Fintech Insider Podcast by 11:FS

1043. Insights: Inside HSBC Innovation Banking UK’s future with CEO Emily Turner

Mar 5, 2026
Guest
Emily Turner
Emily Turner, CEO of HSBC Innovation Banking UK, is a former Citi leader who launched Citi Ventures UK and backed early-stage fintechs. She talks about moving from consulting into venture, running corporate venture inside a bank, how to drive change in large institutions, HSBC’s purpose-built model for tech and life sciences, and scaling challenges like capital, talent and customers.
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ANECDOTE

First Hire Of Citi Ventures UK Built By Doing

  • Emily was the first employee of Citi Ventures in the UK, the only non-US hire at the time, giving her autonomy to build locally.
  • She used London mornings in the ecosystem and US overlap as advantage for external engagement.
ADVICE

Build In Public For Customers And Private For The Bank

  • Build innovation "in public" for customers but "in private" for your organisation to avoid triggering internal resistance.
  • Map the organisation's immune response, approach the right people at the right time and prioritise those who can actually say yes.
ADVICE

Always Demand The Decision Path Upfront

  • Ask who has decision authority early when working with large institutions.
  • Clarify who signs contracts, who needs to say yes, and the critical path to avoid polite interest turning into delay.
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