HSBC Holdings PLC is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, operating in the financial sector, specifically within the regional banks industry.
The company employs approximately 235,000 people worldwide and manages over US$ 3 trillion in assets, serving more than 40 million customers across 64 countries through a comprehensive range of financial products and services.
The company’s global operations are divided into four core business segments:
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Wealth and Personal Banking: Serves individual clients with a full suite of retail banking and wealth management services, including current accounts, credit solutions, investments, insurance, and estate planning. This segment is especially focused on high-net-worth individuals with tailored financial solutions.
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Commercial Banking: Supports small, medium, and large enterprises with financing, credit facilities, cash management, and international trade services. HSBC operates in over 53 countries within this segment, facilitating business growth across global markets.
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Global Banking and Markets: Focuses on institutional and governmental clients, offering solutions in corporate finance, capital markets, and risk management. Services include foreign exchange, structured products, and trading in fixed income and equities.
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Corporate Centre: Manages the bank’s equity interests in joint ventures and strategic investments across various regions.
HSBC’s international presence spans strategic markets including the United States, United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, India, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America, reinforcing its position as a major global financial player.
The company has made substantial investments in digital transformation and cybersecurity, and it actively promotes sustainable finance aligned with global ESG goals. It also provides digital banking solutions to improve access and efficiency across its retail and corporate platforms.
HSBC Holdings PLC is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker HSBC.
History and Founding of HSBC Holdings PLC
HSBC was established in 1865 by Thomas Sutherland, a Scottish businessman, in Hong Kong, with the initial goal of facilitating trade between Asia and Europe. The bank’s first branch was opened in Hong Kong, quickly followed by expansion into Shanghai and other key trade hubs.
In its early years, HSBC faced considerable challenges, including financial crises that caused the collapse of many competitors. However, HSBC remained stable and expanded its international footprint. By 1875, the bank was operating in seven countries, establishing itself as a global financial institution.
Throughout the 20th century, HSBC continued expanding into the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, solidifying its global banking presence. In 1980, the company acquired Marine Midland Bank, significantly increasing its footprint in the U.S. market. Later, in 1992, HSBC acquired Midland Bank in the United Kingdom, marking its formal entry into the European market.
In Brazil, HSBC arrived in 1997 through the acquisition of Banco Bamerindus, positioning itself as a key player in Latin America. At its peak, HSBC served over 5 million customers in Brazil through more than 850 branches, before selling its Brazilian operations to Banco Bradesco in 2015 for approximately R$ 17.6 billion.
Between 2020 and 2024, HSBC intensified its focus on digitalization and sustainability, launching initiatives to support low-carbon financial solutions and financial inclusion. The bank also strengthened its presence in Asia, prioritizing emerging markets and expanding in line with the growth of the digital economy.
Today, HSBC continues to evolve as a leading global bank, offering innovative financial services to both corporate and institutional clients in a rapidly changing economic and regulatory environment.
Additional Information
The Company HSBC Holdings PLC (United States), is listed on NYSE with a market cap of $ 240.64 Billions, having an equity of $ 198.69 Billions.
With a total of 235.000 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Financial and categorized in industry of Banks.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 70.05 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 17.69 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 13.60, a P/BV ratio of 1.21 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of HSBC was at 4.74%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker HSBC.