HSBC in the Philippines: 150 years of legacy and growth together with the Filipinos


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Credibility is built through a long history of dependable service. This is how an international bank that has been in the Philippines for over a century continues to honor its commitment, growing together with the country and its people. “As we gear up to our 150th year in the Philippines in November 2025, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the Philippines and continue to be as excited by the opportunities as we have since 1875. Our strength continues to be our global network, supporting customers here and abroad by connecting them to opportunities across borders, combining an international mindset with local expertise to help them overcome financial challenges,” says Sandeep Uppal, President and CEO of HSBC Philippines.

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HSBC Philippines President and CEO, Sandeep Uppal.

Proof of this commitment are the accolades that the bank has received from credible award-giving bodies in the banking and finance industry. Asian Banking and Finance Retail Banking Awards 2024 recognized HSBC Philippines as International Retail Bank of the Year, Marketing and Brand Initiative of the Year , Employer Award of the Year - Bronze, Philippines International Cash Management Bank of the Year, and Philippines International Trade Finance Bank of the Year. It was also recently recognized as The Philippines’ Best International Private Bank and Best International Bank by Euromoney. 

Trusted Bank for PH Businesses and Institutions

HSBC Philippines has been consistently heralded as Trade Finance Market Leader in the Philippines by Euromoney magazine. The bank attributes this to its continuous provision of support for their clients in growth and international ambitions. It has been expanding its wholesale banking business, offering a unique range of products and services to corporations and institutions in the country. Uppal relates, “Supporting the growing infrastructure needs of the country, HSBC is one of the largest issuer of guarantees among foreign and local banks in the Philippines. Capitalizing on our presence in 60 countries and territories across the world, our well-stocked shelf of trade products spans simple letters of credit to more complex supply chain financing, allowing us to respond to the fast evolving needs of our customers’ needs.”

The bank has been a market leader in inbound custody and fund administration, being cited by the Philippine Dealing System as Top Custody House for the past 16 years and by The Asset as the Best Fund Administrator for the past 8 years. It has also been providing outstanding service to its customers in liquidity and cash management, offering global payment solutions that not only allow efficient distribution and movement of funds but also support the Philippines’ drive towards digitization and efficiency in the banking industry. He further adds, “Retaining our position year after year has been our greatest recurring challenge, requiring determination, persistence and innovation.”

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Making a difference in the community: HSBC Philippines has partnered with WWF Philippines for a 4-year Ecosystem Management Program to rehabilitate 80 hectares of mangrove forests along Ticao-Burias Pass.

Inclusive Premium Retail Banking Service for the Global-Minded

Recently awarded as International Retail Bank of the Year by Asian Banking and Finance, HSBC acknowledges the international banking needs of professionals, families, and overseas Filipinos. According to Peter Faulhaber, HSBC Philippines Head of Wealth and Personal Banking,“ We support individuals who need access to international banking in order to grow their financial goals. HSBC, through HSBC Premier, focuses on three pillars: family, flexibility, and international connectivity.” 

HSBC Premier is a premier bank account that promises to be more than just a bank account.”Premier Family is an HSBC Premier benefit allowing customers to extend their Premier benefits to family. For example, if your kids are studying abroad, they can open Premier Junior or Premier NextGen accounts. It's a separate account but does not need separate maintaining balance,” says Faulhaber

Proving its progressive mindset and cultural sensitivity, HSBC has also expanded Premier Family eligibility to also include common-law partners and same-sex couples (which are not recognized under Philippine law), parents, nephews, nieces and grandchildren. “Here’s our message of support to the ever-evolving definition of family. It’s also a proof of our commitment to being sensitive to the culture of the market we serve. Since the launch, our Premier accounts grew 68%, contributing to exceeding overall deposits revenue target,” he continues. 

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With the recent launch of HSBC’s Live+ Credit Card, customers are provided with perks and privileges to enjoy even beyond the Philippines.

The company also offers Filipinos other retail bank services such as HSBC Wealth which provides insurance and investment products and HSBC Credit Cards giving access to enticing spend-reward programs.  “HSBC Wealth has a dedicated team of wealth experts to help our clients in growing their wealth, supporting their children’s education, planning for retirement, or passing their legacy to loved ones. Our credit cards meanwhile continue to craft products and programs that give customers perks and privileges they can enjoy even beyond our own borders. Our recently launched new card Live+ speaks to these customers,” Faulhaber ends.

Over a Century of Distinguished Service

With the steadfast commitment to delivering distinguished service and development of products beneficial to markets it serves, HSBC Philippines promises to continue to grow and expand together with its customers. 

“Of course, we aim to maintain our status of being one of the leading international banks in the country. Towards that we will keep pushing for excellence in servicing our clients while making a difference in the community and the country where we operate. We want our presence in the country to open up a world of opportunities for and from the Philippines,” Uppal concludes.