Skelly, who joined the group in 2008, was most recently head of private wealth solutions for Europe at HSBC Private Bank. Previously, he served as global chief executive of Rothschild Trust and global head of wealth structuring at Barclays Wealth. 

Skelly's remit will cover succession planning, wealth structuring, family governance and philanthropy services. He will also be the regional head of family governance and family enterprise succession for the UK and CEMEA.

Prior is currently HSBC Private Bank's head of philanthropy for the UK and CEMEA, a role he will retain. Before HSBC, he was executive director at the Charities Aid Foundation and director at Barclays.

In their newly-created roles, both Skelly and Prior will be based in London.

HSBC Private Bank recently reported net operating income of $2.172 billion for 2015, compared to $2.377 billion in 2014.