Unicredit boss Jean Pierre Mustier and incoming UBS Group Ralph Hamers were among those reported to have caught Tucker's eye
Easing regulations and a surge in online banking are driving the change, with several overseas lenders increasing investment plans for the country to win affluent clients away from domestic rivals
The global banking and markets segment contributed to $466 million in profits, against $387 million in 2018.
HSBC, which makes more than 80% of its profit in Asia, said that its global commercial banking unit head Noel Quinn will be interim chief executive
The buyback will take the total of HSBC share buybacks since the second half of 2016 to $5.5 billion
HSBC is accused of abetting tax evasion by four Indians and their families