Former chancellor George Osborne has been shortlisted as a shock candidate to become the next chairman of HSBC Holdings, one of the most powerful and prestigious roles in global banking, according to reports. Sky News revealed that Osborne - who served as chancellor from 2010 to 2016 - was approached over the summer as part of HSBC's year-long search to replace outgoing chair Sir Mark Tucker. City sources say he is now among three remaining contenders being considered by the board.