Here are the strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats of HSBC, "The World's Local
Bank."
Strengths--
*International Finance.
Since HSBC is a multinational company itself, it is well-qualified to
advise other companies on aspects of international business. With
offices around the world, for the cosmopolitan client, HSBC often
cannot be beaten in this area. HSBC knows how to succeed in M&A and
organic and effective growth-- it was mostly an Asian bank until it
took over a UK bank in 1992 and now has become the world's
second-largest bank by profit.
*China.
HSBC is the "Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation" and it has 140
years of experience in China. Since China is the place to be nowadays
for businesses and banks, HSBC benefits for being both an old Chinese
company and trusted by the Chinese people. The best news for HSBC is
that as other companies grow in China, it does, too, because it gains
new clients and new global opportunities with each passing day. HSBC
has the largest network of any foreign bank in China and deeply
understands the Chinese market and customer. In a world that is
increasingly going China's way, this is quite a boon to HSBC.
*Listed in London.
HSBC is primarily listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges,
which saves the company much grief in complying with new American
Sarbanes-Oxley laws. Many companies have chosen to list on foreign
exchanges other than America because of the expensive new regulations.
*Record profits.
Last year, HSBC experienced the most profits ever for a UK high street
bank, with profits of 11.5bn($20.97bn) for the whole year.
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