HSBC in New Zealand

HSBC was the first overseas bank to be granted a banking licence in New Zealand, in 1987, following deregulation of the country’s financial markets in the same year. HSBC initially opened its head office in New Zealand in Wellington, but moved it to Auckland in 1989 while retaining an office in the capital.

The bank provides wholesale banking services in New Zealand, which includes Commercial Banking and financial institutions and governments, along with Markets and Securities Services. Each of these businesses is primarily focused on supporting internationally oriented clients in New Zealand that benefit from the HSBC Group’s unique global network and international financial capabilities.

HSBC operates in New Zealand as a branch of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, incorporated in Hong Kong SAR.


News and media

News and media information for your area. Find press releases and contact details for local media representatives.

Personal Banking FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the sale of our Wealth and Personal Banking business in New Zealand effective end of day, 27 June 2024.

Investor relations Opens in new window

Current and potential investors can find information about HSBC, including financial results, dividend information, stock exchange announcements and investor presentations, on our corporate website.

Company history Opens in new window

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. Today we are one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.

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.