The HSBC Group is one of the leading international banking and financial services organisations. With branches and offices in more than 80 countries and territories, the Group provides a comprehensive range of services to some 40 million customers around the world.
HSBC was founded in 1865 by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. It opened its first overseas branches in Bombay and Shanghai in 1867. It then spread across the Far East and Europe.
The Group aims to maintain a sound and diversified geographic spread of income and assets. The fastest growing markets for the Group are the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries which are expected to continue to expand strongly in the coming years.
The Group is divided into four global business groups: retail banking and wealth management; global banking and markets; commercial banking; and global private banking. It offers a range of lending, savings and insurance products and services, as well as investment banking, private equity and corporate pensions advice.
HSBC has a commitment to the environment, deciding in 2011 that the Group should play its part in mitigating climate change and that it should become carbon neutral. It is investing billions in renewable energy and by 2020, it aims to reduce its direct emissions by 40%.
In terms of corporate social responsibility, HSBC uses its expertise, scale and local knowledge to help create a world where all people have access to sustainable banking services, including those living in areas without access to traditional financial services. It has also invested in health and education projects in some of the world’s poorest communities.
HSBC is dedicated to helping customers make the most of their money, investing in new technology and products to ensure customers have access to the best possible financial services offerings. Through its Future of Banking initiative, it has developed a digital banking platform, allowing customers to access their accounts regardless of location or device.
HSBC is a trusted and respected name in financial services and is known for its long-term commitment to customers, to sustainability and to communities across the world. Its ongoing commitment to innovation and the customer experience, mindfulness of environmental and social responsibility and commitment to a better future ensure it is well placed to continue to serve customers in the years to come.
