HSBC in Thailand


Our services

HSBC is Thailand’s first commercial bank and the leading international bank in the country. We aspire to the do the following:

  • Maintain our position as the #1 bank for international inbound business into Thailand
  • Become the #1 international bank for outbound Thai corporates
  • Become the #1 international bank for Thai high net worth individuals and institutions growing their wealth regionally and globally

Our headquarters

HSBC Building
968 Rama IV Road
Silom, Bangrak
Bangkok

Our CEO

Giorgio Gamba

Our history in Thailand

  • In 1888, HSBC was established as the first commercial bank in Thailand as Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. Its first office was located at “the old Belgian Consulate” on Charoenkrung Road.
  • In 1889, the bank introduced the first banknotes into Siam with the permission of Siamese authorities. The currency notes were issued in denomination of one, five, 10, 80, 90 and 100 ticals (baht) which were used widely to pay debts and taxes among customs officials and other government offices. When the Bank of Thailand issued its own banknotes in 1902, the amount of the Bank’s banknotes in circulation decreased gradually.
  • In 1890, the bank moved to a Roman-style building, known today as Tanam Si Phraya, which was also the site of a luxury hotel called The Oriental for 87 years. The office building was declared officially open by HRH Prince of Chandaburi, then the Minister of Finance.
  • In 1905, the first public overseas loan to the Siamese government was issued for the announced purpose of railway construction. The government, under the advice of a British financial expert, wished to retain a minimum treasury balance of 22 million baht. Railways were of a high priority in the unification and centralization of the Kingdom, and therefore the decision was made to borrow abroad.
  • In 1905, the Siamese Ambassador in Paris approached two banks – one British, HSBC, and one French, Banque de I’Indo-Chine. The French and British issued bonds to rank pari passu and the loan was issued in both London and Paris. The actual signing of the agreement was celebrated with a dinner at the Savoy for 20 people including the Siamese Ambassador to Paris, Phraya Suriyanuwatr.
  • In 1977, the bank moved from Tanam Si Phraya to Siam Center Department Store.
  • In 1982, the bank moved to the HSBC Building on Silom road.
  • In 2001, the bank moved to its current location of the HSBC Building on Rama IV road.

HSBC Group history timeline


1865
 
2024

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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17 October 2024

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21 August 2024

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10 June 2024

Artificial intelligence is helping us find and tackle financial crime faster and more thoroughly than ever before, says Jennifer Calvery.

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