HSBC Principal Investments (PI) was formed in October 2006 as a way of bringing together all of HSBC's core principal investing activities. The business has a global footprint encompassing businesses in multiple jurisdictions.

HSBC has had a long and consistent history in Private Equity, which is the largest component of the Principal Investments business. Our first private equity platform was set up in the UK in 1968 and in the following years we progressively built out our captive businesses in Asia, North America and the Middle East. HSBC has maintained a consistent presence in the market through economic cycles, demonstrating our commitment to the business and to our investment partners and staff.

Individual business units

Private Equity

The most prominent business unit of Principal Investments is Private Equity. HSBC has direct private equity businesses in Asia, the Middle East, North America and the UK.

• HSBC Private Equity (Asia) – Established in 1988 and operates across Asia. The business focuses on mid-market expansion capital and buyout private equity opportunities. In addition, the team has developed a successful venture capital capability in several Asian markets
• HSBC Private Equity Middle East – HSBC established a dedicated Private Equity business in 2001. The team has successfully deployed its first fund and will look to complete its follow-up fund raising this year
• HSBC Capital (North America) – Based in the US and Canada, HSBC Capital targets mezzanine, direct private equity and select real estate opportunities in the smaller end of the middle market 
• HSBC Private Equity (UK) – Established in 2007. Dedicated to supporting buyout, replacement and expansion capital opportunities requiring investment of GBP10-50m

We primarily focus on expansion capital for mid-market clients. This segment of the market fits well with the Group's client network and has proven to be consistently successful.

Real Estate

The second component of our PI business encompasses Real Estate and Infrastructure investment. These are two distinct asset classes in which the HSBC Group has considerable knowledge worldwide. In many countries, we have significant exposures to these sectors and we are working alongside our clients providing assistance through our advisory and financing capabilities. An ability to provide an equity proposition is a natural extension of our capabilities in these areas. HSBC Specialised Investments Limited continues to supply the specialist skills needed to manage these opportunities on a global basis.