Brummies have been urged to welcome bankers with open arms after announced a historic move – and vowed to join the fight against youth unemployment.
A study found bankers were the third least trusted profession in the fall out to the credit crunch and mis-selling scandals.
But HSBC Bank chief executive Alan Keir (pictured) – and also pledged the bank would help combat youth unemployment in Birmingham.
The Post reported last week Britain's biggest bank was moving its 海角视频 HQ from London to Arena Central in a move set to boost the city's economy.
When asked about "banker bashing", Mr Keir said: "People should welcome the fact that there are more opportunities for talented young people here in Birmingham. There are more opportunities for businesses in Birmingham to connect with a head office and not just a branch or a regional office.
"There is positivity around bringing investment which will eventually flow through to taxation here. Undoubtedly, this will bring in supply chain, which means employment opportunities."
Bankers were voted the third least trustworthy profession by a Which? study in 2012 – behind politicians and journalists.
However, it will principally be the friendlier face of banking heading to Birmingham, with personal, business and corporate operations to be based here with the investment arm remaining in London.
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The HSBC announcement is expected to boost the city's economy by 0.5 per cent, with an extra £121 million gross value-added each year.
It is a long-term pledge – highlighted by a 250-year commitment to Two Arena Central.
Speaking to the Post , Mr Keir said he wanted HSBC to play a strong role in the city, particularly around getting young people into work. He said: "We as an employer care greatly about youth unemployment and skills. One of the things we are keen to do is work with the council in that area to make sure we are putting something back into Birmingham. Those are good reasons to have us here regardless of any personal feelings towards bankers."
Youth unemployment in the West Midlands has dipped significantly in recent years, to four per cent in February.
The number of people aged 18 to 24 classed as unemployed in the region has fallen, but there remains 21,235 out of work. The problem is more severe in Birmingham and latest data shows there were 7,060 young people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in February.
Birmingham City Council leader Sir Albert Bore welcomed the HSBC move. He said: "HSBC, now they have committed themselves to setting up this bank in Birmingham, want to engage with Birmingham.
"They are asking the question ‘what can we do to help?' and that one area, youth unemployment, is one where they have signalled to us they would want to move forward with that agenda."
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Marketing Birmingham chief executive Neil Rami said the HSBC move showed people could build a career in financial services in Birmingham.
"It will make a very big difference to how we as a city are perceived, not just nationally but internationally," he said.