HSBC Bank, officially known as The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, was established on March 3, 1865, in Hong Kong and soon expanded to Shanghai. Founded by Thomas Sutherland, it served as the cornerstone of the global HSBC Group, destined to impact international banking significantly.

HSBC distinguished itself from its inception with a multicultural board featuring Scottish, German, Indian, American, English, and Norwegian members, highlighting its international vision and commitment to a worldwide customer base. Focusing initially on clients in Hong Kong and Shanghai, the bank gained reputation quickly for its customer-centric and globally-focused services.

Moving beyond traditional finance, HSBC began issuing banknotes in Hong Kong and China in 1865, offering a practical alternative to the cumbersome silver. Trusted by local merchants, these notes became a dependable currency for business. The successful service soon expanded to Japan, Singapore, Penang, Thailand, and other Chinese cities.

By 1900, HSBC was operational in 16 countries, playing a crucial role in facilitating global trade. Its presence in Asia expanded to include Singapore, and areas within today’s Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Indonesia, significantly impacting the regional economy, especially through the export of rubber and tin from Singapore.

Following World War I, HSBC solidified its presence in the Asian market. The economic shifts of the 1950s in Asia prompted the bank to adapt, leading to strengthened Asian operations and setting the stage for global expansion, marked notably by the 1992 acquisition of the UK’s Midland Bank. This large merger resulted in the relocation of HSBC’s head office to London for regulatory compliance.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, HSBC expanded further into regions such as Latin America and Turkey, and into developed markets like France, Switzerland, and the USA. A pivotal move in 1998 was the introduction of a unified brand under the global hexagon logo, enhancing consistency and brand recognition among customers, investors, and employees worldwide.

Today, HSBC is a leading player in the global financial services sector. It maintains a notable presence, including its Edinburgh office at 76 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1EL, and offers extensive online services through www.hsbc.co.uk.