The world of finance has been glamourised and cannibalised in the media for decades. Films like The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) and The Big Short (2015) have shown audiences both the allure and the repugnance of the ‘financial Mecca’ that is Wall Street.
Still, there is a magnetism that surrounds these professions. From networking events at fancy galas to the lengthy elevator ride to a top floor in a glass skyscraper, a job in finance puts you at the top of the food chain.
But more than that, working in finance takes grit. Beyond the ritzy exterior, working in finance means long hours and grinding for years to see a modicum of success. Like all professions, the life of finance requires passion, commitment, and a fondness for number crunching. This is the holy trinity of the industry, and it is something Nimarta (Amita) Sachdev has in spades as the Head of Product Development for Cards at HSBC.
Let me start by saying this: my journey has been anything but ordinary. After completing my postgraduate studies in Finance and Banking in London, I returned to Bangkok and sought to carve out a meaningful career in finance.
My path has been one of relentless learning and growth, shaped by diverse roles and geographies that have broadened my perspective and deepened my expertise. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the kitschy markets of Delhi, and now the dynamic synergy of Hong Kong, each step has been a unique blend of challenges and opportunities that have shaped who I am today.
Over the course of 20 years, I’ve built a robust career in banking and financial services, collaborating with some of the most reputable names in the industry. I began my journey with GE Capital in Bangkok, a role that laid the foundation for my passion in banking.
My personal life took me to India, but my career remained steadfast. I continued with GE, navigating new landscapes and challenges, and in 2009 transitioned to working with Krungsri Bank.
In 2017 came an incredibly exciting chapter in my life: I joined Citibank. It was a role that I truly loved. When the retail arm of Citibank exited Thailand in 2022, I transitioned to UOB as part of an acquisition deal. Since mid-2024, I have been working with HSBC at their offices in Hong Kong.
Throughout my career, I’ve been a steadfast advocate for the banking industry that has empowered and transformed my life. Each facet is fascinating and vital, and I’m thrilled to be part of an industry that continues to evolve and inspire.
Banking is at the heart of the global economy. It powers businesses and individuals across borders. I was drawn to banking for its mix of strategy, analytics, innovation, and impact on people’s lives.
Within that, the credit card space hooked me with its cool blend of tech and finance; think rewards, seamless payments, and helping folks build their futures, one swipe at a time.
But banking’s magic goes beyond credit cards; it’s also about wealth management, lending, and empowering individuals and businesses. It’s where passion for problem solving meets real-world fun!
You’ll meet a certain type of professional everywhere — the kind that is very experienced and talented in their field. You can learn a lot from those people, regardless of industry. It’s been a privileged experience, and this industry has enriched my perspective both personally and professionally.
Growing up in Bangkok was vibrant and formative. It’s my home and remains close to my heart. Simultaneously, my Indian heritage has only enriched my life.
Living outside of India, I have learned to carry both cultures with me. Do I relate more to being Indian? At times, yes. My family, with a century of historical migration, raised me in a house that held firm to their traditions and cultural values.
Though I respected their beliefs, I challenged some of the norms within my family. I would like to think I succeeded — mostly because I was firm in my own beliefs just as they were in theirs. [Laughs]
Hong Kong for me was like a new skyline, a new rhythm, but still chasing the same dream. This city is a perfect blend of the East and the West.
Hong Kong forces you to be agile and resilient. One of the best things about living there is the world I have built for myself. Every time my plane touches down here, I’m filled with a profound sense of coming home, to my heart.
It has become more than just a place; it’s a part of my identity. On the flip side, returning to Bangkok feels like stepping into a warm embrace — into the arms of those I hold dearest to my heart. It’s where I reconnect and feel their love for me. It truly is the best of both worlds.
My expertise in the industry has been instrumental in my role at HSBC’s global office, where I focus on product development, its profitability, and aligning with key markets to achieve strategic goals.
I lead initiatives to develop and revamp cards, particularly for affluent segments, update their key benefits where research sees fit, and remain competitive and relevant.
This role involves extensive collaboration, oversight, and meetings with teams across various markets. I balance different time zones within these markets, be it Asia, Australia, Mexico, or the UK.
I destress by exploring, travelling, and meeting people from diverse cultures. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been passionate about dancing, particularly Bollywood — inspired by Madhuri Dixit’s latkas and jhatkas — and salsa and bachata.
Dancing fills me with joy and warms my soul. Beyond the worldly, I’ve made a conscious choice in this lifetime to pursue liberation, as my name “Amita” suggests.
Thirteen years ago, a pivotal moment led me to my guru, Hazoor Appa, who has been my spiritual compass ever since. Thanks to the guidance from my guru, I’ve embraced inner surrender, devotion, and emotional balance, focusing on vertical growth toward higher consciousness.
I view every situation as a reflection of my inner state. Everything is a lesson for spiritual completion, and I strive to walk this path with detachment, surrender, and truth, free from distractions.
What advice would you give, especially to young girls, to those who wish to follow a similar career path?
Everything unfolds in its own time, brings its own answers, and has its rightful place. So, trust the journey and let destiny do its magic!
My advice to young girls is to believe in themselves unapologetically, build confidence, and embrace their individuality. Surround yourself with those who uplift and challenge you, but always stay true to your values and aspirations.
Seek out every opportunity to learn, grow, and push beyond your comfort zone. Personally, for me, it has been very cathartic and transformative.