HSBC in Korea
Who we are
HSBC operates a bank and a securities company. We draw upon our extensive global network and deep market expertise to offer financial solutions to local corporates, multinationals, and financial institutions.
Corporate and Institutional Banking is the core of our business in Korea which provides tailored solutions to cater our customers’ varying financial needs.
We offer FX, trade finance, cash management, M&A services, custody, and trustee services, as well as the brokerage and sale of financial investment products including equities, bonds and derivatives.
Our businesses
BANK
Banking
HSBC’s Banking unit is responsible for the overall management of relationships with our corporate and institutional clients. Based on global expertise coupled with local knowledge, we offer innovative and integrated financial solutions to our clients that draw on Corporate and Institutional Banking’s comprehensive suite of products.
Markets & Securities Services
Markets & Securities Services helps clients across HSBC global businesses to unlock investment and financing opportunities, access financial markets and liquidity, manage risk and transact across borders.
Markets Korea is at the heart of industry development through product innovation and market advocacy in the Korean financial sector. Our knowledge of the local markets, coupled with HSBC’s global reach, enables us to provide a comprehensive and bespoke service across every major asset class for our Corporate and Institutional clients. Our clients are provided with access to fixed income including credit and rates, foreign exchange and derivatives including commodities across both developed and emerging markets.
Securities Services Korea is an industry leader in custody and trustee businesses in facilitating both in-bound and out-bound international investment flows. We offer a comprehensive suite of products including Treasury & Cash Management, Securities Lending and Foreign Exchange aligned to our global, regional and domestic platforms. Our services are firmly grounded on automated processes providing safekeeping, settlement, asset servicing, investment compliance and net asset value verification capabilities.
Global Payments Solutions
HSBC GPS provides financial institutions and companies with a comprehensive suite of innovative solutions and products to help them do business every day. GPS helps clients to move their cash, have visibility and invest through HSBC’s proprietary systems, HSBCnet and HSBC Connect.
Global Trade Solutions
GTS Korea provides trade finance services to our clients throughout the trade cycle, from the tender process and issuance of payment orders to shipment and sales fulfilment. We offer various products to help our clients’ working capital optimization, international trade growth, trade risk management, supplier finance management and sales finance management.
SECURITIES
Investment Banking
HSBC’s Global Banking – Capital Financing and Investment Banking Coverage in Korea provides clients with a variety of integrated funding and strategic solutions. Our capabilities span M&A advisory, equity capital markets and debt capital markets.
Markets
Markets offers cash equity, fixed income sales, securities brokerage services and market research for corporate and financial institution clients.
Our headquarters
Level 7, HSBC Building
37, Chilpae-ro,
Jung-gu
Seoul Korea
Our CEO
Peter Y. Lim
CEO and Head of Banking
CEO message
Welcome to HSBC Korea
HSBC has been supporting Korea’s economy as a trusted global financial partner since 1897 when we first established ourselves in Jemulpo, now Incheon. As a trusted global financial partner, we remain committed to fostering growth and success for businesses in Korea.
HSBC leverages its extensive global network and deep market expertise to provide comprehensive financial solutions. Whether you are a local corporate, multinational or financial institution, our Global Banking and Markets business offers tailored solutions to meet your varying financial needs.
We are proud to be your partner in growth and look forward to working with you to achieve your financial goals.
Peter Y. Lim
CEO and Head of Banking
Our history in Korea
Korea joined HSBC’s growing trade finance network in 1897. HSBC opened its business in Jemulpo (now Incheon) in August 1897. The bank offered current accounts to a diverse group of foreign merchants, traders and local entrepreneurs.
The bank financed the thriving port’s traded goods – textile and tobacco imports and cotton and gold exports. In addition, HSBC participated in collective loans with other financial institutions to invest in modernizing infrastructure projects such as the Seoul-Busan railway, completed in 1905.
HSBC had an uninterrupted presence in Korea until the Pacific War and continued its post Korean War presence through the Bank of Seoul, which became HSBC’s representative in the country. In October 1974, the Bank of Korea invited HSBC to establish its own office for trade finance in Seoul. HSBC’s business in Korea grew over the following decades.
