HSBC HSBA.L posted annual profit on Wednesday that beat estimates, helped by increased revenue in wealth and markets businesses, and set stiff cost-cut targets as its new CEO implements a revamp of the Asia-focused bank to boost returns.

HSBC expects to incur $1.8 billion in expenses by the end of next year related to an overhaul initiated by its new CEO to cut long-term costs and boost profits while navigating diverging interest rate policies and geopolitical turmoil.

The London-based bank’s chief executive is concentrating on streamlining the lender’s businesses and reducing costs.

Banking giant HSBC said Wednesday that CEO Georges Elhedery's plan since October to simplify the company's structure and geographic setup will yield $1.5 billion in annual cost savings by the

HSBC on Wednesday said it aims to save $1.8 billion in costs by the end of next year, as its new CEO revamps the bank to boost profit while navigating mixed interest rate policies and profound geopolitical changes.