HSBC in Australia

HSBC is one of Australia’s leading international banks offering services across retail, wholesale, private banking, trade finance, treasury and financial markets, global payments solutions, asset management and securities custody.

HSBC first established operations in Australia in 1965 and was awarded a commercial licence in 1986. Today we are the only universal international bank still operating in Australia since the deregulation of the banking system in the 1980s. Headquartered in Barangaroo, Sydney HSBC employs more than 2,000 people - our people reflect the customers we serve, diverse, multicultural and multilingual.

In Australia we service customers through a network of branches and offices based in metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Principal HSBC Group members in Australia are HSBC Bank Australia Limited and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited.

Contact details

HSBC Bank Australia Limited
Level 36, One International Towers Sydney
100 Barangaroo Avenue
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Personal banking: 1300 308 008
Commercial banking: 1300 300 437
Website: www.hsbc.com.au

Community

Learn about our programmes to improve literacy and numeracy for young people, to fund education and to help the environment.

Sponsorship

HSBC is proud to partner with some of Australia's leading arts and sporting organisations across the country.

Diversity and inclusion

Read more about HSBC’s commitment to equal opportunities and our diversity initiatives in Australia.

Financial disclosures

Find financial reports for HSBC Bank Australia as well as information on our regulatory disclosures and credit ratings.


HSBC Group history timeline


1865
 
2024

Hong Kong harbour, Chinese artist, early 1860s

Staff in Fuzhou, China, 1887

Portrait of Thomas Jackson, around 1890

Chinese railway bond certificate, 1907

Staff in military uniform, First World War

Hong Kong building, 1965

Prison camp diary of HSBC staff member Max Haymes, 1943

Hong Kong garment factory, around 1950

Persian banknote, early 20th century

UK cash machine, around 1970

HSBC office, New York, 1999

HSBC lion, London, present day

< >

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited opened in Hong Kong on 3 March 1865 and in Shanghai one month later. It was the first locally owned bank to operate according to Scottish banking principles.

By 1875 HSBC was present in seven countries across Asia, Europe and North America. It financed the export of tea and silk from China, cotton and jute from India, sugar from the Philippines and rice and silk from Vietnam.

By 1900, after strong growth under Chief Manager Thomas Jackson, the bank had expanded into 16 countries and was financing trade across the world. Bullion, exchange and merchant banking were important features of the bank’s business.

In the early 20th century, HSBC widened the scope of its activities in Asia. It issued loans to national governments to finance modernisation and infrastructure projects such as railway building.

The First World War brought disruption and dislocation to many businesses. By the 1920s, however, Asia was beginning to prosper again as new industries developed and trade in commodities such as rubber and tin soared.

The 1930s brought recession and turmoil to many markets. Nonetheless, HSBC asked architects Palmer and Turner to design a new head office in Hong Kong: “Please build us the best bank in the world.” The cutting-edge art deco building opened in 1935.

The bank faced one of its most challenging times during the Second World War. Staff in Asia showed huge courage in the face of adversity. Many became prisoners of war. Only the London, Indian and US branches remained in full operation.

At the end of the war, HSBC took on a key role in the reconstruction of the Hong Kong economy. Its support helped established manufacturers as well as newcomers to Hong Kong grow their business.

By the 1970s the bank had expanded through acquisition. HSBC bought Mercantile Bank and The British Bank of the Middle East in 1959. In 1972 it formed a merchant banking arm, extending its range of services.

In the 1980s HSBC bought Marine Midland Bank in the US. In 1992, the newly created HSBC Holdings plc made a recommended offer for full ownership of the UK’s Midland Bank. Following the acquisition, HSBC moved its headquarters to London.

In 1998, the bank announced it would adopt a unified brand, using HSBC and the hexagon symbol everywhere it operated.

Our purpose – Opening up a world of opportunity – explains why we exist. We’re here to use our unique expertise, capabilities, breadth and perspectives, opening up a world of opportunity for our customers.

University spinouts power the UK innovation economy Opens in new window

7 November 2024

The UK’s innovation economy remains the envy of Europe and the role universities play in this should not be overlooked, says Simon Bumfrey.

Lack of access to finance holding back women in business Opens in new window

17 October 2024

Businesses led by women play a vital role in the UK economy, but a lack of access to funding is a significant hurdle in their attempts to grow, innovate and create jobs, says Stephanie Betant, Head of Global Trade Solutions, HSBC UK.

Embedded finance can make us stand out from the crowd Opens in new window

21 August 2024

We’re delivering real benefits to our clients by embedding our payment capabilities in the platforms they use to run their businesses, says Manish Kohli.