About

Suzanne Tinozzi was hired to set up the legal department of HSBC in Italy and to lead the investment banking division. ‘I started from nothing and have built the legal practice and spread a solid legal culture within the branch. Legal is seen as a partner to the business to address client’s needs in compliance with the terms and spirit of law’ says Tinozzi. In addition to these business needs, her role entails the provision of legal advice on any legal matter related to the branch, from employment law, to privacy and anti-money laundering legislation. Coming from a private practice background with over nine years at Clifford Chance in Rome, Tinozzi was forced to change her mind-set from a private practice lawyer to an in-house legal counsel, learning a completely different perspective. She claims this learning curve has become a highlight of her professional journey, combined with the size and international aspect of HSBC which has enabled her to work with colleagues and customers that are geographically dispersed. ‘As general counsel of an international banking group, I am often involved in cross-border transactions and matters and find myself dealing with colleagues, customers and counterparties of different countries, cultures and practices. This is something that enriches me as a person and professional’ says Tinozzi. Most recently she has been involved with legal advice in preparation of Britain’s impending departure from the European Union, and the impact on local branch and continuation of the business after the exit of the UK from the EU.