In celebration of its 160th anniversary, HSBC has teamed up with Pantone to launch its unique branding color, “HSBC Red,” marking it as the first financial institution in Hong Kong to adopt such a color.
This rich and stable shade evokes strong emotional connections, symbolizing the prosperity of Hong Kong and its promising future. “HSBC Red” has become an integral part of the HSBC identity, reflecting its evolution from local banking to a global financial powerhouse.
To commemorate this significant milestone, HSBC plans to release a range of limited edition gifts themed around “HSBC Red,” including keychains, laptop sleeves, tote bags, and coffee cup sets.
The anniversary campaign also features a special hand-drawn edition of the iconic hexagonal red and white logo, reimagined by graphic designer Henry Steiner. This logo has a minimalist yet recognizable design, representing HSBC’s legacy and enduring spirit of innovation.
Steiner, who originally designed the hexagon logo 40 years ago, revisited his sketches to unveil this unique hand-drawn version for the first time globally.
Furthermore, HSBC will be the first financial institution in Hong Kong to officially collaborate with Pantone for the naming of its signature color “HSBC Red,” alongside a series of exclusive co-branded gifts. These efforts contribute a vibrant chapter to HSBC’s visual and design narrative.
This hand-drawn iteration by Steiner showcases bold, rough strokes, unclear triangular segments, and a scribbled “HSBC” font, emphasizing the significance of his hand-drawn approach. It embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of HSBC, inspired by Steiner’s creative process.
After being commissioned in 1978, Steiner dedicated five years to crafting the logo that was adopted in 1983. The design evolved from the traditional red and white flags of HSBC, incorporating two triangular shapes to represent the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures as well as the flow of business and customers.
This logo encapsulates HSBC’s values of heritage and innovation, with its global recognition showcasing Steiner’s pride in his work, while the vibrant red enhances brand visibility.
Members of the public can join a lucky draw by correctly identifying the Pantone color code for “HSBC Red” on HSBC’s social media, with 50 winners set to receive the complete set of gifts.
In March, HSBC unveiled a series of events to honor its history and deep-rooted connection to Hong Kong. Under the theme “HSBC’s Great Story of 160 Years,” the celebrations commenced at the first-floor square of the iconic HSBC main building, commemorating the bank’s move to its current location on March 3, 1865.
The HSBC headquarters has evolved over four generations, designed by British architect Norman Foster, and was considered the most expensive building in the world upon its completion in 1985. The famous bronze lion sculpture near the main entrance has become a landmark in Central.
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