HSBC introduces 'HSBC Red' and hand-drawn logo to celebrate 160 years

In celebration of its 160th anniversary, HSBC has partnered with Pantone to introduce the signature "HSBC Red", making HSBC the first Hong Kong financial institution to have its own brand colour.  

This elegant, steady, and passionate hue carries strong emotional resonance, while reflecting Hong Kong's prosperity and auspiciousness. "HSBC Red" is deeply embedded in HSBC's identity, bearing witness to its journey from a local bank to a global financial institution.

To celebrate this milestone, HSBC is launching a series of limited-edition "HSBC Red" themed gifts, including keychains, laptop sleeves, tote bags, and coffee cup sets. 

As part of the bank's anniversary campaign, it has also reimagined its iconic hexagonic red-and-white logo in a hand-drawn commemorative edition by graphic designer Henry Steiner. The globally recognised logo is known for its minimalist yet distinct design that embodies HSBC's legacy of heritage and innovation. 

To mark HSBC's 160th anniversary, Steiner, who designed the current hexagon logo 40 years ago, has revisited his original sketches to create a special hand-drawn commemorative edition of the logo with a global debut.

Additionally, HSBC becomes the first Hong Kong financial institution to collaborate with Pantone, the global colour authority, to officially name its signature brand colour "HSBC Red" and launch a series of exclusive co-branded gifts. These initiatives add a vibrant chapter to HSBC's story of aesthetics and design.

Steiner's distinctive hand-drawn edition features bold, rough strokes, with triangular segments not neatly filled, and a scribbled "HSBC" font. This approach reflects the importance Steiner places on sketching ideas out by hand. Through Steiner's inspiration, this hand-drawn edition highlights HSBC's spirit of entrepreneurship.

After being commissioned in 1978, Steiner spent five years designing the iconic logo, which was adopted in 1983. The logo evolved from HSBC's traditional red-and-white flag, Steiner added two triangles on the left and right sides, symbolising the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures, the inflow of business and customers from all directions.

This design encapsulates HSBC's values of heritage and innovation. Its universal recognisability reflects Steiner's pride in creating a design that stands out worldwide, with the vibrant red enhancing the brand's visibility.

The public can participate in a lucky draw by correctly identifying the Pantone colour code for "HSBC Red" on HSBC's social media platforms, with 50 winners receiving a set of all four items. 

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to HSBC for more information. 

Back in March, HSBC unveiled a series of events and experiences that pay tribute to its history and the deep connection it shares with Hong Kong. Under the theme “HSBC 160 Years of Great Stories”, the experiences began at the ground-floor plaza of the iconic HSBC Main Building in Central. This marked the anniversary of HSBC opening its doors on 3 March 1865, at its current location at One Queen’s Road Central.

The HSBC headquarters in Central, now in its fourth generation, was designed by British architect Norman Foster. Completed in 1985, it was the world's most expensive building at the time, according to the release. Flanking its main entrance, the iconic bronze lion sculptures have become enduring landmarks in the heart of Central.

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