Hsbc Holdings Plc - HSBC STOCK NEWS

HSBC's Venture Healthcare Report reveals a 30% increase in healthcare investments in 2024 compared to 2023, with a notable shift towards larger rounds for top-performing companies. Biopharma investments rose 33%, driven by oncology and platform companies, with mega-rounds accounting for 72% of first-financing dollars.

The medical device sector saw decreased first-financing investment, with the top 10% of deals attracting 60% of dollars. Healthtech showed normalized investment levels with growing momentum in AI applications, particularly in clinical workflows. The DX/Tools sector experienced increased overall investment, though top-heavy with 48% of dollars going to the top 10% of deals.

Looking ahead to 2025, HSBC predicts flat healthcare investment, focusing on large rounds for high-performing companies. The report warns of potential consolidation and shutdowns as companies struggling with insider extensions face challenges securing new investor-led rounds.

HSBC has appointed Lisa McGeough as President and CEO for the United States, effective January 1, 2025, marking the first female CEO in the region in over a decade and only the second in its 150-year history. McGeough will lead the next phase of growth for the United States and drive the expansion of the newly integrated Corporate and Institutional Banking business in North America.

McGeough, who joined HSBC in 2021, brings over 35 years of banking industry experience. She will report to Michael Roberts, who has been appointed CEO of HSBC Bank plc and CEO of Corporate and Institutional Banking. Previously, McGeough served as Co-Head of Global Banking Coverage with regional responsibility for Global Banking Europe. Before HSBC, she held various executive positions at Wells Fargo, including Executive Vice President and Head of International.

HSBC Bank USA and its affiliates have announced a reduction in their prime and reference rate from 7.75% to 7.50%. This 25-basis-point decrease will take effect on December 19, 2024. The announcement was made from New York, reflecting an important adjustment to one of the bank's key lending rates.

HSBC has announced the launch of CommunityWorks Opening Doors, a new home loan grant program effective January 1, 2025. The initiative will provide up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for homebuyers in underserved counties across California, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

The program complements the existing HSBC CommunityWorks mortgage, which offers $5,000 in closing cost assistance, up to 97% financing of property value, and no PMI requirement. The initiative is supported by a $25 million, four-year partnership between HSBC and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition to advance opportunities in low- and moderate-income communities.

HSBC Innovation Banking released its Q4 2024 Innovation Outlook Report, highlighting the emergence of the 'Agentic Age' in the U.S. technology sector. The report identifies three key trends: unprecedented concentration of venture capital in AI, with investments approaching the scale of all other venture markets combined; massive R&D spending by Mag7 companies exceeding total U.S. startup investments in 2024; and innovation creating new growth waves.

The report also addresses challenges in the tech ecosystem, including a $1 trillion backlog of non-AI unicorns awaiting exits, an 80% decline in unicorn exits compared to the late 2010s, and ongoing economic volatility. Potential mitigating factors include expectations of a more permissive acquisition market, deregulation, and growth-stimulating fiscal policies.

HSBC has appointed Eric Ingber as U.S. Head of Ultra High Net Worth to lead efforts across sales, investment management, and compliance. Ingber brings over two decades of wealth management experience, previously serving as Managing Director and Market Executive of New York for Bank of America Private Bank. This appointment is part of a broader expansion of HSBC's U.S. International Wealth, Premier and Global Private Banking team, which recently added several key executives including Carly Doshi as Head of Wealth Planning and International Connectivity, and Regional Market Heads Didi Nicholas and Clark Pingree. The strategic hires align with Racquel Oden's growth strategy focusing on international and high net worth clients.

HSBC Asset Management (HSBC AM) has appointed Pete Scott as Head of Innovation Credit to develop its venture debt strategy. The new capability, developed in partnership with HSBC Innovation Banking, will invest in senior secured loans to growth and late-stage VC-backed tech and life science companies. Scott brings over 30 years of industry experience and will be based in San Francisco. The venture debt strategy is part of HSBC AM's alternatives expansion, which currently manages USD76.1bn in combined assets under management and advice as of September 2024.

HSBC and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) announced a four-year, $25 million community growth initiative starting January 2025. The partnership includes $10 million in loan subsidies for homebuyers (with $3.5 million allocated to California), $8 million in grants managed jointly by HSBC and NCRC for CDFIs and nonprofits, a $6 million donation to NCRC, and $1 million for community engagement. This initiative aims to expand economic opportunities in low and moderate-income, diverse, and underserved communities through financial services, addressing previous concerns raised by NCRC about lending practices.

HSBC's Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2024 reveals that 94% of U.S. high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth entrepreneurs are optimistic about future business prospects, with 88% expecting wealth growth in the next 12 months. The study surveyed 1,798 business owners across ten markets with at least $2 million in investable assets. Key findings show that 41% of U.S. entrepreneurs actively contribute to charitable causes, while 44% plan business succession. Despite 74% feeling government support, inflation remains a major concern for 43% of respondents. Notable trends include 36% owning multiple businesses and 20% planning exits within five years.