A. G. Stephen
Alexander Gordon Stephen | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Banff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland |
| Died | August 27, 1924 (aged 61) |
| Occupation | Banker |
| Known for | Chief manager of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) |
Alexander Gordon Stephen, JP (14 September 1862 – 27 August 1924), served as the chief manager of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC).
Biography
Stephen was born on 14 September 1862 in Banff, Aberdeenshire. His banking journey commenced with an apprenticeship at the Town and Country Bank located in Aberdeen. In 1882, he joined HSBC’s London branch and relocated to Hong Kong three years later, in 1885. Throughout his career, he was assigned to various locations including Batavia, Singapore, and Bombay, and held the position of agent in Penang. He subsequently took charge of the Manila branch and conducted inspections of branches throughout North China. In 1912, Stephen was appointed manager in Shanghai and temporarily assumed the role of chief manager in Hong Kong during Newton John Stabb’s absence. He officially succeeded Stabb as chief manager in 1920.
Beyond his banking responsibilities, Stephen played an important role in Hong Kong’s public affairs. He was appointed an unofficial member of both the Executive Council and the Legislative Council, receiving the title of Justice of the Peace in 1921. His involvement extended to academia as a member of the Court and Council of the University of Hong Kong, and he actively participated on the general committee of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.
Stephen also contributed as a steward to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, where he enjoyed notable successes alongside Stephen and Stitt.
In May 1924, due to declining health, Stephen returned to London. He passed away on 27 August from pneumonia resulting from lung infarction. His funeral took place on 2 September at Kensal Green Cemetery.
The iconic bronze lions displayed at HSBC’s major offices—including the HSBC Main Building in Hong Kong, its former Shanghai branch, and the current headquarters at 8 Canada Square, London—trace their origin back to Stephen. Inspired by his visit to the Venetian Arsenal, he commissioned these statues. The left lion, known for its roaring stance, is named "Stephen" in tribute to him, while the right lion bears the name "Stitt," honoring G H Stitt, who succeeded Stephen as Shanghai Manager.