HSBC Investments has appointed Christian Deseglise to the new position of global head of emerging markets business, based in New York. In this role, Deseglise will be responsible for the ongoing development of the emerging markets business of HSBC’s group investment businesses worldwide.

With over US$60bn of emerging markets assets under management, HSBC believes it is among the world’s largest in this field.

Deseglise says: “Emerging markets are showing impressive rates of growth and, as a result, the world’s economic centre of gravity has started to shift from the developed world towards the emerging countries. With an extensive presence on the ground and strong investment teams, HSBC offers investors an excellent platform to tap into the exciting opportunities offered by emerging markets.”

Deseglise joined HSBC Investments in January 2004 to develop a strategy for emerging markets. Among other initiatives, he was instrumental in the December 2004 launch of the US$3bn HSBC BRIC Freestyle Fund which is one of the largest equity funds investing in the BRIC markets in the world.

Before January 2004, Deseglise was with HSBC in Paris since 1990. He worked in capital markets, debt advisory and asset management for emerging markets.
Deseglise will remain based in New York, reporting to Farley Thomas, global head of business development at HSBC Investments, and Steve Baker, chief executive officer of HSBC Investments (USA).