HSBC Holdings plc

HSBC Holdings plc is a British universal bank and financial services group headquartered in London, England, with deep historical roots in East Asia dating back to its founding in 1865 in Hong Kong as the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. Originally established to finance trade between Europe and Asia, it has evolved into one of the world's largest banks by total assets, holding US$3.098 trillion as of September 2024, making it the largest Europe-based bank and the seventh globally. The group operates in 57 countries across Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, North America, and South America, serving approximately 39 million customers through three principal business groups: Wealth and Personal Banking, which provides retail banking, wealth management, asset management, and insurance; Commercial Banking for small to mid-sized enterprises and corporates; and Global Banking and Markets, offering financing, advisory, capital markets, and risk management services. HSBC Holdings plc generates a significant portion of its profits from Asia, particularly China, and continues to adapt through strategic expansions, acquisitions like Hang Seng Bank in 2025, and a focus on trade finance and high-net-worth clients, underscoring its pivotal role in global finance.