Our investment case

HSBC is one of the world’s leading international banks. We aim to deliver long-term value for our shareholders through our extensive international network and balance sheet strength.

Who we are

42m

CUSTOMERS

$30.3bn

FY23: REPORTED PROFIT BEFORE TAX (US DOLLARS)

62

COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES

With assets of $3.0tn and operations in 62 countries and territories at 31 December 2023, HSBC is one of the largest banking and financial services organisations in the world. We serve approximately 42 million personal, wealth and corporate customers through three global businesses. We continue to maintain a strong capital, funding and liquidity position with a diversified business model.

Opening up a world of opportunity

Our ambition is to be the preferred international financial partner for our clients. In February 2021, we aligned our strategy in response to changes in the operating environment. We intend to increase our focus on areas where we are strongest.

We are building a platform for growth and improving earnings sustainability. Our international network remains a key competitive advantage and we will continue to support cross-border banking flows between major trade corridors. We are aiming to reach mid single-digit lending growth in the medium to long term, while further diversifying our revenue streams and maintaining cost discipline.

In addition, we aim to digitise to build the bank of the future, energise and empower our colleagues, and support the net zero transition.

Find out more about our purpose, values and strategy.

2023 was a very good year for HSBC. We now have an opportunity to ensure that it becomes part of a longer-term trend of ongoing good performance. We’re focused on securing the foundations for future success. I am confident that we have the opportunities, the platform and the team to enable us to get it done.

Noel Quinn, Group Chief Executive, HSBC

Balance sheet strength

We continue to maintain a strong capital, funding and liquidity position with a diversified business model. We take a conservative approach to credit risk and liquidity management.

Our capital base supports our ability to invest in business growth, meet current and future regulatory requirements, and sustain returns for shareholders.

At the end of December 2023, HSBC held $3 trillion in total assets.

When we published our 2023 Annual Results, we announced that our dividend payout ratio target remains at 50% for 2024, excluding material notable items and related impacts. We also announced a further share buyback of up to $2bn. Further buybacks remain subject to appropriate capital levels.

We actively manage our capital position to support our business strategy and meet our regulatory requirements at all times, while optimising our capital efficiency. Our common equity tier 1 ratio (14.8% at 31 December 2023) is a key measure of capital strength.

Financial information last updated: 21 February 2024