Since joining the bank in 2023, she has been instrumental in driving the bank’s strategy to expand its wealth business in the U.S., which is a key growth market within the bank’s global portfolio. Previously, Racquel was Northeast Divisional Director and Managing Director for the Consumer Bank and Wealth Management business for JPMorgan Chase & Co. She also held leadership roles at Merrill Lynch and UBS. She started her career as an associate in equity trading at Morgan Stanley.
Racquel serves as chair of the board of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and sits on the board of directors for the Apollo Theater, the New York City Police Foundation, and New York City Prep for Prep. She was recently named to American Banker’s 2025 Most Powerful Women in Finance list and Forbes 50 Over 50. Racquel received a master’s degree in business administration from Hampton University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from James Madison University.
You’ve said before that financial literacy is a form of empowerment. Who or what first taught you to see money that way?
I prefer to use the word fluency rather than literacy when it comes to money. Literacy suggests you’ve learned the basics, like works on a page, but fluency means you can speak the language and apply it to everyday life. That’s the kind of relationship I want people to have with money – not distant or intimidating but something to navigate naturally.
I first started to see money as a form of empowerment at my family’s kitchen table. That’s where I learned that talking about money openly gives you power over it instead of letting it have power over you. Those conversations shaped how I think about financial fluency and why I believe it’s so important to make money part of everyday conversation.
As someone who frames wealth “beyond wealth,” what metrics or indicators do you use to assess success in financial inclusion, access, or equity initiatives – beyond return on capital?
Framing wealth "beyond wealth" means focusing on social, human, and philanthropic capital alongside financial capital. This holistic view shifts the success metrics to important areas of your life like building a network, giving to causes that matter to you and your family, and building wealth for the next generation.
At HSBC, we recently published a report on philanthropy called The Giving Shift that showed a powerful transformation in how women across the U.S. are building wealth and giving back. Moving away from prestige-driven philanthropy, this new generation of women is ushering in a personal approach to giving that’s rooted in community and family. Wealth can give you the tools to make a meaningful difference in the lives of your community and family.
In your role at HSBC, you emphasize the importance of visibility, mentorship, and allyship. Looking forward, what kind of legacy do you want to foster in the next generation of women in finance, and how are you investing in that today?
At HSBC, I’m deeply committed to fostering a legacy where women in finance not only have a seat at the table but feel empowered to use their voices with confidence and purpose. Visibility, mentorship, and allyship are at the heart of that mission because representation drives lasting change.
One of the ways we’re actively investing in this future is through our HSBC Women and Wealth Series, which provides a forum for women to connect, share experiences and gain insights through financial empowerment. These events are designed not just to build financial confidence, but to foster a supportive network of peers and mentors who champion one another’s growth.
Do you have one secret to your success?
I call it the 4 G’s: grit, grind, grace, and gratitude.
Grit is about perseverance and staying the course even when the path isn’t easy. Grit is a reminder to keep moving forward with purpose. Grind is the day-to-day discipline and consistency that turns vision into results. Grace is the ability to lead with empathy, even under pressure. Gratitude keeps you humble when celebrating progress. Together, the 4 G’s keep me focused, balanced, and motivated, and they’ve shaped not only how I define success, but how I hope to inspire it in others.
Who is a woman you admire?
My mom inspires me every day and is the person who instilled in me the lessons of the 4 G’s. I’m so grateful for everything that she’s taught me and how she’s led by example, prioritizing the people around her. Through challenging situations, she showed great perseverance and integrity. Her lessons about hard work, kindness, and resilience continue to inspire the way I live.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
My phone – hands down! Beyond calls and messages, it’s my hub for staying organized, learning, and connecting. It’s how I keep up with clients and collaborate with colleagues. It’s also a small but constant reminder of how technology can help us work smarter. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine navigating a day without it!
What is one big trend you’re excited about in 2026?
One big trend I’m excited about in 2026 is the continued growth and integration of artificial intelligence across industries, particularly in finance. AI is no longer just a tool for automation but is transforming how we analyze data and make decisions. In wealth management, AI is enabling smarter financial planning and providing more precise risk insights. What excites me most is the potential for AI to enhance human capabilities rather than replacing them by acting as a powerful partner that amplifies expertise, drives efficiency, and creates more inclusive access to financial and professional opportunities.
What book or film/show has been the most impactful in your career or life?
The movie Hidden Figures tells the incredible story of three Black women mathematicians at NASA whose brilliance and determination helped launch one of the most pivotal moments in space exploration history, all while breaking barriers in a time when their contributions were often overlooked. What resonates with me most about the movie is how it captures the power of resilience and allyship. These women had extraordinary talent, but they also had the grit (remember the 4G’s) to keep pushing forward despite obstacles. It’s a reminder of how essential it is to create environments where every voice is heard.
