HSBC has signalled its commitment to growing staff numbers in Edinburgh after announcing plans to open a third office in the city early next year.

The bank said it will open a 400-capacity office at Edinburgh Park in January. Based on Lochside Avenue, it will complement its existing offices on Lochside Way and Lochside Place.

HSBC currently employs more than 1,200 staff in the city and is planning to grow that number in the next two years.

It has increased staff numbers north of the Border by 10 per cent in the last 18 months, taking the tally to more than 3,700 across all operations in Scotland.

Alison McGregor, chief executive of HSBC in Scotland, said: “HSBC has a clear role to play in supporting the growth of the Scottish economy.

“We are committed to helping businesses of all sizes grow both internationally and domestically, and helping individuals achieve their ambitions.

“Edinburgh is a dynamic city with a strong financial services industry and a highly skilled workforce. We are delighted to be expanding our presence in Edinburgh with the opening of our new Lochside Avenue office.”

HSBC, which has its roots in the Far East, is currently mulling whether to shift its headquarters from London to a base overseas in light of regulatory changes introduced since the financial crash.

It is expected to announce a decision by the end of the year.