Pros
"International" is perhaps the defining feature of HSBC. This means that many employees have opportunities to interact cross-culturally / cross-border, and being regularly exposed to such a diverse range of people, projects and challenges is very rewarding and interesting. HSBC has a collaborative culture where many opinions are sought and respected, and in my experience usually there is a pleasant working atmosphere. Senior management and people across the company mostly are serious about doing the right thing, and if ever HSBC can wire itself together to its full potential, there is so much opportunity for the company to be a real force for good.
Cons
The banking industry is going through a pretty grim period of reshaping itself and HSBC is no exception. Recent high profile failures mean that implementing a complex regulatory and financial crime compliance agenda is critically important also recent disappointing financial performance is driving continual reorganisations. Both of these mean the company's rhythm can be focussed more on internal issues rather than looking outwards for opportunity and inspiration.