January newsletter
We’ve completed the privatisation of Hang Seng Bank
This week, we’ve completed the privatisation of Hang Seng Bank and marked the opening of a new chapter of opportunity in Hong Kong.
The Scheme became effective on 26 January, with the delisting of Hang Seng Bank shares from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange taking effect on 27 January.
This means Hang Seng Bank is now a wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC Asia Pacific and, therefore, a wholly owned subsidiary of the HSBC Group.
In an open letter to the Hong Kong community, our Group CEO Georges Elhedery said: “Hang Seng Bank has been part of the shared story of our economy and our growth; a familiar presence in everyday life, representing stability, trust and excellence to the people it serves.
“While the listing ends, what it stands for endures. A new chapter now opens.”
Hang Seng remains its own bank, with its own governance, brand, branch network and customer proposition.
“What people value in Hang Seng Bank, the role it plays in the community and the way it serves generations of customers, will continue. The service and support you rely on remain,” Georges added.
We see a bright future for our customers as the two banks come together in this way.
“By bringing together our shared heritage, Hang Seng Bank’s local strength and HSBC’s global reach, we will help ideas travel further, open new markets and create more opportunity for families, small businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and companies,” Georges said.
Read more on our dedicated microsite.
Our golden milestone for Lunar New Year
With Lunar New Year on the horizon, we’re launching new measures in Hong Kong to support customers in the tradition of giving laisee.
These include the option to gift HSBC Gold Tokens digitally for the first time.
Banknote exchange
Ahead of the Year of the Horse, we’re making HK$3,000 packs of new banknotes available from our three mobile branches in the city. It’s the first time our mobile branches are being used to support cash transactions.
Packs of HK$3,000 and HK$6,000 will be available at our other branches, with good-as-new notes also available to withdraw from select ATMs.
Customers can also send eLaisee using PayMe, or via FPS (Faster Payment System) on our banking app.
Going for gold
In addition, customers can now gift HSBC Gold Tokens to their loved ones at Lunar New Year.
Backed by physical gold bars in our vault, HSBC Gold Tokens allow investors to have fractional ownership of physical gold represented by tokens recorded on a distributed ledger. Each token equates to 0.001 troy ounce.
Currently, investors can only trade these tokens with the bank.
From 4 February, we’re introducing a new feature that will enable retail customers in Hong Kong to transfer tokens to other customers instantly, by entering the recipient’s mobile number into our banking app.
Read more about the online and offline services we’re offering over the festive season.
Our new UAE asset management business aims to empower investors
HSBC Asset Management (AM) has launched in the UAE and registered 10 new onshore investment funds with the UAE Capital Market Authority – the first global asset manager to do so.
The funds provide retail and institutional investors with access to globally diversified strategies that are domiciled in the UAE.
“By building an asset management business and funds capability here onshore, we’re giving investors more choice, more transparency and more ways to grow and protect their wealth in the UAE, into the region and around the world,” said Mohamed Al Marzooqi, our CEO in the UAE.
We’re making our most significant investment in the UAE wealth sector in 20 years. We’ve also launched MENAT’s first wealth centre in Dubai, our enhanced Premier account and announced that we’re doubling the number of frontline colleagues dedicated to the affluent segment.
“The launch of our Dubai branch reaffirms HSBC AM’s commitment to expanding our presence and capabilities in the UAE, building on HSBC Group’s strategic focus in the region,” said Daisy Ho, HSBC AM CEO, Asia and Middle East.
“Our mission is simple – to empower investors in the UAE with access to world-class strategies tailored to local needs.”
Major moments from 2025
It’s been a busy start to 2026, and we’re looking forward to continuing to deliver on your investment over the coming months.
But, as one year transitions into another, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on all we achieved on behalf of our shareholders and customers in 2025.
Explore more in our highlights reel.