Banking giant HSBC said on Tuesday it is creating 500 new jobs in Scotland.

HSBC will create new roles in its global risk business in Edinburg and in its centre of excellence for customer contact in Hamilton.

HSBC will also increase the number of employees in other areas of the business — bringing HSBC’s headcount in Scotland to 4,500.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the news as she visited HSBC’s centre for global risk operations in Edinburgh.

Sturgeon said: “HSBC’s expansion with the creation of 500 new jobs across Scotland is fantastic news for the economy.

“This is testament to our skills and expertise, and builds on HSBC’s significant business presence here.

“Scotland is open for business and this announcement further demonstrates our position as a prime location for investment and growth.”

Alison McGregor, chief executive of HSBC in Scotland, said: “This expansion programme spans different locations, skills and disciplines, supporting lots of communities in different ways.

“We are absolutely committed to helping businesses and individuals to achieve their ambitions.

“The successful establishment of our global risk function demonstrates that Scotland has the talent we need and HSBC is a place that talented people want to work.

“This is our third year of significant expansion in Scotland.

“The new roles announced today and the increase in the size of our SME fund further illustrates the various ways in which HSBC is contributing to the growth of the Scottish economy.”