Interview with Mrs. Hajrah Sakauloo, CEO & Head of Banking at HSBC Mauritius

January 19, 2026
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1. Could you outline HSBC Mauritius’s role within the Group’s international network and its strategic importance as a gateway between Africa, Asia, and global markets?

HSBC Mauritius plays a pivotal role in the Group’s international network, strategically positioned at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and global markets.
Leveraging this unique location, we facilitate over 40 major trade and investment corridors, ensuring the seamless flow of capital, expertise, and goods.

With 90% of our business being inbound, we are a trusted partner for Corporate and Institutional Banking clients, offering tailored solutions across trade finance, treasury, multi-currency lending, payments and cash management, and global custody services to support cross-border operations.

Since establishing one of the first Offshore Banking Units in 1991, HSBC Mauritius has been a pioneer in the Global Business sector.

Aligned with the Group’s environmental commitments, we are steadfast in advancing sustainable finance and supporting the global transition to net zero.

2. Mauritius has positioned itself as a leading international financial centre. How does HSBC contribute to strengthening the country’s banking, trade finance, and cross-border investment ecosystem?

For over a century, HSBC has been instrumental in Mauritius’s evolution as a reputable international financial centre.

Through our extensive global network, we enable cross-border investments, facilitate international market access for trade and businesses and provide specialist banking support to Corporate and Institutional clients, including Investment Funds, Multinationals, and local conglomerates. We collaborate closely with Management Companies to support Global Business Companies (GBCs) in their banking operations through HSBC Mauritius and beyond. 

Our expertise is evident in significant mandates, such as the recent seamless remittance of  $300 million in withholding tax, converted into INR, to India.

We have been a catalyst for economic growth, fostering cross-border investment and strengthening Mauritius’s financial ecosystem and have consistently delivered value to global sponsors operating through Mauritius, demonstrating expertise in handling lending , payments solutions and escrow transactions.

3. HSBC is known for supporting multinational corporations and institutional clients. What are the key sectors and client segments driving growth for HSBC Mauritius today?

HSBC Mauritius serves a diverse portfolio of multinational corporations and institutional clients, with growth driven by sectors such as investment funds, textiles, automotive, BPOs, renewable energy, and telecommunications.

As part of the broader HSBC Group, we connect Mauritius to global markets through comprehensive cross-border banking solutions.
Our expertise in executing complex escrow deals, trade finance solutions, and structured lending, combined with our leadership in sustainability-linked finance, highlights our ability to deliver tailored solutions.

Looking ahead, we aim to support public infrastructure and green mobility initiatives, driven by innovation, operational excellence, and data-driven strategies.
Robust governance and regulatory compliance remain central to our operations, ensuring integrity while pursuing sustainable growth and strategic expansion.

4. Trade flows between Mauritius, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia are expanding. How is HSBC leveraging its global footprint to facilitate trade, treasury, and capital flows across these regions?

Trade flows between Mauritius, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia are expanding rapidly, with Africa's merchandise trade rebounding by 13.9% to $1.5 trillion in 2024 and intra-African trade growing by 12.4% to $220.3 billion. 

Asia remains Africa's largest trading partner, with exports reaching $189.5 billion.

As a global bank, HSBC leverages its $3.2 trillion asset base and extensive network to connect Mauritius to these dynamic markets. Our contributions include:

  • Trade Finance Solutions: Export loans and documentary credits to improve cash flow and mitigate trade risks.
  • Large-Scale Transactions: Expertise in tax remittance and sustainability-linked loans, showcasing our cross-border capabilities.
  • Efficient Treasury Services: Seamless execution of escrow arrangements and streamlined payments to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Digital Innovation: Platforms like HSBCnet simplify trade processes, empowering businesses to expand globally.
  • Sustainability Focus: Customized green finance solutions to align with global trends and foster responsible growth.

Additionally, our International Subsidiary Banking teams provide bespoke solutions to optimize global operations, helping businesses thrive in interconnected regions.

5. Risk management and regulatory compliance are critical in international banking. How does HSBC Mauritius ensure robust governance while remaining agile and client-focused?

Risk management and regulatory compliance are integral to HSBC Mauritius’s operations. Each transaction undergoes thorough assessment, and all clients are subject to robust due diligence to ensure regulatory adherence.
We maintain ongoing engagement with regulators to ensure absolute compliance, while our staff receive continuous training to uphold HSBC’s standards of conduct.
Embedding best practices in governance allows us to balance agility with integrity, maintaining our reputation as a trusted leader in international banking while consistently delivering high-quality client service.

6. Digital transformation is reshaping banking services. What innovations or digital solutions has HSBC introduced in Mauritius to enhance efficiency, transparency, and client experience?

HSBC Mauritius is dedicated to enhancing client experience and operational efficiency through innovative solutions tailored to evolving needs. With features like Track Payments, integrated with SWIFT GPI and available on HSBCnet, clients gain near real-time visibility for cross-border transactions at every stage, ensuring greater transparency and control. Real-time payments enable faster and more secure processing, supported by 24/7 e-channel availability and a strong system uptime record. The Liquidity Management Dashboard provides a centralized, integrated portal with a live view of liquidity positions, offering increased control over liquidity and investment solutions through self-service capabilities. It also delivers visibility of global cash positions with HSBC, third-party banks, and asset managers, categorized by location and type of deposit. Additionally, the HSBCnet Mobile app, with its user-friendly interface and biometric logins, allows clients to approve and monitor transactions anytime, anywhere. HSBC Mauritius has further streamlined processes with digital platforms like HSBCnet, enabling account openings within 72 hours and simplifying cross-border onboarding. E-onboarding and e-signature capabilities enhance efficiency, providing seamless and secure client experiences. These innovations empower businesses with centralized, real-time visibility on liquidity positions and transaction statuses globally, ensuring greater transparency and operational efficiency.

7. Sustainability and ESG financing are becoming central to banking strategies worldwide. How is HSBC Mauritius supporting clients in their transition towards sustainable and responsible business models?

HSBC Mauritius is at the forefront of driving sustainability and ESG finance, demonstrated by our leadership in landmark sustainability-linked financing and the creation of a green funding program for leading local conglomerates.
Our initiatives, such as rescheduling facilities under green funding arrangements and supporting renewable energy projects, align closely with national environmental objectives.
Beyond finance, we actively foster ESG awareness through educational initiatives like the Mauritius Undergraduate Business Case Competition and partnerships with local academic and diplomatic institutions to advance renewable energy adoption.
Our commitment to sustainable development has earned us accolades, including Best Bank for ESG in 2024 and Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility in 2025, solidifying our position as a trusted leader in sustainability.

8. The UAE and the wider Gulf region are key partners for Mauritius. What opportunities do you see for deeper financial and banking collaboration between HSBC Mauritius and Gulf-based clients or investors?

The UAE and the broader Gulf region are pivotal strategic partners for Mauritius, underpinned by robust trade volumes and rapidly expanding exports.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) plays a dual role, not only as a facilitator of trade but also as a critical source of investment in transformative sectors such as infrastructure and renewable energy.
HSBC’s established presence across both regions uniquely positions it as a bridge, enabling seamless bilateral investment and capital flows.
Notably, HSBC is the first international asset manager to secure a license from the Securities and Commodities Authority in the UAE for investment and portfolio management, further solidifying its leadership in the region.
The UAE’s strong momentum in advancing sustainability and climate transition is another key driver of this partnership, aligning with global trends and long-term value creation.

9. Finally, what message would you like to share with Khaleej Times readers about HSBC Mauritius’s long-term commitment to innovation, connectivity, and supporting Mauritius’s role as a global financial hub?

As HSBC Mauritius commemorates 110 years of operation in 2026, our commitment to innovation, connectivity, and international trade for the advancement of Mauritius as a global financial hub remains steadfast.
We leverage our global strengths and local expertise to foster sustainable growth, empower clients in international markets, and create opportunities for businesses and communities.
Our focus is on building long-term partnerships and delivering tailored solutions that contribute to a connected and sustainable future. We aim to be the most trusted bank globally and in every market where we operate, putting customers at the heart of everything we do.