Our strong financial performance in 2025 enabled us to deliver an “excellent” total return to shareholders, Group Chairman Brendan Nelson told our informal shareholders’ meeting (ISM) in Hong Kong.
The meeting, held at the Hopewell Hotel in Wan Chai, is an annual opportunity for our senior leadership to engage with retail shareholders in the city.
In his first ISM as Group Chairman, Brendan said: “Our 2025 performance was strong, generating significant profits.
“This enabled us to reward you with a higher dividend, which, in addition to the increase in the share price, delivered an excellent total shareholder return for the year.”
He said that our strategy, aimed at delivering “focused sustainable growth”, is working, and thanked shareholders for their continued trust and loyalty.
“The Board and the management team are fully aligned in our shared commitment to ensure that the strong financial performance and returns for you, our loyal shareholders, continue in the years to come,” he said.
On stage alongside Brendan were Group CEO Georges Elhedery; Peter Wong, Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation; David Liao, our Co-CEO, Asia and Middle East; and Maggie Ng, HSBC Hong Kong CEO.
Other topics covered at the meeting
Brendan paid tribute to his predecessor, Sir Mark Tucker, for his “strong leadership and exemplary commitment to the Group”.
“For my part, I am privileged to be part of this remarkable institution and to have this opportunity to be with you in Hong Kong – our spiritual home,” he added.
He reflected on our US$13.7 billion investment in the privatisation of Hang Sang Bank, describing it as a “significant milestone in our history”.
“We have brought together two seminal institutions that have served Hong Kong for generations. We are absolutely committed to building on that valued legacy.”
Turning to our financial performance, he said that, in total, we had returned US$18.9 billion to shareholders in respect of 2025, through dividends and buybacks.
“Dividends paid in 2025, together with a more than 49% increase in the share price, delivered a total shareholder return for the year of more than 57%,” he said.
In addressing the Iran conflict and the impact on the Gulf and broader region, Brendan said: “As the international bank with the longest and deepest heritage in the Middle East, with roots going back 135 years, our thoughts are with all those who are affected.
“We are confident in the Gulf States, in the long-term strength, resilience and promise of the region, and we remain invested in its future and in the opportunities that lie ahead for its people, businesses, and economies.”