Ivan McAdam O'Connell
Co-Founder & Group Managing Director
Ivan McAdam O’Connell is a co-founder and the Group Managing Director of VIVOS, a corporate services and immigration firm founded in 2024, with offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and the UAE. Before VIVOS he spent more than 15 years at HSBC in Malaysia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Singapore, most recently as a business Chief Operating Officer at HSBC Singapore.
Moving from Ireland to Asia over 20 years ago, I was captivated by the region’s energy and opportunities. Yet I also saw many global businesses and entrepreneurs struggle to fully capture the possibilities of Asia’s dynamic markets.
My career with HSBC took me across four countries. I began in Kuala Lumpur on HSBC Malaysia’s mortgage business, then moved to Los Angeles as a Senior Vice President and Assistant Regional General Manager, Branch Operations, for a consumer finance branch network of more than 1,000 branches across the western United States. In London, during the European debt crisis, I worked in Group Risk and hedge fund credit.
In 2010 I came to Singapore and set up HSBC’s International Desk, going on to help more than 2,000 businesses set up and thrive in Singapore and beyond. I led the largest team in HSBC Singapore’s Commercial Banking business.
Later, as business Chief Operating Officer at HSBC Singapore, I gained invaluable experience bridging cultural, regulatory and commercial gaps, navigating complexities and unlocking potential.
Before banking, I taught for two years in London as part of the inaugural Teach First cohort, and I still bring a teacher’s patience to every client conversation.
Today I also serve as a Non-Executive Director of TransEnergy Global, which works to accelerate the energy transition. At VIVOS, I help executives, founders, investors and growing companies make their next move with confidence.
Career
- Present: Co-Founder and Group Managing Director, VIVOS. Non-Executive Director, TransEnergy Global (since 2025).
- 2017 to 2021: Business Chief Operating Officer, HSBC Singapore.
- 2010 to 2017: HSBC Singapore, Commercial Banking: International Desk, then Team Head of International Corporate Banking (2012 to 2016) and Head of Business Management (2016 to 2017).
- 2006 to 2010: HSBC international manager programme: Kuala Lumpur, Los Angeles and London.
- 2003 to 2005: Teacher, Teach First inaugural cohort, London.
Why Work With Me?
- Executives & Investors Transitioning to Entrepreneurship: I guide leaders ready to pivot from corporate life to building their own ventures.
- Companies Expanding Globally: From setting up regional HoldCos and HQs to navigating international markets, I’m your go-to partner.
- Western Entrepreneurs Accessing Asia: I help you leverage Singapore’s business platform, connections and unlock opportunities across Asia.
- Founders & Investors Relocating to Singapore: From putting down roots to accessing funding and partners, I can be your guide.
If you’re an executive transitioning to entrepreneurship, an entrepreneur or investor looking to expand, or a founder seeking to access Singapore and Asian markets, let’s connect.
Ideal Collaboration
- Executives and investors making the transition to entrepreneurship
- Companies setting up regional HoldCos & HQs to internationalise and go global
- Western entrepreneurs looking to access the Singapore business platform & Asia
- founders & investors looking to relocate and put down roots in Singapore and the region, and access partners and funding
Qualifications
Joint Honours Degree – Trinity College Dublin
QTA – Canterbury Christ Church University
Chartered Financial Analyst Level 1 – CFA Institute
Former business Chief Operating Officer, HSBC Singapore
Non-Executive Director, TransEnergy Global
