iPhones for 200,000 HSBC Staff?

Apple head Steve Jobs has claimed that the 3G iPhone sold one million units in its first weekend. That’s impressive, but he’ll be rubbing his hands with glee if the chips at banking giant HSBC fall the right way.

In an interview with ZDNet, HSBC’s Australia and New Zealand chief information officer Brenton Hush said:

"We are actually reviewing iPhones from a HSBC Group perspective… and when I say that, I mean globally."

That would, in turn, be a major blow to BlackBerry, currently HSBC’s smartphone of choice for its employees. It could also mean a massive order for Apple, as around 200,000 HSBC staff would be issued with the phones.

"You know, it’s a big decision, especially when you have an existing fleet out there." Hush added. "But it’s definitely something we are considering from a HSBC Group perspective. We always explore the potential application of new technologies and this is no different."

No time frame was given for a final decision.