SAMAL Island – The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp. (HSBC) reaffirmed its deep commitment to Davao City and other parts of the country as it celebrated its 150th anniversary at Discovery Samal in Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, on Friday night, June 20.
UPPAL (Photo via Ivy Tejano)
HSBC Philippines president and chief executive officer Sandeep Uppal emphasized their strong commitment to Davao City in his keynote message before 300 guests at the grand ballroom, underscoring the city’s vital role in HSBC’s continued growth and operations in the Philippines.
“What I would like to assure you is that we will
continue to invest in Davao because we believe it is a great city, and it has a great economy and, most especially, great people, as can be seen in this room today,” Uppal said, highlighting the bank’s strong belief in Davao City’s potential.
He said Davao City’s economic rise is nothing short of impressive. He added that its continued infrastructure development and growing appeal as an Association of Southeast Asian Nations trade gateway have made the city a major player on the regional stage.
HSBC established its presence in Davao in 2007 with the launching of its first branch in Mindanao. For the past 18 years, it has remained a consistent partner in the city’s development as a rapidly growing economic hub in the Philippines.
Uppal said the bank strengthened this commitment by opening its newly upgraded branch at the Ayala Mall Abreeza in Davao City in 2022, providing enhanced international banking services to the city’s dynamic group of professionals, business owners, and globally connected families.
Referring to Davao as “the king city of the south,” Uppal described it as a critical gateway to the Far East in the Philippine context. Highlighting the bank’s long-standing presence in the city, he said they are pleased that their branch is doing very well.
HSBC Philippines International Wealth and Premier head Pramoth Rajendran also said the city reflects the spirit of progress and promise. He added that customers here are ambitious, global, and passionate about creating a better future for their families.
“We’re proud to be their partner, whether they’re planning for their children’s education, growing their business, or investing across borders,” Rajendran said, emphasizing that the celebration was also a reaffirmation of the bank’s vision: “To open up a world of opportunity for its clients.”
Uppal said he is proud and delighted to share that HSBC continues to empower individuals and enterprises with international ambitions from the sugar trade of the 1800s to today’s digitally connected, globally mobile economy.
“Our 18-year journey in Davao reflects our commitment to stay deeply rooted in communities that are shaping the future of the country – and to help connect them with opportunities not just here, but across Asia, Europe, and the Americas,” Uppal said.
Uppal also emphasized HSBC’s ongoing support for the Philippines and noted the bank’s active role in facilitating bond issuances in the global market. He described the bank’s legacy as one defined by consistency, dedication, and energy.
He said HSBC is well-positioned to support this momentum with its international expertise, wealth management solutions, and award-winning banking services, tailored for customers with a global mindset.
With a lighthearted nod to what was to come in the program, Uppal quipped, “No pun intended, I would call it pure energy as far as HSBC is concerned. But that’s the more boring side. You will probably see something more exciting as far as pure energy is concerned, very soon.”
OPM music icon, Gary Valenciano, nicknamed Mr. Pure Energy, delivered an unforgettable performance at HSBC’s milestone, with powerful energy and heartfelt songs, making the night more special as the bank celebrated 150 years of legacy, growth, and commitment in the country.
Uppal said the celebration was not only a reflection of the past but also a forward-looking affirmation that HSBC remains deeply invested in the Philippines’ future, particularly in regional growth centers like Davao City.