Achieving gender balance has an “enormous role” to play in helping HSBC fulfil its potential and “create an environment that is right for everyone”, Group Chief Executive John Flint has said at an event to mark International Women’s Day.

Speaking at the bank’s London headquarters, Mr Flint said: “Diversity in its broadest sense leads to better outcomes, better decisions and better risk management. We run a business risk by not being representative of the people we serve.

The event, which was webcast live to HSBC employees around the world, featured a panel of colleagues who are all working in a manner that enables them – and other people – to reach their potential.

Panellists included Sam Cooper-Gray, the Global Co-Chair of Balance, HSBC’s gender diversity network, and Reena Gupta, a mentor whose support has helped her mentee achieve promotion.

Further events to mark International Women’s Day are being held in the bank’s offices in March. They include an event in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and workshops and talks in Dubai, Geneva, Hong Kong, Vancouver and Sydney.

HSBC’s staff-led employee networks, including Balance, have played a key role in organising many of these activities. Founded nine years ago, Balance has more than 48,000 participants who share a goal of creating gender balance at HSBC.