HSBC in Bangladesh

 

Our services

HSBC opened its first office in Dhaka, in 1996. Since its establishment, staying true to its purpose, HSBC has been striving to become a trusted partner of Bangladesh’s economic growth and prosperity.

We offer a range of financial services in Bangladesh including commercial banking, retail banking, global payments solutions, trade services, treasury, and custody and clearing.

Aligned with the development strategy of Bangladesh, we have supported selective long-term projects which support other economic drivers like employment, social and environmental improvement etc.

Our headquarters

Level 4, Shanta Western Tower
186 Bir Uttam Mir Shawkat Ali Road
(Tejgaon-Gulshan Link Road)
Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka 1208

Telephone: +880 966 633 1000
      +880 961 277 1000

Our CEO

Md. Mahbub ur Rahman

Our history in Bangladesh

The history of HSBC’s branch in Chattogram can also be traced back to the British Era. In July 1947, an official of United Kingdom’s Mercantile Bank of India Limited was dispatched to East Bengal. The official, Lionel Blanks, was visiting Dhaka, Narayanganj, Chandpur and Chattogram, looking into the prospect of opening up a new branch of Mercantile Bank’s subsidiary Hong Kong Bank. In 1951, the Mercantile Bank of India opened their first office in Chittagong.

By 1959, through a series of mergers and divisions, its name had been shortened to Mercantile Bank Ltd and was acquired by HSBC the same year. The bank was an issuer of Hongkong bank notes until 1974. On 3 December 1996, HSBC opened its first branch in Bangladesh in the iconic Anchor Tower, Dhaka. Today, as one of the leading international banks in Bangladesh, HSBC remains a constant partner for the country’s sustainable growth and development, connecting customers to opportunities.

Call centre and internet banking

For any queries, complaints, feedback or compliments, please call our contact centre on:
16240 (accessible from within Bangladesh)
+88 096127 16240 (accessible from overseas *) 24/7
(including government holidays)
* Only international calls through authorised channel are allowed

E-mail

For inquiries and feedback: contact@hsbc.com.bd
For complaints or grievances: complaints@hsbc.com.bd
For Internet Banking: internet.banking@hsbc.com.bd

HSBC Group history timeline


1865
 
2024

Hong Kong harbour, Chinese artist, early 1860s

Staff in Fuzhou, China, 1887

Portrait of Thomas Jackson, around 1890

Chinese railway bond certificate, 1907

Staff in military uniform, First World War

Hong Kong building, 1965

Prison camp diary of HSBC staff member Max Haymes, 1943

Hong Kong garment factory, around 1950

MERCANTILE BANK, CHITTAGONG OFFICE 1951

Persian banknote, early 20th century

UK cash machine, around 1970

HSBC Bangladesh opening press conference, 1996

HSBC office, New York, 1999

HSBC lion, London, present day

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The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited opened in Hong Kong on 3 March 1865 and in Shanghai one month later. It was the first locally owned bank to operate according to Scottish banking principles.

By 1875 HSBC was present in seven countries across Asia, Europe and North America. It financed the export of tea and silk from China, cotton and jute from India, sugar from the Philippines and rice and silk from Vietnam.

By 1900, after strong growth under Chief Manager Thomas Jackson, the bank had expanded into 16 countries and was financing trade across the world. Bullion, exchange and merchant banking were important features of the bank’s business.

In the early 20th century, HSBC widened the scope of its activities in Asia. It issued loans to national governments to finance modernisation and infrastructure projects such as railway building.

The First World War brought disruption and dislocation to many businesses. By the 1920s, however, Asia was beginning to prosper again as new industries developed and trade in commodities such as rubber and tin soared.

The 1930s brought recession and turmoil to many markets. Nonetheless, HSBC asked architects Palmer and Turner to design a new head office in Hong Kong: “Please build us the best bank in the world.” The cutting-edge art deco building opened in 1935.

The bank faced one of its most challenging times during the Second World War. Staff in Asia showed huge courage in the face of adversity. Many became prisoners of war. Only the London, Indian and US branches remained in full operation.

At the end of the war, HSBC took on a key role in the reconstruction of the Hong Kong economy. Its support helped established manufacturers as well as newcomers to Hong Kong grow their business.

The Mercantile Bank of India had their earliest office in Chittagong in 1951.

By the 1970s the bank had expanded through acquisition. HSBC bought Mercantile Bank and The British Bank of the Middle East in 1959. In 1972 it formed a merchant banking arm, extending its range of services.

In the 1980s HSBC bought Marine Midland Bank in the US. In 1992, the newly created HSBC Holdings plc made a recommended offer for full ownership of the UK’s Midland Bank. Following the acquisition, HSBC moved its headquarters to London.

HSBC opened its first branch in Bangladesh in the iconic Anchor Tower. In this image John Strickland, Chairman HSBC ASP and David Humphreys, first CEO of HSBC Bangladesh are seen at the opening press conference.

In 1998, the bank announced it would adopt a unified brand, using HSBC and the hexagon symbol everywhere it operated.

Our purpose – Opening up a world of opportunity – explains why we exist. We’re here to use our unique expertise, capabilities, breadth and perspectives, opening up a world of opportunity for our customers.