HSBC is the bank founded in 1865 as the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.
The institution was created to finance trade between China and Europe, especially through Hong Kong and Shanghai. Its original name was later shortened to HSBC, an acronym formed from the first letters of Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.
HSBC expanded internationally during the 20th century through branches, acquisitions, and subsidiaries. In 1991, HSBC Holdings plc was established in London as the group's parent company, although the group's historical roots remain in Hong Kong.
A common mix-up is confusing HSBC with Hang Seng Bank, another major Hong Kong bank. HSBC is also distinct from HSBK-style abbreviations used by unrelated financial institutions. Today, HSBC operates as a large international banking group serving retail, commercial, and institutional customers.