HSBC (HKG:0005) is expediting its search for its next chairman after Mark Tucker's announcement of his departure, Bloomberg News reported Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Senior Independent Director Ann Godbehere, the director in charge of the search for chairman, has yet to come up with a shortlist for the role, Bloomberg said, citing the sources.

HSBC is looking for a candidate with an in-depth knowledge of Asia, as well as wealth management and diplomatic skills in the wake of US-China tensions, Bloomberg said.

"The process to appoint a new Chairman is underway. We will provide an update in due course," a spokesperson for the bank told MT Newswires.

Tucker will leave HSBC to become the non-executive chairman of insurer AIA, the report said.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)