HSBC has opened its flagship SME Centre and its first commercial banking International Banking Centre (IBC) in Hong Kong. Covering more than 3,500 square feet at Level 6 of HSBC Main Building in Central, the flagship SME Centre and commercial banking IBC is dedicated to serve the growing number of SME customers in Hong Kong and HSBC’s commercial banking customers around the world.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Margaret Leung, HSBC’s general manager, global co-head of commercial banking, said: “Small business is at the centre of HSBC’s commercial banking strategy. As we assist SMEs to build and grow, HSBC is helping to maintain a strong and healthy economy. This redesigned centre is just one of the several initiatives we have undertaken in response to the growing demand in Hong Kong for financial services for small business.”

Also officiating at the opening were Vincent Cheng, The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited chairman and Nixon Chan, HSBC Commercial Banking senior executive.

HSBC has 18 SME Centres in Hong Kong, and the bank aims to open three more by the end of this year.

The flagship SME Centre features custom-made furniture, a spacious waiting lounge with spectacular views of the Victoria Harbour, enclosed customer meeting rooms for privacy, a first-of-its-kind telephone kiosk for direct connection to HSBC business phone-banking services and a coffee bar.

Services available at all SME Centres include trade, cash management, financing, investment, insurance and company account opening. The centres also process registrations for HSBC’s phone-banking and business internet banking services, which are increasingly popular among SME customers.

The Hong Kong commercial banking IBC is one of HSBC’s 16 commercial banking IBCs around the world. It offers a comprehensive range of international services such as global cash management solutions and cross-border account openings. The 16 centres make up a strong global network providing customised cross-border banking solutions for HSBC’s global customers.