According to the document, which the BBC published in full, the IT cost reduction initiative is top of a list of 11 the bank is planning on implementing at a âglobal and regional levelâ.
In the memo, Chris Kyle, chief financial officer (CFO), wrote: âFreeze on hardware and software spend to be implemented for the remainder of the year. Direct approval rights to be withdrawn from cost centre users.
âAll hardware and software spend must contain the approval of the relevant ExCo member and Regional CFO so that it can be considered on an exceptional basis.â
In terms of global IT programmes, a committee featuring Stephen Norman, Alexis Tobin and David Shalders, the bankâs chief information officer (CIO), chief administrative officer and chief operating officer (COO), will decide on what spending projects should be allowed to go-ahead.
Other areas to be impacted by the investment freeze include training, travel, telecoms and marketing.
All freelance consultants will be expected to take a two week holiday between 19 and 30 December of this year, the document outlined.
By Jim Ottewill