HSBC in India

Our services

We offer a comprehensive range of services to our customers in India, catering to both resident as well as non-resident Indians across the globe.

For high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individual, including professionals, entrepreneurs, and their families with investable assets exceeding US$2 million, we offer an extensive array of tailored solutions and bespoke services designed to meet their unique needs.

For business and corporate clients, we deliver a suite of services, including business accounts, global payments solutions, trade services, and a variety of borrowing options.

For corporate and institutional clients, our offerings encompass transaction banking, treasury services, investment banking, advisory, capital markets, foreign exchange, fixed income, and derivatives.

Our headquarters

52/60 Mahatma Gandhi Road
Mumbai
Maharashtra
400001

Our CEO

Hitendra Dave

Our history in India

HSBC’s origins in India date back to 1853 when the Mercantile Bank of India was established in Mumbai. The bank has grown steadily and now offers products and services to corporate and commercial banking clients and retail customers.

The Mercantile Bank of India, London and China was founded in Bombay (now Mumbai). By 1855, the Mercantile Bank had opened offices in London, Madras (Chennai), Colombo, Kandy, Calcutta (Kolkata), Singapore, Hong Kong, Canton (Guangzhou) and Shanghai. In 1950 it moved into its new head office building at Flora Fountain in Mumbai.

The Mercantile Bank was bought in 1959 by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited. Founded in 1865 to serve the needs of the merchants of the China coast and finance the growing trade between China, Europe and the US, HSBC has been an international bank from its earliest days.

HSBC in India has been active in the development of the Indian banking industry – even giving the country its first ATM in 1987.

HSBC Group history timeline

1865

2025

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

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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.

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