The largest bank in Hong Kong, HSBC operates branches and offices throughout the Indo-Pacific region and in other countries around the world.

Under the HSBC brand, the bank maintains a network of around 220 branches throughout Hong Kong, from which it offers a wide range of financial products and services.

[3] It was also home to HSBC Holdings's headquarters until the latter firm's move to London to meet the requirements of the UK regulatory authorities after the acquisition of the Midland Bank in 1992.

It was designed by British architect Norman, Lord Foster, and was the most expensive building in the world based on usable floor area at the time it was built.

Hong Kong is unusual in that it is one of the few countries or territories where commercial banks are still permitted to issue their own banknotes.

In June 2023, it was reported that HSBC had closed the bank accounts of the pro-democracy League of Social Democrats (LSD), and had refused to give reasons for its decision.

HSBC established its Shanghai branch office on 3 March 1865 and has had a continuous presence in the city[13] since then, except during the Japanese Occupation.

The industry considered this move, giving HSBC a lead in the race to grab pieces of mainland China's banking market.

[16] HSBC opened its first Japan operations in Yokohama in 1866, followed by branches in other trading ports such as Osaka, Kobe and Nagasaki.

It was heavily involved in the early development of Japan's current monetary system, and consulted with the government regarding fiscal policy, currency printing and related matters.

Since 2007 it has expanded its HSBC Premier private banking services for the "Mass affluent" market or high-net-worth individual clients.

In December 2011, HSBC announced to selling its private bank in Japan to Swiss peer Credit Suisse for an undisclosed sum, but at the end of October 2011 the value of the gross assets included in the sale was about $2.7 billion.

[21][22] Today, HSBC's flagship office remains at the original Collyer Quay site where its first branch was opened.

[25] HSBC is expanding in competitive South Korean market, operating from a network of 11 branches, the first having been opened in Jemulpo in 1897.

HSBC's presence in Taiwan dates back to 1885 when The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation appointed an agent in Tamsui.

The bank now has a network of 8 branches (Hyperlink to service channel[clarification needed]) nationwide, including Taipei, Jianguo, Banqiao, Tianmu, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.

HSBC has made significant contributions to the establishment of solid foundations for Thailand's financial and banking sectors.

HSBC's main branch office in Thailand is situated in Bangkok on Rama IV Road opposite Lumpini Park.

In 2011, Phase 2 of the new Financial Sector Master Plan allowed foreign banks to open up to two branches in the Kingdom of Thailand in preparation for full retail operations.

In September 2007, HSBC acquired 10% share capital of Bao Viet Holdings, becoming the sole foreign strategic partner of Vietnam's leading insurance company.

In October 2009, HSBC signed an agreement to increase its shareholding in Bao Viet Holdings to 18% from 10% for VND1.88 trillion (approximately US$105.3 million).

Local films and television series set in Hong Kong, especially comedies, use this nickname when referring to the bank.