
HSBC, or the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, is a banking and financial services company based in London. Its journey began in the bustling port city of British Hong Kong, where a Scottish banker named Thomas Sutherland had established a financial institution to cater to the growing trade between Europe and Asia. In fact, the vision of Thomas Sutherland to start the bank came to fruition in 1865.
This was when the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation was established. The HSBC brand cannot be divorced from its powerful logo, which has a modern and futuristic design. It represents the operations of the bank that accrues profit for the customers. The article delves into the history of the HSBC logo and traces its evolution over the years.
The Genesis of the HSBC Logo (Before 1983)
In its early years, the HSBC logo featured a regal design that looked like an ornate crest or shield with rich embellishments. The crest or shield, reflected the opulent Victorian era in which the bank was founded. Besides, the logo was adorned with intricate details and symbolic elements to convey a sense of tradition, prestige, and authority.
The crest comprised several ribbons and two beasts (a lion and a unicorn) present on the left and right sides, respectively. The top of the crest had a crown, whereas the bottom had the image of the sea, two sailing ships, and a triangular-shaped mountain. There was an intricate wordmark in Latin stating “HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE” and “DIEU ET MON DROIT.”

(1983 – 2018)
As the world entered the latter half of the 20th century, HSBC recognised the need to change its visual identifier. So, in a bold move, the bank unveiled a new logo in 1983. It was the iconic hexagon symbol that would come to define its modern identity. The simplicity and geometric perfection of the hexagon showed the forward-thinking approach of HSBC and its commitment to innovation.
The red and white colour scheme was carefully chosen, where the colour red symbolised abundance, prosperity, and energy. On the other hand, the colour white represented purity, clarity, and transparency. The six-sided shape of the hexagon conveyed a sense of balance and harmony. It featured four red and two white triangles and resembled an open box, envelope, or candy. It reflected the dedication of the bank to achieving a harmonious relationship with its various stakeholders. These include customers, employees, shareholders, and the communities served by the bank.

(2018 – Present)
In 2018, HSBC undertook a global branding initiative to adopt the hexagon as its unified symbol across all operations. This move aimed to strengthen the position of the bank as a truly international powerhouse with a consistent and recognisable brand identity in every corner of the world. The logo iteration designed during this period refined the typeface of the wordmark “HSBC.”
The red colour of the hexagon was made more intense to enhance the overall appearance and power of the logo. The letters of the wordmark appear to have shrunk to let the image catch the attention of the eye. Interestingly, the logo was set from left to right, with the graphic hexagon emblem placed on the left and the wordmark “HSBC” on the right.
Further, with its headquarters strategically located in London, HSBC Holdings emerged as the largest bank in Europe, with a presence in 64 countries across the globe. This extensive network enabled the bank to serve a diverse range of customers and meet the ever-evolving financial needs of businesses and individuals worldwide.
Today, the financial services of HSBC cater to the needs of around 40 million customers globally. It proves the commitment of the bank to excellence and customer satisfaction. In the overall analysis, HSBC has become a trusted partner for individuals and businesses alike.

The Elements of the HSBC Logo
Symbol
The hexagonal emblem of HSBC has an intriguing design – a white rectangle divided into four parts by diagonal lines. It resembled an old flag used by Hong Kong companies. This historic motif became an inspiration for the bank’s logo. Designed by Henry Steiner, the logo had two triangles added to the sides. The resulting geometric figure appears like the image of an open envelope, box, or candy, with an hourglass at its centre.
Interestingly, the hexagon shaped emblem looks like the national flag of Scotland, the homeland of the founder of HSBC, Thomas Sutherland. This subtle reference to the Scottish roots of the bank adds a layer of historical significance to the emblem.
Font
The typography of the wordmark used in the HSBC logo is a masterful blend of classic and contemporary elements. The font used for the emblem drew inspiration from the timeless Times Roman typeface. The wordmark rendered in a bold black colour scheme stands in stark contrast against the vibrant red and pristine white coloured hexagon.
Colour
The tricolours—black, red, and white—create a striking visual harmony. These help to achieve the legibility and impact of the logo against light backgrounds. Through its thoughtful design and symbolic elements, the hexagon-shaped logo of HSBC combines the rich heritage of the bank with a contemporary visual language. It creates an iconic representation that resonates with audiences worldwide.
The History of HSBC
HSBC (formerly known as the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation) was founded by a Scottish banker named Thomas Sutherland in 1863. It was created in the first place to facilitate the growing trade between Europe and Asia. With time, this banking and financial institution has evolved into a globally recognised brand based in London.
In the initial years of its founding, HSBC played a key role in supporting the economic development of the region. It did so through the merger of The Mercantile Bank and the British Bank of the Middle East in 1959 to form the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited.
In 1991, the corporation was restructured with the consolidation of Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited with its British affiliate, the Midland Bank. This strategic move ensured a comprehensive global reach and expanded the financial services offerings of the bank. In the coming years, HSBC became a dominant player in the international banking landscape through a series of acquisitions and mergers. These included the integration of Household International in 2003 and The Bank of Bermuda in 2004.
HSBC has cemented its position as one of the world’s most prominent and influential banking and financial services institutions. It did so by adhering to the attributes of innovation, growth, and customer service. With a rich legacy and a forward-thinking vision, HSBC, the global powerhouse, continues to shape the financial landscape of the world. It provides comprehensive financial solutions to individuals, businesses, and communities across the globe.
Interesting Facts About HSBC
- HSBC was established on March 3, 1865, in Hong Kong by Scotsman Thomas Sutherland to facilitate trade between Europe and Asia.
- The bank was incorporated on August 14, 1866, under the laws of Hong Kong.
- By 1875, HSBC had expanded its operations to several countries across Europe, Asia, and North America, thereby establishing a strong international presence.
- HSBC’s global headquarters is located in London, UK, although it was originally founded in Hong Kong.
- The bank operates in 75 countries and territories, with over 6,300 offices worldwide. It serves approximately 54 million customers.
- HSBC employs individuals from 153 different nationalities who speak 142 languages.
- HSBC provides a wide range of financial services, including retail banking, commercial banking, global banking and markets, and private banking.
- By 2020, HSBC aimed for 25% of its energy consumption to come from renewable sources as part of its sustainability initiatives.
- According to the Forbes Global 2000 list, HSBC ranks as the 7th largest public company, a fact that showcases its significant market presence and financial strength.
- In 2013 alone, HSBC donated approximately $117 million to community investment programs globally, and its employees volunteered over 255,000 hours.
- More than half of HSBC’s employees are women, which highlights the bank’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
- HSBC is listed on multiple stock exchanges, including London, Hong Kong, New York, Paris, and Bermuda, with shares held by about 216,000 shareholders across 131 countries.
Finally
With HSBC navigating the complexities of the modern financial landscape, its iconic hexagon logo has become a constant reminder of its rich heritage, values, and dedication to shaping the future of finance. In the overall analysis, HSBC is poised to maintain its position as a leading financial institution in the world, all thanks to its strong foundation on innovation, ethical business practices, and a customer-centric approach.