Shanghai Commercial Bank celebrates legacy with landmark exhibition

Shanghai Commercial Bank is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a series of events starting with a landmark exhibition, “From Shanghai to Hong Kong, connecting the world”. 

The exhibition is open to the public for free at Shanghai Commercial Bank Tower, Central, from 8 November to 5 December 2025. 

The exhibition chronicles the bank’s storied journey from its origin in Shanghai to its incorporation in Hong Kong, showcasing decades of pioneering banking services and its abiding commitment to connecting customers internationally.  

The bank currently has presence in major financial hubs such as New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, London, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.  

This international reach is further strengthened by the bank’s strategic Tribank alliance with Bank of Shanghai in Chinese Mainland and The Shanghai Commercial and Savings Bank in Taiwan, creating a combined network of over 400 outlets across China, Southeast Asia, as well as the UK and the US. 

The exhibition features a curated collection of 75 exhibits, documents, photographs and interactive displays that illuminate the bank’s rich heritage. The journey began in 1915 when The Shanghai Commercial and Savings Bank was established, which later became the largest privately-run bank in China.  

In 1927, China Travel Service was established as a subsidiary. In 1933, its representative office was established in Hong Kong, which was then upgraded the following year to a full Hong Kong Branch.  

In 1950, this branch was locally incorporated as Shanghai Commercial Bank and has since grown into a modern international financial institution with 50 branches and offices worldwide. These exhibits, drawn from the bank’s own archives, offer a unique glimpse into the evolution of banking in Hong Kong. 

Visitors will have an exclusive opportunity to view historical items, many of which are being shown to the public for the first time, including the vault, which is a replica of the massive 1931 Vault Door from the original Shanghai head office, embodying the grandeur, trust and security of classic banking.  

Other highlights include intricate architectural models of the bank’s iconic buildings and a cheque writer machine (打票機), used for printing secure cashier’s cheques in the 1960s and 1990s. 

The exhibition is not just a reflection on the past but also a window to the future. A dedicated digital experience zone will feature the interactive installation “AI chief executive”, which showcases the bank’s digital vision and latest fintech applications.  

“This exhibition highlights Shanghai Commercial Bank’s rich heritage and forward vision. Inspired by our founder Chen Kwang-pu’s mission to promote commerce and financial inclusion, we continue to serve our community with dedication while expanding internationally. Building on our strengths, we embrace innovation and technology to create lasting value for our customers and society,” said Eva Leung Lai-ming, managing director, chief of corporate communications and marketing, Shanghai Commercial Bank. 

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Shanghai Commercial Bank for more information. 

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