Mr Green’s career began with the British Government's Ministry of Overseas Development. In 1977 he joined McKinsey & Co, with whom he undertook assignments in Europe, North America and the Middle East.

He joined The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in 1982 with responsibility for corporate planning activities.  Consequently he was put in charge of the development of the bank's global treasury operations. In 1992 he became Group Treasurer of HSBC Holdings, with responsibility for the HSBC Group's treasury and capital markets businesses globally.

In 1998 he was appointed to the Board of HSBC Holdings as Executive Director, Investment Banking and Markets responsible for the investment banking, private banking and asset management activities of the Group. Later he assumed additional responsibility for the Group's corporate banking business.  In June 2003 he was named Group Chief Executive and subsequently Group Chairman.

He became Chairman of the British Bankers' Association in November 2006 and Chairman of the Prime Minister's Business Council for Britain in January 2009. He is also a trustee of The British Museum, and an honorary trustee of Peking University.

Born in England, Mr Green holds degrees from Oxford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.