Sir Douglas led HSBC for over 22 years, first as Group Finance Director (1995-2011) and then as Group Chair (2010-2017). His tenure encompassed navigating the global financial crisis, restructuring amid misconduct controversies, and preparing the bank for a strategic pivot back to Asia—all delivered with a focus on disciplined governance, stakeholder accountability, and transparent leadership.

Before HSBC, Douglas trained as a Chartered Accountant at Peat Marwick Mitchell (now KPMG). He chaired the Financial Reporting Council’s Turnbull Review of internal controls (2004-05) and served on IASB advisory bodies. Since retiring from HSBC, he has been tapped for senior board roles reflecting his deep expertise in finance, oversight, and public policy regulation.

He brings deep cross-sector expertise in:

• Global financial governance & capital strategy – leading Europe’s largest bank through risk, crisis, and pivoting capital geography

• Board architecture & internal controls – embedding audit, risk, sustainability, and governance best practices across financial institutions

• Public–private investment & policy advisory – transforming financial services frameworks via stewardship, foundations, and diplomatic engagement

• Institutional stewardship & charity governance – Leading high-profile boards with clarity, integrity, and long-term vision

Educated at the University of Glasgow and Harvard Business School’s PMD programme, Douglas was awarded the CBE in 2006 and received a knighthood in 2018 for services to banking and finance. His career is defined by principled leadership, financial discipline, and resilience in the face of adversity—as demonstrated in his handling of complex investor and activist situations—complemented by his standout geopolitical perspective and deep insights into Asia, all of which continue to shape global governance, public stewardship, and mentoring at the highest levels.