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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider People and Events devider The British Embassy Manila commemorates HSBC Philippines' rich legacy

The British Embassy Manila commemorates HSBC Philippines' rich legacy

Celebrating the historic bond between two countries in banking, trade, and nation building

Published May 9, 2025 02:23 pm
It has been 150 years since the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) established its presence in the Philippines. In celebration of this milestone, the British Embassy Manila hosted a dinner reception at the residence of British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils in Makati City. The exclusive guest list included key figures from the government, diplomatic corps, corporate sector, and retail industry.
With roots in British banking and trade, HSBC Philippines has maintained long-standing ties with the British government as part of the global HSBC Group. HSBC Philippines’ 150-year presence demonstrates that the ties between the United Kingdom (UK) and the Philippines continue to be mutually beneficial—supporting businesses, trade, and investments.
HSBC Philippines CEO and head of Banking Sandeep Uppal, British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils, and HSBC Asia and Middle East co-chief executive Surendra Rosha
HSBC Philippines CEO and head of Banking Sandeep Uppal, British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils, and HSBC Asia and Middle East co-chief executive Surendra Rosha
“HSBC’s 150th anniversary in the Philippines is a wonderful success story,” said Ambassador Beaufils. “This milestone has been enabled by the bank's commitment to economic development, fostering trade, and nation-building. This is a key example of how the UK and the Philippines work together, creating opportunities for inclusive growth and prosperity in both countries. Very many congratulations to the HSBC team and its partners. We are proud of this achievement and of the UK’s long-standing partnership with you.”
It was on Nov. 29, 1875, when HSBC Philippines opened its first branch in Binondo, focusing on sugar trade financing, export trading, and supporting the country's first railway—the Manila-Dagupan line. Today, the bank continues its commitment to nation-building, staying true to its purpose of connecting clients to global opportunities.
“Since HSBC opened in the Philippines in 1875, we have grown together by supporting economic development, forging commercial ties, and building international connections,” said Surendra Rosha, co-chief executive for Asia and the Middle East at HSBC. “Our story of connecting our customers to opportunities in the Philippines and internationally continues.”
HSBC Philippines general counsel Bobby Figueroa with David Beddow, managing director of Border Holdings UK, and his wife
HSBC Philippines general counsel Bobby Figueroa with David Beddow, managing director of Border Holdings UK, and his wife
Nini Icban, Anya Katigbak Cajucom, Iris Palacio, Bobby Figueroa, and Nonoy Nuyles
Nini Icban, Anya Katigbak Cajucom, Iris Palacio, Bobby Figueroa, and Nonoy Nuyles
Florian Gottein, executive director of ECCP, and Chris Nelson, executive director of BCCP
Florian Gottein, executive director of ECCP, and Chris Nelson, executive director of BCCP
Chief asset management officer at Sun Life and president of Sun Life Prosperity Funds Reina Pam with HSBC Philippines head of Markets and Securities Services Corrie Purisima
Chief asset management officer at Sun Life and president of Sun Life Prosperity Funds Reina Pam with HSBC Philippines head of Markets and Securities Services Corrie Purisima
President and CEO Prulife Sanjay Chakrabarty, HSBC Philippines head of Global Payments Services Joon Suk Park, and HSBC Philippines head of International Wealth and Premier Banking Pramoth Rajendran
President and CEO Prulife Sanjay Chakrabarty, HSBC Philippines head of Global Payments Services Joon Suk Park, and HSBC Philippines head of International Wealth and Premier Banking Pramoth Rajendran
Monetary board member Walter Wassmer, BSP deputy governor Mert Tangonan, and Sandeep Uppal
Monetary board member Walter Wassmer, BSP deputy governor Mert Tangonan, and Sandeep Uppal
Sandeep Uppal, CEO and head of Banking at HSBC Philippines, gathered everyone for a toast that evening. “We continue to have a meaningful and very beneficial partnership with the British government as we support the growth of the Philippine economy and play our part in nation-building. We are honored to be hosting this evening with the British Embassy Manila,” he said. “As we celebrate our 150th anniversary in the country, we thank all our stakeholders for their unwavering support and for being part of this journey. Together, we can build a legacy of service and bountiful opportunities in the Philippines.”
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