Search Go to internet banking About HSBC Citizenship Investor relations News and insight Careers Home > About HSBC > Company history Company history By the time HSBC celebrated its centenary in 1965, it was a very different institution from the business that had opened 100 years previously The HSBC Group: Our story in News and insight Celebrating Shakespeare What links HSBC to England’s greatest writer? The bank’s Global History Manager, Sara Kinsey, explains. Read more A tour of HSBC’s archives Trace the roots of HSBC back over 235 years as the archive team opens up the Group's history vaults to pick out their favourite artefacts. Read more HSBC was born from one simple idea – a local bank serving international needs. In March 1865, HSBC opened its doors for business in Hong Kong, and today we serve around 52 million customers in 74 countries and territories. The experiences of the past 149 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-term relationships with customers. HSBC has weathered change in all forms – revolutions, economic crises, new technologies – and adapted to survive. The resulting corporate character enables HSBC to meet the challenges of the 21st century. More about HSBC’s history HSBC's history How a local bank in Hong Kong grew into one of the world's biggest financial institutions. HSBC's archives Our archives reflect the bank's long and eventful history. Find out what's in the collections and how to access them. Online gallery View the latest display of historic photographs from our company archives. Frequently asked questions Learn about the founding of HSBC, the significance of the lions and the origins of our iconic hexagon logo. Contact us Search About HSBC Our purpose Our strategy Leadership Company history Structure and network Advertising Sponsorship Procurement Citizenship Our values Diversity and inclusion Sustainability Investor relations Investing in HSBC Share information Dividends Financial and regulatory reports Events and presentations Stock exchange announcements Fixed income securities Governance Investor resources News and insight Media resources Emerging markets PMI Insight archive Careers Why HSBC? Explore our business Meet our people Application hints and tips Careers events Students and graduates Frequently asked questions HSBC banking services Commercial Banking Global Banking and Markets Global Private Banking Retail Banking and Wealth Management Terms and conditions Privacy policy Cookie policy Accessibility policy © Copyright HSBC Group 2014 No endorsement or approval of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressed or implied by any information on this Site or by any hyperlinks to or from any third party websites or pages. Your use of this website is subject to the terms and conditions governing it. Please read these terms and conditions before using the website.