HSBC

ABOUT HSBC

2007

2007 was a year of challenges for HSBC.

The weakness in the American property market affected its US subsidiary, HSBC Finance Corporation, and in February the bank issued a trading statement to warn investors about the impact of bad debts. Many other banks follow suit and by the end of the year HSBC is winning plaudits for its early announcement and prudent handling of the situation. In a strategic review of its consumer and mortgage lending businesses, the bank announces the closure of Decision One, its sub-prime mortgage loans wholesale channel.

Elsewhere, HSBC continues to expand its business in key markets and through key products. In April, the bank officially incorporates in China and the chairman announces the intention to 'significantly invest in and develop our business in the country.' By the end of the year HSBC is operating from 53 outlets in the country – up from 39 – and is the first foreign bank to receive permission to open a branch in rural China. September sees the official launch of HSBC Premier – the world's first truly global banking service – which is soon dubbed 'The world's local bank account.'

HSBC continues its long-standing engagement with the environmental agenda when it launches the HSBC Climate Partnership in May. This five-year, US$100m project aims to tackle the causes and impact of climate change. The bank also appoints Nicholas Stern to the post of special advisor on Economic Development and Climate Change. The bank's principles are put into practice to good effect in its new HQ in Mexico which wins Gold awards for its environmental design, construction and operation. This is just one of many awards that HSBC receives throughout the year - others include Asia's top retail bank and the Best International Islamic Bank.

Both looking back, and looking forward, HSBC announces during the year that it has commissioned a new history of the bank to be published in 2015 to coincide with the bank's 150th birthday.

Beacuse of willing only to entroduce with HSBC I will make the history shorter.

1900-1945

In the early years of the twentieth century, HSBC widened the scope of its activities in the East. It became increasingly involved in the issuing of loans to national governments, especially in China, to finance modernisation and internal infrastructure projects such as railway building. The First World War brought disruption and dislocation to many businesses but the 1920s saw a return to prosperity in the East as new industries were developed and trade in commodities such as rubber and tin soared. The bank’s new head office in Hong Kong (1935) and the new buildings at major branches such as Bangkok (1921), Manila (1922) and Shanghai (1923) reflected this confidence. In contrast the political outlook in China grew increasingly uncertain. Throughout the 1930s, in keeping with its long-standing connections with government finance in China, the bank took a leading part in efforts to stabilise the Chinese national currency.

In the Second World War, the majority of the bank’s staff in the East became prisoners of war as the Japanese advanced through Asia. The chief manager, Sir Vandeleur Grayburn and his designated successor died while prisoners in Hong Kong. The bank survived under the guidance of its London Advisory Committee who were empowered to act as a Board of Directors in 1943, and under the leadership of Arthur Morse who became Chairman and Chief Manager of the bank at the same time. With most of the branch network shut down the bank adjusted to wartime conditions whilst always making plans to return to its home.