Omnicom Media Group (OMG) is set to retain HSBC’s global media planning and buying account, at the conclusion of a gruelling six-month-long pitch process.

According to Campaign, the British bank initiated a review of its media account in October last year, which culminated in a straight shoot-out between the victorious OMG and WPP.

Omnicom-owned PHD had previously held the account since 2018, defeating WPP’s Mindshare and Dentsu’s Aegis network in a three-way pitch process. Mindshare had held the account for 13 years prior to PHD.

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In a statement, an HSBC spokesperson said: “HSBC periodically evaluates all marketing service suppliers to ensure we select the best partners to maximise the effectiveness of our investment to support our strategic goals. We have selected OMG as our preferred media planning and buying partner.”

Considered by many as a clear attempt to bolster its financial services offering, Omnicom acquired UK-based specialist media agency Ptarmigan in July.