HSBC celebrates 160th anniversary
**Experience “HSBC 160 Years of Great Stories” thematic installations at HSBC Main Building — a journey through the past and future**
**Stand a chance to win HKD160,000 in “RewardCash” and limited-edition Octopus Card**
HSBC proudly marks its 160th anniversary with a series of events and experiences that honour the Bank’s rich history and deep connection with Hong Kong under the theme “HSBC 160 Years of Great Stories”. The ground-floor plaza of the iconic HSBC Main Building in Central will be transformed into a captivating space, featuring special installations that highlight the Bank’s history and vision for the future. In addition, a new lightshow about the four generations of HSBC Main Building will debut from tonight through the end of the year.
HSBC first opened its doors on 3 March 1865 at its current home at One Queen’s Road Central. To commemorate the anniversary, the Bank has unveiled a large-scale installation – the “160th Anniversary Rube Goldberg Machine” - at the HSBC Main Building. This display showcases the Bank’s journey to becoming one of the world’s leading financial institutions. Open to the public until 28 March, the installation is joined by two additional attractions - a neon-lit “160th Anniversary Time Tunnel” and a “160th Anniversary Giant Cake Installation”, offering a perfect backdrop for photo-taking.
The launch ceremony was officiated by David Liao and Surendra Rosha, Co–Chief Executive Officers of HSBC Asia and Middle East, and Luanne Lim, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Hong Kong. Luanne said, “For 160 years, HSBC has embraced innovation and progress while staying true to its core mission: creating opportunities for customers and making a positive impact on society, through both challenging and prosperous times. Over the decades, we have grown alongside Hong Kong, a thriving international financial centre, and we are honoured to be part of this journey. To mark this occasion, HSBC is hosting a series of events that bring together our customers, employees, and the wider community. These include arts and sports activities, the HSBC Global Investment Summit, the HSBC Hong Kong Community Festival, to name a few.”
“HSBC 160 Years of Great Stories” thematic installations at HSBC Main Building: a celebration of innovation and progress
The HSBC headquarters in Central, now in its fourth generation, was designed by the acclaimed British architect Norman Foster. Completed in 1985, it was the world’s most expensive building at the time. Flanking its main entrance, the iconic bronze lion sculptures have become enduring landmarks in the heart of Central.
The Bank is showcasing three special installations on the ground floor of HSBC Main Building, inviting the public to explore its rich heritage. These include: 1) a neon-lit “Time Tunnel”; 2) An interactive “Rube Goldberg Machine” that takes visitors on a journey through HSBC’s history; 3) a “Giant Cake Installation”, featuring tributes from HSBC staff, located at the base of the escalators leading to the Level 3 branch. These installations not only celebrate the Bank’s history but also its deep ties with the community.
The 160th Anniversary Rube Goldberg Machine is an installation that combines a series of intricate mechanical devices to tell a story. The journey begins with the insertion of a “Hong Kong One Dollar” coin. This action triggers an automated teller machine—representing HSBC’s introduction of ATMs to Hong Kong in the 1980s—which sets a marble in motion. Over the course of approximately 160 seconds, the marble takes viewers on a journey through time. Starting at the desk of founder Thomas Sutherland, the installation showcases key milestones, including the creation of the iconic hexagonal logo, the evolution of banknote designs, and the transformation of banking from manual methods to cutting-edge digital systems.
A Special Call for Stories and Exciting Rewards
Lucky winners can take home HKD160,000 in RewardCash or limited-edition Octopus Cards
From now until 12 March, HSBC invites the public to celebrate their cherished moments with the Bank for a chance to win amazing prizes. Lucky participants can take home HKD160,000 in RewardCash (10 prizes of HKD16,000 each) or one of 100 limited-edition HSBC 160th anniversary Octopus Cards.
It is easy to join this campaign (for details, please refer to HSBC’s official social media page):
- Create an Instagram story, and share a photo of an item related to HSBC
- Write about a special memory or a story tied to this item
- Tag @hsbc_hk and three friends
- Comment on the official post: “160 years – here’s to more great stories ahead”
A series of anniversary celebrations in March to share joy with the public
Starting from March, HSBC will also organise a series of celebratory events. Highlights include its role as Lead Partner of M+ and major sponsor the Special Exhibition, “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Picasso for Asia—A Conversation” (15 March – 13 July); the Cathay/ HSBC Hong Kong Sevens at Kai Tak Sports Park (28 – 30 March); the HSBC Global Investment Summit (25 – 27 March); and the HSBC Hong Kong Community Festival (5 - 6 April at Central Market).
Photo captions:
HSBC senior executives join the staff to celebrate the Bank’s 160th Anniversary in Hong Kong across different offices.
David Liao (left) and Surendra Rosha (right), Co–Chief Executive Officers of HSBC Asia and Middle East, and Luanne Lim, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Hong Kong unveil the “HSBC 160 Years of Great Stories” thematic installations.
To mark its 160th anniversary, HSBC is showcasing three installations on the ground floor of its Main Building in Central. “The 160th Anniversary Rube Goldberg Machine” is an installation that combines a series of intricate mechanical devices to tell the Bank’s rich heritage.
Note to editors:
About The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited is the founding member of the
HSBC Group. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 58 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,017 billion at 31 December 2024, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.