get one application per cycle, so pick your route with care.
- The process is a 10-minute form, then an online assessment in one or two stages, then an assessment centre.
- HSBC’s tests run on Cappfinity’s platform. Practise in HSBC’s free Practice Zone first.
When a scheme gives a close date, we email you a few days before it closes. Save HSBC once and the reminder is set.
Set my reminders freeFree account, no card.
10/10
Frequently asked questions
Does HSBC run an investment banking graduate programme in London?
On 19 October 2026, HSBC’s programme search listed no investment banking graduate programme in London.HSBC now lists a London investment banking graduate programme. Check its close date in the listing.HSBC’s London listing had closed when we checked on 19 October 2026. HSBC says that in several locations its graduate places are filled via its internships. It does not say whether London is one of them.
When do HSBC investment banking applications open?
HSBC gives no date.HSBC now lists one.HSBC’s listing has closed. HSBC says: “To be notified when applications open, join our Talent Community”. The Talent Community sends a monthly email on which programmes HSBC is recruiting for.
What is the best way into HSBC investment banking in London?
HSBC says that where internships are available, “they are the best route to securing a graduate opportunity”. It has four London investment banking internship ads for 2026-27. On 19 October 2026, each read “Sorry, this position has been filled.”
Can I apply to more than one HSBC programme?
No. HSBC’s answer is “Sadly not”. So pick one route per cycle with care. If you applied in a previous cycle, HSBC says you can apply again.
What online tests does HSBC use?
After a form of about 10 minutes, HSBC sets an online assessment in one or two stages, each about 40 minutes. HSBC’s Candidate Zone names Cappfinity Limited. Questions can include graphs, data tables and short written and video answers.
How long is the HSBC assessment centre?
HSBC says it “usually runs for three hours and there are plenty of breaks”. It is mostly virtual. For insight and work experience programmes, stage three is usually an online interview.
Does HSBC sponsor visas for investment banking?
HSBC says sponsorship “is dependent on country legal requirements and business need”. Each programme’s eligibility criteria say whether it is open to sponsorship. The London investment banking ads could not be read on 19 October 2026, so check the ad you apply to.
