By Lola Matheus
The HSBC bank has appointed Paulo Maia as their CEO in Australia. With more than 25 years of experience in banking, having worked in different positions in England, United States and Brazil,Paulo took up the new position in July 2009.
Paulo welcomed RADAR in his office, with the well-known friendliness of a ‘carioca’ (native of Rio de Janeiro), and spoke, of Brazil as an emerging economic power, and about his career and professional goals in Australia.
What are your objectives as the CEO of the HSBC Bank in Australia?
HSBC is a well-established bank and it’s been in Australia since 1965. In the 1980s, they acquired the rights to open up a commercial bank and it’s been growing since then. Today, we have 24 branches, and almost five hundred thousand clients. We’re hoping to keep growing and our objective is to open three to four branches a year.
How many employees do you have under your leadership?
We have 1600 employees in Australia and another 300 who work for us in other countries. In total, we have 1800 to 2000 employees.
How did the invitation to work in Australia come about?
It happened around June last year. I had been working for twelve years for the bank in Brazil. Prior to that, I had two overseas posts one in London with HSBC and another in New York with The Chase Manhattan Bank. The opportunity to take up a position with a bank as important as HSBC and to work in a developed country with a sophisticated financial market came about. This is a unique opportunity which will enrich my professional experience.
What’s your opinion about Brazil’s financial position internationally?
The HSBC bank believes that emerging markets such as Brazil will be leaders in economic growth. Amongst the emerging markets, China is now ahead in economic growth, but Brazil has shown consistency as well, with a stable and democratic political system which helps significantly in this process. Despite some social problems, Brazil has economic stability as a result of its democratic system. Foreign investors know that contracts will be respected when there is a stable political system. The growth prospects are very good, as Brazil is an emerging market with a lot of natural resources.
Do you see any economical similarities between Brazil and Australia?
Compared to other developed countries, Australia is perhaps the best economically positioned, and Brazil is also very well positioned amongst the emerging economies. China is the biggest commercial trader with Australia, and it has also become one of Brazil’s largest trade partners. Australia has a solid financial system which is also the case of Brazil.
Are interest rates high in Brazil?
Interest rates are high there as well as in Australia. The current 3.75% cash rate in Australia is perhaps the highest central bank rate among the developed countries, if compared to the USA, for example, where the central bank rate is zero. On the other hand, there is also Brazil which has the highest interest rate among the emerging markets.
How do you find a balance between your professional and social life?
My job is demanding. It’s necessary to have a lot of discipline. I work long hours, starting at 8am and finishing around six or seven pm, depending on the day. It’s also important to spend quality time with my family - my wife and daughters. I also like playing golf, although I don’t have much time to practice.
You’re an inspiring role-model for Brazilians living in Australia. What’s your message to our community?
I think it’s important when we are living overseas to represent our country in the best possible way, to be well-regarded as Brazilians in Australia and to always strive to leave a positive impression.
Source: RADAR Magazine, ed.09 February - March 2010
