The Heritage Wall at HSBC Continental Europe headquarters was unveiled today at a well-attended ceremony by Chris Davies, Deputy CEO of HSBC Continental Europe, alongside Jean Beunardeau, Chairman of the Board of Directors of HSBC Continental Europe.
This wall brings to life key milestones in HSBC’s history from its founding in 1865 to its roots in France (Lyon, 1881; Paris, 1894) and across Europe (Hamburg, 1889), with one constant throughout: supporting clients and enabling international connectivity.
At the opening Chris Davies said, “My hope is that colleagues and clients who pass by will see the long-term trust, resilience and cross-border connections that continue to shape what we do today.
Above all, it is a reminder of our purpose: to be the leading international Corporate and Institutional Bank in Continental Europe, connecting Europe to the rest of the world.
Thank you to the all the teams who delivered this project with real care, helping bring our heritage to life.”
The success of the HSBC Archives Gallery inspired the roll out of a series of History Walls in their offices around the world, including at its Paris headquarters in the prestigious 16tharrondissement.
In March 1865, HSBC opened its doors for business in Hong Kong, helping to finance trade between Europe and Asia. A local bank in Hong Kong subsequently grew into a global financial institution. Leveraging the heritage of the global company with local historical references, we designed a series of History Walls incorporating graphics, objects and audiovisual in offices from Birmingham to Tokyo.
The origins of HSBC Continental Europe date back to the end of the 19th century with the creation of the Banque Suisse et Française in 1894. In order to better reflect the nature and extent of its activities, HSBC France changed its name on December 1, 2020, to become HSBC Continental Europe and moved to a new head office at 38 avenue Kléber in Paris.
For more information, please visit the HSBC Heritage Wall Paris project.