Worldwide

Who we are

The HSBC Group is one of the largest banking and financial services organisations in the world, with well-established businesses in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa.

Head office

HSBC Holdings plc is incorporated in England, with its head office in London.

Strategy

HSBC's vision is to be the world's leading financial services company. To achieve this, we must make HSBC the 'best place to bank' for our customers. We have identified seven principal areas – that we call 'global pillars' – to help us improve our operations, and the products and services offered to customers. Through these pillars, we aim to become more 'joined up', and to demonstrade the real benefits our size and international network bring our customers.

Assets

US$1,861 billion (£947 billion, HK$14,469 billion) at 31 December 2006.

Profit (pre-tax)

US$22,086 million (£11,993 million, HK$171,586 million) for 2006.

Capital strength

Tier 1 capital ratio: 9.4%
Tier capital ratio: 13.5%
at 31 December 2006

International reach

Around 10,000 offices in 82 countries and territories.

Staff

312,000 employees worldwide.

Customers

Over 125 million worldwide, with a total of 35 million registered for internet banking.

Share listings

HSBC Holdings is listed on the London, Hong Kong, New York, Paris and Bermuda stock exchanges. The company's US$0.50 ordinary shares are traded on the London, Hong Kong, Paris and Bermuda stock exchanges and are traded in New York in the form of American Depositary Shares, each of which represents five ordinary shares. Shares in HSBC Holdings are held by around 200,000 shareholders in over 100 countries and territories.

Technology

HSBC is a major user of advanced information technology, with an annual spending of US$5 billion. Its e-business channels include the internet, PC banking and telephone banking via both fixed and mobile phones. HSBC maintains its own private telecommunications network – one of the world's largest - to deliver IT services to customers and to staff around the world. HSBC web sites attracted 1.8 billion visits during 2006.

Personal Financial Services (including Consumer Finance)

HSBC provides its personal customers worldwide with a full range of personal financial services, including current and savings accounts, mortgages, insurance, credit cards, loans, pensions and investments. Consumer finance, now a part of Personal Financial Services due to the increasing integration of these businesses around the world, facilitates point-of-sale credit to consumers, and lends money and provides related services to meet the financial needs of everyday people.

Pre-tax profit for 2006 was US$9.4 billion, a decrease of 5% on the previous year, due to higher impairment charges, particularly in the US, which masked increasing contributions from key emerging markets and from strong growth in Hong Kong. HSBC invested US$400 million to extend distribution in emerging markets, add deposits through direct channels in the US and Taiwan, and improve direct channel capabilities. The number of customers using HSBC Premier grew for the seventh consecutive year to 1.8 million, an increase of 35% compared with 2005. This service is now available in 36 countries.

Commercial Banking

HSBC is a leading provider of financial services to small, medium-sized and middle-market enterprises. Pretax profit for 2006 increased by 21% to US$6 billion. Customer numbers increased in response to the launch of specialised commercial banking centres and new products tailored to meet their needs. International Business Centres were established in 16 locations and a new cross-border credit arrangement was launched to support HSBC's global relationship with international customers in making local lending decisions. Customer loans and accounts grew by 22% and 29% respectively, while customers registered for internet banking rose by 29%.

Corporate, Investment Banking and Markets

This global business provides tailored financial services to corporate, institutional and government clients, and reported an increase of 12% in pre-tax profit to US$5.8 billion in 2006, driven by an 18% rise in total operating income. The Global Markets division saw robust growth in foreign exchange, credit and rates, and structured derivatives. Global Banking experienced a strong performance in payments and cash management. Group Investment Businesses attracted higher performance fees on emerging market funds.

Private Banking

HSBC has one of the world's top private banking businesses, providing financial services to high net worth individuals and their families in 90 locations. A record year in Asia with continued expansion, including new offices in Shanghai and Manila, was boosted by exceptional performances in Switzerland, Monaco and the UK. Pre-tax profit increased by 33% to US$1.2 billion, supported by strong growth in client assets and lending. Client assets increased by 22% to US$333 billion.

Primary Press Contacts

London: 44 020 7992 3756 / 44 020 7992 1573
Hong Kong: 852 2822 4929
New York: 1 212 525 3800
Chicago: 1 847 564 6761

Download the HSBC Group Fact Sheet.

Visit the HSBC Global Site for more information on The HSBC Group and listings.

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