HSBC Democratizes Security for a Global Banking Giant

Objective

HSBC aimed to transition from siloed security models to a unified one strategy approach. The goal was to build a plastic, adaptable technology stack capable of meeting diverse local regulations while providing a frictionless environment for developers and a seamless digital experience for 38 million retail customers.

Challenge

Managing distinct production environments across multiple jurisdictions made global roadmapping difficult. Internal security processes acted as a bottleneck for developers, while siloed identity stores meant customers were often known twice across business lines. Additionally, maintaining bespoke, non-standard code drained resources needed for innovation.

Solution

HSBC implemented the Ping Identity (formerly ForgeRock) Identity Platform to commoditize security. By leveraging OpenID Connect and OAuth 2.0, they created a unified access management fabric. The solution uses regional instances and realms to manage local regulatory needs and pilots new user journeys without disrupting global operations.

Results

The bank successfully shifted from building to integrating security, establishing architectural guardrails that empower developers to innovate safely. This transformation ensured Open Banking readiness and global scalability. By moving toward a unified identity store, HSBC reduced the data burden on 25,000 staff members.