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150 years of HSBC in the Philippines: The best of local banking on a global scale
Manila Bulletin
|May 1, 2025
Trading of sugar and other exports. Construction of early sugar and rice mills. Financing of the Manila-Dagupan Railway-the Philippines' first railway-and its subsequent 150-mile extension.
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These projects of impact are just among HSBC Philippines' milestones since it first opened its doors in Binondo, Manila in 1875. At that time, it was drawn to the burgeoning trade activity and the vast economic potential of resource-rich Philippines. After World War II, the bank became instrumental in post-war recovery efforts to rebuild the nation and the economy. It reopened its branch and returned depositors' full funds after the liberation of Manila.
It continued to grow its presence in the Philippines by opening new branches in key locations. Over the next 150 years, HSBC Philippines helped enable individuals to grow their wealth and businesses to expand their reach, linking its clients to opportunities on any part of the globe.
Today, HSBC Philippines has six branches in Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao, and more than 5,000 employees who deliver high-quality financial and professional services in its Global Service Center. From providing traditional banking services to basic industries, the bank has kept up with technology's demands and gone ahead of its time in using digital innovations to meet customers' evolving needs for a safer, more convenient banking experience.
A partner to the public and private sector
As the Philippines stands at the threshold of becoming an upper middle-income nation, with its young, dynamic, and highly competent workforce, HSBC Philippines remains a steady presence to bridge its retail, corporate, and institutional clients with the vast opportunities offered by a connected, technologically-driven global economy.
This story is from the May 1, 2025 edition of Manila Bulletin.
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