The HSBC group was founded in Hong Kong in 1865 to finance trade between the China coast and Europe and the United States. Since then, the HSBC Group has expanded through both internal growth and acquisition. Members of the Group include HSBC Private Bank (UK) Limited (formerly Samuel Montagu & Co Limited), founded in 1853, HSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt KG (1785), HSBC Guyerzeller Bank AG (1866), HSBC Bank USA (formerly Republic National Bank of New York) (1966) and Crédit Commercial de France (CCF, 1894).

HSBC Private Bank (formerly HSBC Republic) was established on 31 December 1999, when HSBC acquired Republic New York Corporation and Safra Republic Holdings, parent companies of Republic National Bank of New York. Founded in 1966 and built on a banking tradition established during the Ottoman Empire, Republic National Bank of New York specialised in private banking.

Since then, our business has grown substantially, both organically and through acquisition. We have entered new markets, launched innovative new products and we are building a strong onshore business to complement our historical franchise.

The marketing name HSBC Private Bank was adopted on 1 January 2004. The use of the label 'HSBC Private Bank' refers to HSBC's worldwide principal private banking business, and is not indicative of any legal entity or relationship.