London, Jan 17, 2026, 17:18 GMT — The market has now closed.
- On Friday, HSBC shares in London slipped 0.39%, ending at 1,232 pence.
- The bank has kicked off a strategic review of its Singapore insurance business but hasn’t made any decisions yet.
- Investors are eyeing the Hang Seng privatisation schedule and HSBC’s annual results, set for Feb. 25.
HSBC shares slipped in London on Friday following the bank’s announcement of a strategic review of its insurance operations in Singapore, part of a broader push to streamline and concentrate its business. The stock finished down 0.39% at 1,232 pence, after fluctuating between 1,226.6 and 1,240 pence during the session. 1
The review is significant because it adds another business line into the mix as HSBC sharpens its focus on wealth and wholesale banking in Asia, the region management highlights for its strongest returns. Whether that leads to a sale, partnership, or wind-down, it ties into the bigger question around the stock: what will be cut next, and what remains.
Price action faces a twist this week. U.S. markets shut Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, putting the spotlight on London and Hong Kong sessions early in the week for HSBC’s primary listings. 2
HSBC confirmed the review involves HSBC Life (Singapore) and will “consider all options” for the unit, but no decisions have been finalized. The bank emphasized that “Singapore is a priority market for the Group” and said it is still pushing growth in wealth and wholesale banking, according to a statement. 3
The unit in question operates as an “insurance manufacturing” business — the segment that actually writes and prices policies — rather than just acting as a distribution channel selling third-party products via bank branches.
The shares slipped roughly 0.4% amid a quiet European session. HSBC pulled back while the STOXX 600 ended unchanged. “The margin of safety that investors had previously is gone,” noted Michael Field, Morningstar’s chief European equity strategist, on the wider market situation. 4
Some investors back the move to shrink HSBC’s insurance presence. “It makes sense for HSBC to consider an exit from Singapore’s insurance market to focus on Hong Kong and mainland China,” said Kenny Tang Sing-hing, chairman of the Hong Kong Institute of Financial Analysts and Professional Commentators. 5
HSBC is conducting the review as a component of a broader simplification plan led by CEO Georges Elhedery. The bank has scaled down operations in certain areas of the Americas and Europe and is reassessing retail units in Asia. At the same time, it wants to grow its wealth and wholesale divisions in key markets.
Still, the road ahead isn’t straightforward. Selling off assets might raise cash, but it could also shrink fee income and cut cross-selling chances in a region where banks and insurers fiercely vie for wealthy clients. Plus, if buyers haggle over price, the review risks stalling with few results to show.
Investors are also focused on HSBC’s Hong Kong plans, tracking the Hang Seng Bank privatisation timeline. A High Court hearing is set for Jan. 23, with the scheme likely to take effect on Jan. 26, and Hang Seng’s delisting expected the following day, Jan. 27, pending necessary approvals. 6
HSBC’s upcoming big event is its Annual Results 2025, set for Feb. 25. Investors will be watching closely for updates on the simplification plan, how quickly the bank is exiting certain areas, and any changes to capital returns. 7
