HSBC
Banking & Financial ServicesFounded in 1865 in Hong Kong, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations, operating across more than 56 countries and territories.
Official HSBC Careers Website
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1865
- Origin
- Hong Kong & Shanghai
- Headquarters
- London, United Kingdom
- Industry
- Banking & Financial Services
About HSBC
HSBC was founded on 3 March 1865 in Hong Kong by Thomas Sutherland, a Scottish businessman working for a shipping firm. A branch opened in Shanghai the same month. The bank was established to finance the growing trade between Europe, Asia, and the Americas, providing merchants with reliable banking access that was otherwise difficult to find.
By 1875 — just ten years after opening — HSBC had established branches across seven countries. In 1991, HSBC Holdings plc was incorporated in London as the group's parent holding company. The following year, the acquisition of Midland Bank significantly expanded its presence in the United Kingdom. HSBC now operates across more than 56 countries and territories.
What HSBC Does
Personal & Retail Banking
Everyday banking, savings, mortgages, and current accounts for individuals and families.
Commercial Banking
Financial services for businesses of all sizes — including trade finance, lending, cash management, and payments.
Corporate & Institutional Banking
Capital markets, treasury, lending, and advisory for corporations, financial institutions, and governments.
Wealth Management
Investment management, insurance, and Premier banking for affluent and internationally mobile customers.
Career Areas
Types of professional roles found inside HSBC.
- Technology & Engineering
- Risk Management
- Compliance & Financial Crime
- Finance & Accounting
- Operations
- Banking & Relationship Management
- Data & Analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Legal
- Human Resources
- Marketing & Communications
- Sustainability
HSBC's History
- 1865Founded in Hong Kong
HSBC opens for business in Hong Kong on 3 March, followed by a Shanghai branch. Founded by Thomas Sutherland to finance trade between Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
- 1875Present in seven countries
Ten years after its founding, HSBC has a presence in seven countries, including Japan, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
- 1991HSBC Holdings plc incorporated
HSBC Holdings plc is incorporated in London as the group's parent holding company, formalising its transition into a globally structured organisation.
- 1992Acquisition of Midland Bank
Acquisition of Midland Bank, one of the UK's largest banks at the time, establishing HSBC as a major banking group in Europe.
- 2025Global structure simplified
HSBC simplifies its global structure into four businesses: Hong Kong, UK, Corporate & Institutional Banking, and International Wealth & Premier Banking.
Purpose & Values
“Opening up a world of opportunity”
