HSBC was born from one simple idea – a local bank serving international needs. In March 1865, HSBC opened its doors for business in Hong Kong, helping to finance trade between Europe and Asia. Today, HSBC serves around 40 million personal, wealth, and corporate customers worldwide in 64 countries and territories. Inspired by its purpose – Opening up a world of opportunity – HSBC uses its unique expertise, capabilities, breadth, and perspectives to open up new kinds of opportunity for its customers. The bank is bringing together the people, ideas, and capital that nurtures progress and growth, helping to create a better world – for customers, employees, investors, communities, and the planet. The bank has weathered change in all forms – revolutions, economic crises, new technologies – and adapted to survive. The resulting corporate character enables HSBC to meet the challenges of the 21st century.