HSBC Logo

Founded in 1991 in London, England by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation primarily as a group holding company, HSBC Holdings plc has established itself as the largest international bank in the world. HSBC has over 7,500 offices in 87 different countries across the world.

According to Forbes, HSBC has also become the second-largest public company in the world, having total assets of US$ 2.45 trillion AUD as of 2010.

DESIGN ELEMENTS, HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF HSBC LOGO

The current version of the HSBC logo was introduced by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in 1983, as the firm was already operating in Hong Kong and Shanghai since 1865. The emblem was a creation of noted Austrian graphic designer, Henry Steiner, whose work also includes corporate identities for Westpac Banking Corporation, Hilton Hotels, Standard Chartered Bank, Dow Jones and Hyatt Regency.

His design was featured in a 2000 edition of Design Week – a leading UK-based design magazine.

Shape and Colors of the HSBC Logo

The HSBC logo comprises of a hexagonal figure, expeditiously drawing up a uniform and legible brand identity. Inspired by the house flag of the bank, it incorporates a white rectangle broke up diagonally to create a red hourglass symbol. Often lauded as one of the most popular, iconic and instantly recognizable banking logos ever created, the emblem is reminiscent of the traditional Hong Kong company flags of the 19th century, as well as the nationality of the company’s founder – Sir Thomas Sutherland.

Font of the HSBC Logo

The HSBC logo uses a custom typeface.