Our services

HSBC Continental Europe, through its branch in Brussels, primarily focuses on corporate banking services:

  • Corporate Credit and Lending: providing financial support to businesses through various credit and lending solutions.
  • Global Trade Solutions: solutions to help manage trade flows and receivables.
  • Global Payments Solutions: efficient payment solutions for businesses operating internationally. Services like HSBCnet and SWIFT for Corporates for seamless transactions.
  • Investment Banking: including leverage and acquisition finance, debt, and equity solutions.

Our headquarters

Sq. de Meeûs 23
1000 Bruxelles
Belgium
Telephone: +32 2 761 26 70

Our CEO

Jeroen Bakhuizen

Our history in Belgium

  • In 1980, Midland Bank (now HSBC UK) opens office in Brussels
  • In 1999, HSBC Bank plc opens a branch in Brussels
  • In 2021, HSBC Belgium becomes part of HSBC Continental Europe

HSBC in Belgium recognised as Market Leader in Trade Finance 2024

Euromoney’s Trade Finance Survey is among the most comprehensive benchmarking exercises of the world’s banks active in this sector, offering authoritative insight into the needs of clients and their perceptions of the banks they work with. As part of this survey, over 13,000 corporate clients and financial institutions ranked and scored the industry’s leading banks.

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.

The significant opportunity of the private credit sector Opens in new window

19 November 2024

The private credit market has existed as an asset class for decades and looks set to continue to grow, says Scott McClurg.

Fashion or finance - skills, not subjects studied, matter to us Opens in new window

8 November 2024

Hiring future talent for the skills they have, rather than the subjects they have studied, creates a more diverse workforce and gives us a competitive edge, says Noel Brown.

University spinouts power the UK innovation economy Opens in new window

7 November 2024

The UK’s innovation economy remains the envy of Europe and the role universities play in this should not be overlooked, says Simon Bumfrey.