HSBC is seeking to tap the growing population of wealthy Chinese living in America.

HSBC has appointed a 16-year veteran of the bank to a newly created position of head of Asian market banking and Chinese business strategy, to increase the firm's markets share of the wealthy offshore Asian population in New York. 

Elizabeth Lee, a fluent Chinese speaker, was most recently senior vice president and district executive, New York City region, according to a statement from the bank. 

She will be responsible for HSBC's 13 Asia focused branches in New York City, as well as growing market-share among the Chinese population. 

HSBC says it has a long history of serving America's Asian population. It first opened a branch in San Francisco in 1875 to serve the City's Chinese community. 

Across its Asian focused branches in New York City, banking assistance is currently offered in six dialects of Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese, Fujianese, Taiwanese, Shanghaiese, and Toisanese) as well as Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean and English. 

Ashley Parker, New York City Regional President, HSBC Bank USA said: “Increasing market share among the Asian population is a key focus for us and Elizabeth’s appointment confirms the strategic importance HSBC places on serving the banking and wealth management needs of this important client segment.”