The experiences of the past 160 years have formed the character of HSBC. A glance at our history explains why we believe in capital strength, in strict cost control and in building long …

Read the pivotal moments in HSBC’s history since its founding in 1865 and explore the key turning points that shaped this iconic bank.

Find out more about HSBC’s distinctive bank history. Access our unique collection of photos and other bank archive assets stretching back more than 150 years.

Travel back in time and read more about the origins and the history of HSBC, including key milestones in the bank's history.

HSBC was a pioneer of modern banking practices in many countries. It printed the first banknotes in Thailand, for example, and was the first foreign bank in Japan.

The Birmingham and Midland Bank (later Midland Bank and now HSBC UK) opened for business on 22 August 1836. Founded by Charles Geach, the bank was located at Union Street in Birmingham, the heartland of the UK's industrial revolution.

HSBC Holdings plc was established in Hong Kong on 2 April 1991 as the official holding company for the HSBC Group. Its shares began trading on both the Hong Kong and London stock exchanges six days later.

Headquartered in London, HSBC is one of the largest banking and financial services organisations in the world.

You can find more information about them in our archive collections. The collections include annual reports, minute books, banknotes, photographs, films and more. They capture our …

The transatlantic trade in enslaved people was a period in history which caused enormous suffering. HSBC regrets the past actions and activities of individuals associated with these …