HSBC: 150 years of helping shape our nation’s story
Few milestones carry the weight of history quite like a 150th anniversary. HSBC marked theirs right where it belongs: at British Ambassador Laure Beaufils’ residence in North Forbes Park on April 22. The location was more than just symbolic. It reflected the British bank’s role in the country’s development since opening its first branch in Binondo in 1875.
Even the food that evening played its part in telling a story. Guests were treated to a curated spread of British classics. Fish and chips was served in newspaper-printed wax paper folded into a cone. Warm cheddar scones topped with leeks made a curious appearance during cocktails. Bangers and mash were laid out next to chicken inasal as part of the buffet.
For dessert, there was sticky toffee pudding, a banana cue cleverly presented like an apple crumble, and next to it was the real deal—an actual warm apple crumble. It was part of the narrative, honoring a rich past and offering a taste of both something familiar and new.
A portrait of King Charles and Queen Camilla greeted guests at the entryway, where they were invited to sign a guest book. Just beyond, display panels traced HSBC’s milestones through the years. The exhibit began with the bank’s earliest ventures in Binondo and progressed to its present-day initiatives in digital finance and sustainability. It offered a brief and quick walk-through of the institution’s 150-year journey in the country.
Before the formal program began, a moment of silence was observed in remembrance of Pope Francis.
Monetary system
“At the beginning, HSBC supported the growth of the sugar industry and trade. It also helped finance the country’s first railway in 1883, which, by the way, was constructed and initially operated by a British-owned company,” said Beaufils in her speech. “It helped stabilize the Philippines’ monetary system as it closed the century.”
She continued by saying that the relationship between the United Kingdom and the Philippines is continually strengthened by the bank and similar institutions.
“In many ways, HSBC is a jewel in our crown here in the Philippines,” she added. Beaufils also noted that the United Kingdom embassy in the Philippines is not just an observer of this relationship.
She cited several projects the institution has partnered on over the years, including key initiatives like climate change dialogues. The bank has sponsored study tours designed to support the Philippine government by showcasing the UK’s renewable energy efforts, particularly its advancements in offshore wind.
Last year, the institution also provided support to push UK-Philippines infrastructure projects by hosting a fair where more than 100 UK companies met with key government officials.
“There have been many more, and we have had great fun together along the way as well,” said Beaufils. “For example, when HSBC and the Embassy cohosted cultural events such as a ‘Night of Rhapsody,’ of which I have very fond memories,” she said.
Stewards
Surendra Rosha, HSBC’s co-chief executive officer for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, refers to himself and their team as the stewards of the franchise. He emphasized that doing their best in what they do includes giving back to the community that gave them so much.
“And that really is the ambition of the bank, that we continue to improve ourselves as we go through this journey, and continue to improve the way we support our customers,” said Rosha.
HSBC Philippines president and CEO Sandeep Uppal followed with a brief toast, sharing anecdotes that stretched back to the late 1800s and to a commemorative stamp issued in 1975 when the bank marked its centennial.
“That really is the ambition of the bank: that we continue to improve ourselves as we go through this journey, continue to improve the way we support our customers,” said Uppal.
It was a short program, one that celebrated the journey of growth. It was, after all, a gathering to remember the past and imagine what the next 150 years will be.
