HSBC Brand history 2026
HSBC’s archives come to life to tell our enduring story – a story that crosses continents and spans centuries.
Our history
Supporting our customer for over 160 years
The birth of a bank
HSBC was born from one simple idea – a local bank serving international needs. In March 1865, HSBC opened its doors for business in Hong Kong, helping to finance trade between Europe, Asia and the Americas.
We have been supporting our customers for over 160 years. Today, we serve around 41 million personal, wealth and corporate customers worldwide in 56 countries and territories.
The experiences of the past over 160 years have formed the character of HSBC. A glance at our history explains why we believe in capital strength, in strict cost control and in building long-term relationships with customers.
The bank has weathered change in all forms – revolutions, economic crises, new technologies – and adapted to survive. The resulting corporate character enables HSBC to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Supporting customers through crisis and calm
History timeline
Learn how a local Hong Kong bank became one of the world’s largest financial services organisations.
Our history in depth
Visit the HSBC History website to explore the bank’s rich and colourful heritage in depth, and access our unique archives.
Our iconic red hexagon
Henry Steiner - the Hex
Our hexagon sits proudly on our headquarters, our branches, our bank cards... it is HSBC. In this video, Henry Steiner – the man who created our enduring visual identity – explains what inspired his design.
Back to the future
Lord Norman Foster, the architect of our Hong Kong HQ, returns to the building 40 years after it opened – and reflects on how its “radical” concept inspired future developments.
Content last updated: 03 August 2026
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