Smith joined the firm after more than two decades with abrdn, first joining Aberdeen Asset Management in 1998, following a spell at DWS.
As investment director, Smith helped manage global corporate, aggregate, total return and buy and maintain portfolios for abrdn.
In his new role, Smith will be responsible for developing bespoke global fixed income offerings, alongside helping to manage global bond portfolios. Based in London, Smith will report to head of global credit Oliver Boulind.
Boulind said: "We are pleased to welcome Richard to the team as part of our ongoing effort to boost HSBC AM's fixed income capabilities, and further drive our long-term client and growth commitments of developing and enhancing our expertise and fixed income offering within the global fixed income platform.
"Richard brings significant investment experience to our global bond team that will complement the existing team's skill set".