Tag: HSBC

Hong Kong – To mark its 160th anniversary, HSBC has partnered with Omnicom Media Group (OMG) Hong Kong and its creative arm Fuse to unveil a bespoke Rube Goldberg Machine installation at the iconic HSBC Main Building.

For the campaign, OMG Hong Kong enlisted local kinetic mechanism artist Joseph Chan to realise the concept, resulting in an interactive installation that traces HSBC’s 160-year legacy through a sequence of mechanical movements and visual storytelling.

The experience begins with a ball set in motion past the desk of founder Thomas Sutherland and the bank’s iconic bronze lions, Stephen and Stitt—named after senior executives of the era.

From there, the machine transitions to key visual milestones, including the creation of HSBC’s hexagonal logo by designer Henry Steiner and the symbolic lighting of the main building. It then moves through the bank’s early involvement in shipping services, representing its foundational role in trade and communication. This phase is followed by a timeline of financial instruments—from historical banknotes displayed on a rotating ring track to chequebooks and the evolution of credit cards.

Vintage HSBC commercials play on a retro television set before shifting to a screen that signals the arrival of the mobile banking app—marking the bank’s entry into the digital age.

The installation culminates in a segment featuring PayMeow, the mascot of HSBC’s PayMe app, highlighting the bank’s digital transformation. The journey ends with a piano tribute to the composer of the HSBC theme song, closing the loop on the bank’s long-standing narrative of innovation and heritage.

Chilai Howard, creative director of Fuse at OMG Hong Kong, shared, “Our vision is to seamlessly integrate art into brand experiences. In this project, we draw inspiration from a Rube Goldberg machine, using it as a dynamic timeline to narrate HSBC’s rich history. This interactive installation invites audiences to explore its depths, revealing hidden details and fostering discovery. By engaging the senses and sparking curiosity, we transform observers into active participants in this immersive journey.”

“We are honoured to collaborate with HSBC in celebrating their remarkable history. We believe in the power of creativity to tell compelling stories, and these groundbreaking installations showcase HSBC’s past in a way that adds even more meaning to their present journey,” added Natalie Yu, content & communication director at OMG Hong Kong.

The installation positions itself as more than a promotional effort, aiming to offer a culturally engaging experience that merges elements of art, history, and technology. Designed to educate and entertain, it has also become a visually compelling attraction for visitors.

Supporting the installation is a 30-second video released on 4 March, offering a glimpse into the Rube Goldberg sequence and encouraging audiences to explore HSBC’s historical milestones remotely. A longer-form version documenting the full experience was released on 8 April.

In addition to the Rube Goldberg Machine, Fuse collaborated with HSBC on two other installations. One is an immersive time tunnel that walks visitors through key moments and developments in the bank’s history. The other, a large-scale birthday cake display, serves as a visual marker of the bank’s 160th anniversary.

“We are pleased to unveil this Rube Goldberg Machine Installation to kickstart our year-long 160th anniversary celebration. This innovative installation is designed to transform archival elements into modern, interactive and dynamic exhibits that connect us with diverse customer segments. We are delighted to see Hongkongers visiting and capturing moments with the installation—exactly as we envisioned, enhancing their connection to our brand experience,” said Cheuk Shum, head of marketing, wealth and personal banking, Hong Kong at HSBC.

Hong Kong – HSBC Credit Card has unveiled the “Red Hot Chef” reality show, marking Hong Kong’s first bank-led initiative to champion the local dining industry.

HSBC will invite submissions from eligible local restaurants for the reality cooking show, selecting eight skilled chefs through an open audition to compete in the culinary contest.

The reality show aims to crown the “Red Hot Chef” by highlighting participants’ culinary skills and creativity. Through this platform, local restaurants gain exposure, with the hope of encouraging more diners to support Hong Kong’s vibrant F&B industry.

Partnering with Chef Anh Sung-jae, head chef of Mosu Seoul and Mosu Hong Kong, and a judge on Culinary Class Wars, the reality show gives finalists the opportunity to engage with Chef Anh and compete for a HK$1 million restaurant promotional package to boost their marketing and growth.

Deeply connected to Hong Kong’s dining culture, Chef Anh draws inspiration from a character in a classic Hong Kong film. Through this collaboration, he hopes to inspire local chefs, guiding them to elevate their culinary journeys in this unique and transformative experience.

Cheuk Shum, managing director and head of marketing for wealth and personal banking at HSBC Hong Kong, said, “Dining is a key spending category for our customers, and we are dedicated to offering our customers extraordinary culinary adventures through our exclusive dining privileges. With the core vision of this campaign—Taste Red Hot, Back Your Favourite—we are excited to collaborate with Chef Anh to connect our customers with Hong Kong’s hidden culinary gems.” 

He continued, “We are not just promoting exceptional restaurants; we are igniting a passion for the distinctive tastes of our community. This campaign promises to benefit both our valued customers and local eateries. Experience the excitement, taste the difference, and savour the best of our city together! ”

HSBC is accepting applications from eligible local restaurants for the “Red Hot Chef” reality show until 30 April 2025.

Singapore – HSBC Singapore has unveiled an exclusive international lifestyle and entertainment platform designed to elevate the experiences of its Premier Mastercard cardholders. 

The platform offers entertainment experiences in Southeast Asia (SEA) and the United Kingdom (UK), catering to the lifestyle needs of Premier customers.

The launch enhances HSBC’s Premier offering for its affluent customers, providing tailored experiences that meet their health and wealth needs. 

Leveraging Mastercard’s partnership with entertainment company Live Nation, HSBC Premier Mastercard holders can enjoy various benefits, including priority access to concerts and shows in SEA and the UK. They can also enter select shows in the UK and meet international artists with a VIP experience.

The platform’s debut will feature comedian Russell Peters as its first exclusive offering. Peters is bringing his ‘Relax World Tour’ to The Star Theatre on April 11, 2025. 

Additionally, HSBC Premier Mastercard cardholders will gain access to presales for highly anticipated events, such as Lady Gaga and BABYMONSTER’s Singapore shows.

“We are committed to delivering delightful experiences for our customers that go beyond traditional banking services, opening up a world of opportunities for them. The growing appetite for premium entertainment experiences is clear, with our Premier Mastercard customers showing increased interest and spend in international entertainment,” Ashmita Acharya, head of international wealth and premier banking in Singapore, said.

“Tapping our strong international connectivity, we are excited to build up our suite of international lifestyle privileges and curated experiences for our customers, from dining to travel and entertainment, to complement their globetrotting lifestyles as they seek out unique experiences,” Acharya added.

Julie Nestor, executive vice president of marketing and communications in Asia Pacific at Mastercard, commented, “People today are focusing their attention and precious resources on what makes them feel good — their passions. In Singapore, music ranks among consumers’ top five passions, with most (69%) music lovers wishing that brands did more to acknowledge and incentivise them for indulging in their passion with perks like credit card rewards, immersive live music experiences, and access to pre-sale tickets.”

“To give the people what they want, Mastercard is delighted to partner with HSBC Singapore to offer cardholders exclusive access to incredible entertainment, music experiences and benefits, all in one place, through priceless.com/HSBCSG,” Nestor added.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – HSBC is reportedly reviewing its retail banking operations overseas, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia as well as in Mexico, as first reported by the Financial Times.

According to the report, the bank is shifting its focus beyond its core markets to reduce its consumer footprint and prioritise serving wealthier “premier” clients.

Moreover, it has been reported that HSBC is considering a substantial reduction of its retail operations in Mexico and is evaluating its presence in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, with an eye toward capitalising on opportunities in premier banking.

It is worth noting that HSBC has been ramping up its wealth management division, especially in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong where most of its clients are coming from. 

In September this year, the global financial services company was reported recruiting hundreds of bankers to serve rich clients in the UK. A month later, the company tapped actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai as part of HSBC’s launch of its wealth programme “Wealth. Growing at every stage” in Hong Kong.

Retail banking exits are increasingly becoming common across markets in Asia, most notably Citigroup’s exit in 10 APAC markets, which included Taiwan, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Singapore – Atome Financial has secured a syndicated credit facility of up to US$200m, led and arranged by Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), to support its expansion and financial inclusion initiatives across Southeast Asia.

The facility will drive the expansion of Atome Financial’s profitable regional portfolio, including products like lending and the Atome (Pay Later Anywhere) Card, across key markets in SEA.

Atome’s facility is anchored by HSBC’s ASEAN Growth Fund, with additional support from DBS Bank Ltd., Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation’s (SMBC) Singapore branch, and Brunei’s Baiduri Bank. This expands on Atome Financial’s existing relationship with HSBC while welcoming new partners DBS, SMBC, and Baiduri Bank.

“As a fast-growing startup with a rapidly growing and profitable business, we are deeply appreciative of this syndicated facility, which underscores the banking community’s trust and confidence in us,” said Andy Tan, chief commercial officer at Atome Financial. 

“We look forward to HSBC and our other partners continuing to support our capital needs and the launch of new and innovative personal finance products in key markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines,” added Tan.

“We are pleased to deepen our support to lead this syndicated facility, along with other lenders. Through this support, Atome Financial will bring about greater financial inclusion by extending access to affordable and responsible personal finance solutions to more consumers from across Southeast Asia,” said Priya Kini, head of commercial banking at HSBC Singapore.

Atome Financial’s operating income nearly doubled to US$170m in FY2023, up from US$88m the previous year. Its GMV reached US$1.5b, a 40% increase, while the buy-now-pay-later business became profitable, driven by a 130% revenue surge.

In the first quarter of 2024, Atome Financial achieved another significant milestone by turning EBITDA positive.

Earlier in June, Atome Financial also secured a three-year term facility of up to US$100m from EvolutionX Debt Capital and other investors.

Hong Kong – Cathay has unveiled its latest campaign for the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, capturing the inevitable FOMO that awaits anyone missing out on next year’s highly anticipated event.

Titled ‘Nothing Beats Being There,’ the campaign film follows Johnny, a wannabe rugby aficionado who fakes enthusiasm to impress his boss and score a trip to Hong Kong. His plan ultimately unravels, and his dream of attending the 2025 Hong Kong Sevens slips away.

The campaign reveals that only those who experience the Hong Kong Sevens firsthand know the real excitement—and that a little harmless fakery can backfire in embarrassing ways.

“We’ve all been there, pretending to know more about something than we actually do for fear of missing out. When Cathay challenged us to show that nothing beats being at the Sevens in person, we couldn’t resist tapping into that FOMO feeling to show that nobody does rugby like Hong Kong,” said Christopher Lee, chief creative officer at Publicis Groupe Hong Kong. 

Featuring nail-biting matches, wild costumes, and non-stop fun, the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is the city’s ultimate party, growing bigger and better each year.

As co-title sponsor and official overseas travel partner, Cathay is dedicated to enhancing the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens experience for fans worldwide, offering exclusive flight, ticket, and accommodation packages available at Cathay.com.

Next year also marks a milestone for the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, as it will debut at the world-class Kai Tak Sports Park, solidifying Hong Kong’s status as a premier destination for major international events.

Edward Bell, general manager of brand, insights, and marketing at Cathay, explained, “Cathay has been a proud sponsor of the Hong Kong Sevens for over 40 years, and the move to Kai Tak Sports Park from Hong Kong Stadium is especially meaningful as Kai Tak was Cathay’s home for more than 40 years.” 

“Everyone becomes fanatical about fun during the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, an event that attracts everyone from die-hard rugby fans to revellers enjoying the party atmosphere. Better than rugby, it is an all-consuming festival that no fun-loving person would want to miss, so we have created a campaign that shows nothing beats being there in person,” Bell added. 

Cathay’s ‘Nothing Beats Being There’ campaign expands on its long-standing ‘Nobody Does Rugby Like Hong Kong’ platform. The launch film will be accompanied by social media activations, in-stadium promotions, and giveaways both in Hong Kong and globally, leading up to the next Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens at Kai Tak Stadium from March 28-30, 2025.

Malaysia – In celebration of its 140th anniversary, HSBC Malaysia has teamed up with Ogilvy Malaysia to launch an emotionally charged campaign that honours the enduring strength of family, legacy, and the human spirit.

Titled ‘Legacy Lives,’ the campaign goes beyond traditional financial ads, featuring a film that follows a Malaysian family’s journey across three generations—from a father’s humble beginnings and education abroad to his daughter’s self-discovery, deepening his commitment to build a lasting legacy.

Crafted by Ogilvy Malaysia and director Nicholas Lam, the film uses a multi-generational narrative to forge a deep connection between HSBC and its audience, subtly illustrating the bank’s constant support in helping families realise their dreams and aspirations. It also vividly brings each era to life, from the vibrant 1950s to the tech-driven 1990s, culminating in the present day. 

By showcasing authentic stories of resilience, hard work, and family, the campaign underscores that legacy and family values are at the core of the HSBC experience.

Adrian Miller, chief creative officer at Ogilvy Malaysia, said, “This film is more than just a celebration of HSBC’s 140 years—it’s a celebration of the families and values that have shaped generations. From the very beginning, we set out to create something different. No clichéd bank visuals, no product shots—just a genuine, human story.” 

“By telling a narrative that spans three generations, we’ve captured the essence of what legacy truly means. It’s about more than what we inherit; it’s about what we pass on, and HSBC is proud to be part of that journey,” Miller added. 

HSBC’s campaign serves as a tribute for its long-standing and loyal customers, celebrating significant milestones through an emotionally engaging film inspired by real stories. It highlights the company’s 140-year commitment to helping families build intergenerational wealth, staying resilient through challenges, and bridging opportunities across borders since 1884 in Penang.

The campaign will run from September 21 to December 31, 2024, across multiple platforms, including digital, TV, cinema, social media, and in-branch POSM.

Singapore – Mastercard has launched a new campaign in collaboration with St. Andrew’s Autism Centre, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (HDS), HSBC and Frasers Property Singapore to raise awareness and promote acceptance of persons with autism.

The ‘#AcceptanceMatters’ campaign aims to raise awareness of autism by emphasising real-life stories of persons with autism, addressing the existing gap in empathy and understanding to drive acceptance and foster a more supportive community. 

Similarly, HDS has been driving awareness and understanding of hidden disabilities by using a distinctive sunflower on wearable items like lanyards and pins. By wearing the Sunflower, individuals signal that they might need extra help, understanding, or more time. 

In Singapore, Mastercard will sponsor and support the distribution of HDS wearables through St. Andrew’s Autism Centre. These wearables will also be progressively distributed at HSBC branches and offices. Additionally, HSBC is extending its global support of HDS to Singapore by training its customer-facing staff at branches. 

To contextualise and capture the perspective of people living with autism, a campaign website has been created via https://www.saac.org.sg/acceptancematters, providing a platform which features stories of people living with autism and their caregivers. 

Special filmic effects and sound design have been applied to the site content to further contextualise the viewing experience, embodying the heightened sensorial world which persons with autism may experience. 

Julie Nestor, executive vice president of marketing and communications for Asia-Pacific at Mastercard, said, “The beauty of the #AcceptanceMatters campaign is its collective effort, as Mastercard has brought together a strong coalition of like-minded organisations. This collaboration allows us to make a bigger impact, normalising conversations around disability and inclusion, while driving greater empathy and allyship, crucial ingredients for an inclusive culture. Through this campaign, Mastercard aims to demonstrate that a world where everyone is accepted is truly priceless.”

Meanwhile, Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said, “Many individuals with hidden disabilities face challenges in their everyday life, such as sensory sensitivities, communication barriers, and navigating public spaces, all of which significantly impact their daily lives and place additional strain on them, their caregivers and families. As such, the globally recognised Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is the perfect symbol to support this campaign, which seeks to normalise the conversations around disabilities and driving inclusion, is both timely and important.”

Community partner St. Andrew’s Autism Centre has provided valuable expertise in shaping and conceptualising the campaign, offering insights to the needs of the neurodivergent community and their caregivers. 

“By focusing on real-life stories of persons with autism, the campaign aims to directly influence the community’s perception of autism to create a more supportive atmosphere by normalising allyship and conversations around disability and inclusion.” said Bernard Chew, CEO of St. Andrew’s Autism Centre. 

As part of HSBC’s ongoing efforts to promote financial inclusion and accessibility, the bank is progressively rolling out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme across its branches and offices in Singapore. This initiative is designed to support customers and employees with non-visible disabilities. 

Ashmita Acharya, head of wealth and personal banking at HSBC Singapore, said, “We are dedicated to ensuring that individuals with non-visible disabilities feel supported and respected. By training our colleagues to recognise the Sunflower symbol and providing physical wearables such as lanyards, bracelets, and pins, we’re giving people the tools to discreetly indicate when they need assistance. Our aim is to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.” 

As part of the campaign, Frasers Property Singapore will serve as the official media partner, promoting empathy and acceptance of neurodivergent individuals on the autism spectrum at its retail and commercial properties. Additionally, the organisation has launched an industry-first ‘Inclusion Champions’ programme, providing over 1,000 hours of inclusivity training for frontline employees and tenants to enhance support for persons with disabilities. 

To further this commitment, it has introduced a ‘Calm Hours’ initiative to 79 retail outlets to date, offering sensory friendly environments by reducing noise and dimming lighting for individuals with sensory sensitivities. 

“Empathy with persons on the autism spectrum begins by acknowledging that everyone experiences the world in their own unique way. By investing the time to understand their challenges and perspectives, we can cultivate an environment where they feel valued and supported. As our retail and commercial properties serve as vital community hubs and gathering places, we want to enhance the understanding and acceptance of individuals with special needs. Inclusion is central to our engagement with the communities we serve, and we are dedicated to fostering greater inclusivity for all,” said Soon Su Lin, CEO at Frasers Property Singapore. 

Lastly, McCann Worldgroup is the creative agency behind the campaign and has long collaborated with Mastercard on their “Priceless” platform. 

“It was a pleasure to collaborate with Mastercard and our partners at St Andrew’s Autism Centre and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower on this campaign. #AcceptanceMatters is a powerful truth and idea that will create a more inclusive world for people with autism and their caregivers, authentically told by those who live it every day. Working on this campaign to raise awareness of autism and hidden disabilities has been an incredibly fulfilling journey, as we call for empathy and support for all those who navigate invisible hurdles,” commented Valerie Madon, chief creative officer at McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific.

Hong Kong – The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) has launched its latest #OpenToArt initiative in conjunction with the M+ Special Exhibition, “Guo Pei: Fashioning Imagination,” aiming to transform Hong Kong into a vibrant hub for art, couture, and fashion.

Since 2022, HSBC Hong Kong has been the inaugural lead partner of M+, dedicated to bringing the world’s most exquisite artworks to the city. As the lead sponsor of M+’s Special Exhibition, “Guo Pei: Fashioning Imagination,” HSBC is embarking on a two-month innovative marketing campaign, playing a crucial role in showcasing the rich legacy of couture craftsmanship.

The Special Exhibition showcases over 40 stunning haute couture pieces designed by Guo Pei, the only Chinese designer to have presented ten couture collections at Paris Haute Couture Week for five consecutive years. By sponsoring this exhibition, HSBC invites visitors to explore Guo Pei’s captivating world and gain insights into her extraordinary design journey.

To promote the event, HSBC implemented a comprehensive marketing strategy that seamlessly integrated online and offline tactics, sparking an art frenzy across Hong Kong. In collaboration with the PR agency MSL Hong Kong, HSBC is enhancing the exhibition’s visibility through a wide range of innovative marketing approaches.

HSBC has collaborated with four prominent fashion icons—Kathy Chow, Grace Chan, Mayao Ma, and Heidi Lee—to create an engaging Instagram Reels teaser in anticipation of the exhibition. The video features these talents strutting down a red carpet that transforms the city into a vibrant runway connecting the HSBC Main Building to M+. This visually striking representation highlights HSBC’s commitment to unlocking opportunities for diverse individuals and reinforces its dedication to the #OpenToArt initiative, breaking both physical and artistic boundaries to inspire the community to embrace art.

Additionally, HSBC also strategically installed a tram shelter advertisement in Central, effectively reaching diverse audiences to celebrate Guo Pei’s artistry. These eye-catching ads are designed to captivate passersby, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm within the local community. 

By creating a buzz around the upcoming exhibition, HSBC seeks to inspire individuals and foster a deeper appreciation for art and culture in Hong Kong. This initiative not only engages a wide audience but also enhances awareness of the vibrant artistic landscape in the city.

Cheuk Shum, managing director and head of marketing for wealth and personal banking at HSBC Hong Kong, said, “We are excited to promote M+ Special Exhibition, ‘Guo Pei: Fashioning Imagination’ across online and offline platforms, linking Hong Kong with the global art scene through innovative marketing ideas. The red carpet concept adapted in the Instagram reels is an invitation for everyone to engage with art, reflecting our vision of turning Hong Kong into a dynamic stage for fashion and creativity. Through strategic collaborations with influencers, we strive to connect people of all backgrounds and ages to diverse art forms, broadening awareness of art events to a wider audience in Hong Kong.”

HSBC will continue to support and sponsor M+ exhibitions and community activities, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the artistic landscape. Through the #OpenToArt initiative, HSBC aims to foster art and culture, bridging local and global boundaries to connect artists and artworks with the vibrant city of Hong Kong.

Singapore – Validus, a digital SME lending platform, has announced the establishment of a debt facility of up to US$50 million from HSBC with the aim of financially supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia.

Digital SME financing platform Batumbu, Validus’ Indonesian subsidiary, will be deploying the debt facility.

According to Indonesia’s Ministry for Economic Affairs, MSMEs contribute 61% of the country’s gross domestic product, encompassing 97% of the country’s total workforce. However, MSMEs in the country struggle to secure financial resources due to banks’ stringent requirements, as reported by the World Bank.

As an additional and accessible financing option, the debt facility aims to help MSMEs overcome financial challenges while boosting their contribution to Indonesia’s economic development.

“This long-term partnership with HSBC builds on our ongoing efforts to bridge the financing gap for MSMEs in Indonesia. We will continue to pioneer innovations and drive advancements in the lending space. By leveraging Batumbu’s unique position as the largest and only profitable digital SME financing platform in the country, we are committed to unlocking new opportunities for businesses, driving economic growth, and enhancing financial inclusion. We are honoured to work with HSBC on this pivotal initiative, which will enable Validus to make a larger impact on the Indonesian economy,” Nikhilesh Goel, co-founder and group CEO of Validus, said.

Harish Venkatesan, head of corporate and business banking at HSBC Singapore, said “As one of the leading MSME digital financing players in the ASEAN region, we are pleased to support Validus in playing an instrumental role in promoting financial inclusion to underserved small businesses in this region. MSMEs play a key role contributing to the long-term economic success in the ASEAN region and beyond. We look forward to supporting Validus in their mission to drive regional growth through the HSBC ASEAN growth fund.”

While based in Singapore, Validus has expanded its presence in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand.