HSBC Bank, officially known as The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, was launched as the foundation for what is now the global HSBC Group. On March 3, 1865, it opened in Hong Kong and expanded to Shanghai shortly thereafter, initiated by Thomas Sutherland, the Hong Kong Superintendent for the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company. This marked the start of an institution that would significantly influence global banking.

From the start, HSBC stood out for its multicultural board comprised of individuals of Scottish, German, Indian, American, English, and Norwegian heritage, reflecting its international ambition and dedication to a worldwide clientele. Initially targeting customers in Hong Kong and Shanghai, it quickly became favored for its customer-centric approach and global reach.

HSBC's operations extended beyond finance as it started issuing banknotes in Hong Kong and China in 1865, simplifying trade with a practical alternative to cumbersome silver. These notes gained the trust of local merchants, becoming a reliable currency for business transactions. Successful expansion took this service to Japan, Singapore, Penang, Thailand, and multiple cities in China.

By 1900, HSBC was operating in 16 countries, actively facilitating global trade. Its Asian presence grew, with further expansion into Singapore, and areas of current-day Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Indonesia, playing a significant role in the regional economy, notably in Singapore's export of rubber and tin.

Post-World War I, HSBC consolidated its Asian market presence. The transformative 1950s in Asia prompted the bank to adapt to dynamic economic scenarios. The subsequent decades strengthened its Asian position and paved the way for global growth, notably with the 1992 acquisition of the UK’s Midland Bank—a large-scale merger that led to HSBC's head office relocation to London for regulatory compliance.

In the 1990s and 2000s, HSBC extended its reach into Latin America, Turkey, and developed economies like France, Switzerland, and the USA. A crucial 1998 strategic move was launching a unified brand with the global hexagon symbol, improving coherence and recognition across worldwide operations among customers, investors, and employees.

Today, HSBC remains a dominant figure in the global financial services sector, with its Edinburgh office at 76 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1EL, and a comprehensive online presence at www.hsbc.co.uk for further information and services.