HSBC Holdings plc

Promoting itself as the "world’s local bank", HSBC has its headquarters in London, with an international network including 8,500 offices in 86 countries and territories in Europe, the Americas, the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa. More than 220,000 shareholders located in 119 countries and territories hold HSBC Holdings' shares, which are listed on stock exchanges in London, New York, Paris, Hong Kong and Bermuda.

Making use of the latest technology, HSBC provides a complete range of financial services, including consumer banking, corporate banking, investment banking, finance, insurance, investment management, global wealth management, mortgages, credit cards and private equity. Taking its name from its historic founding member, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, which was founded in 1865 to facilitate trade between Europe and China, the HSBC Group prides itself on upholding ethical values and principles in everyday dealings in all its locations.

Of the United Kingdom's big five banks, HSBC is the only one holding more deposits than loans, thereby funding its own operations. From an investment point of view, this makes HSBC a decidedly less risky investment proposition when compared to other banks. Its loan:deposit ratio of 90 percent no doubt contributed to HSBC share prices maintaining value throughout the credit crunch and ensuing global financial crisis – another reason why investors may want to consider adding this global financial giant to their investment portfolios. HSBC Holdings plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (HSBA), New York Stock Exchange (HBC), Euronext (HSB), Hong Kong Stock Exchange (005), and the Bermuda Stock Exchange (1077223879).