Diane Marchena, Global Head of Protective Security at HSBC, tells SJUK what inspired her to pursue a career in security and the current threat landscape for the banking sector.

Can you tell me a little bit about you and your background?  

I grew up in North Vancouver, Canada. It’s a beautiful part of the world surrounded by the ocean, mountains and forests. 

I graduated from University and spent time in Ottawa working for the Federal Government before relocating to the UK and joining HSBC.   

Since then, I’ve held several different security related roles based in London and in June 2023, I was appointed the Global Head of Protective Security.

Outside of work I’m married and have an eight-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son. 

Who or what inspired you growing up? 

I have always been interested in helping people and understanding human behaviour, which inspired me to study Criminology.

This only enhanced after meeting someone who had completed the programme which included a mixture of Law, Sociology, Psychology and Philosophy. 

How did you get into the security industry? 

I studied Criminology and initially worked for the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) in Ottawa before relocating to the UK.

I joined HSBC as the Police Liaison and found myself speaking to officers from all over the country, managing court orders, extradition requests and preparing witness statements.   

It was a fascinating role and gave me a great initial foundation into the security arena, which I used to set up the Financial Intelligence Unit before moving into policy and project roles. 

I completed my Masters in Criminology at Kings College London and joined Protective Security 13 years ago, where I went from managing incidents and the Security Control Room to looking after the UK & Europe Region before moving into my global role. 

What is your experience as a woman in security? Has it changed over time? 

I’ve had an incredibly rewarding career within the security sector and never felt my gender held me back. 

I’ve had amazing male managers who supported my development. 

In my early career, I would often be the only female at the table with other heads of security.  

This is no longer the case which is great for diversity of thought.

Within my UK team, I have a strong pipeline of female talent at all levels, but I would like to see more financial institutions with female heads of security.   

You have achieved a couple of major ‘firsts’ in your career, but what does this mean to you and for the next generation of security professionals? 

I’m really proud to have been the first female Regional Head of Protective Security within HSBC and more recently the first female Global Head of Protective Security. 

Throughout my early career, I never had a female manager to look up to within Security and I feel really privileged to lead the way for promoting diversity within our department. 

What does a typical day look like for you at HSBC? 

Every day is different in this role, which is what makes it so interesting.

I am currently working on a strategic programme to transform the way in which Protective Security operates globally as well as planning the security for our new Global Headquarters. 

I tend to structure my day based on key project meetings, supporting my team and connecting with colleagues or stakeholders based on relevant time zones. 

In terms of the threat landscape, what are the biggest challenges right now and how can the banking sector and its customers overcome them? 

The threat landscape and types of incidents experienced by financial institutions within the UK has significantly changed over the last 10 years. 

Within the retail market, the prevalence of raids, break ins and ATM attacks has been replaced by high-risk gatherings and property damage.  

It is imperative our colleagues can go to work and safely serve customers.

We need the support from our law enforcement partners to ensure appropriate levels of response are provided.  

On a more global scale, recent challenges have been related to the changing geopolitical landscape in markets that we operate.  

What do you love most about your job? 

The people I work with.

They are incredibly talented individuals and completely dedicated to protecting our colleagues, properties and assets.

It really is a joy to be in a job where everyone pulls together for a common purpose.

I also really appreciate being in a role where every day is different with new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow as an individual and to feel like I’m making a difference for the organisation.  

Where do you see yourself – and the industry – in five years’ time? 

In five years’ time, I would like to see through the delivery of the Global Protective Security strategy and to see the outcome of the benefits. 

To be in a role that continues to challenge and interest me and to see our industry have more female leaders. 

This article was originally published in the February 2025 Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.