Issue of 1,000,000 Notes (USD 3,570,000) Market Access ... · market access with SEHK and the China...
Transcript of Issue of 1,000,000 Notes (USD 3,570,000) Market Access ... · market access with SEHK and the China...
Final Terms dated: 04 April 2018
HSBC Bank plc
Programme for the Issuance of Notes and Warrants
Issue of
1,000,000 Notes (USD 3,570,000) Market Access Notes linked to ordinary shares issued by EMAAR
THE ECONOMIC CITY ORD SHS SAR 10.00 (the "Underlying Security) due April 2021 (the
“Notes”)
PART A – CONTRACTUAL TERMS
This document constitutes the Final Terms relating to the issue of the Tranche of Notes described herein
Terms used herein shall be deemed to be defined as such for the purposes of the terms and conditions of
the Notes (the "Conditions") set forth in the Base Prospectus dated 1 June 2017 in relation to the above
Programme, together with each supplemental prospectus relating to the Programme published by the Issuer
after 1 June 2017 but before the issue date or listing date of the Notes, whichever is later, to which these
Final Terms relate which together constitute a base prospectus ("Prospectus") for the purposes of the
Prospectus Directive (Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended) (the "Prospectus Directive"). This document
constitutes the Final Terms of the Notes described herein for the purposes of Article 5.4 of the Prospectus
Directive and must be read in conjunction with such Prospectus. However, a summary of the issue of the
Notes is annexed to these Final Terms.
Full information on the Issuer and the offer of the Notes is only available on the basis of the combination
of these Final Terms and the Prospectus. The Prospectus is available for viewing during normal business
hours at HSBC Bank plc, 8 Canada Square, London E14 5HQ, United Kingdom and www.hsbc.com (please
follow links to 'Investor relations', 'Fixed income investors', 'Issuance programmes') and copies may be
obtained from HSBC Bank plc, 8 Canada Square, London E14 5HQ, United Kingdom.
1. Issuer: HSBC Bank plc
2. Tranche Number: 1
3. Settlement Currency: United States Dollars (USD)
4. Aggregate Principal Amount of
Notes admitted to trading:
(i) Series: 1,000,000 Notes (USD 3,570,000)
(ii) Tranche: 1,000,000 Notes (USD 3,570,000)
5. Issue Price: USD 3.57
6. Denomination(s): USD 3.57
7. Issue Date: 05 April 2018
8. Maturity Date: 05 April 2021
PROVISIONS RELATING TO ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS AND INTEREST (IF ANY)
PAYABLE
9.
10.
Default Rate:
Additional Payments for
Underlying Index-Linked Notes
1 week USD LIBOR plus 1 per cent., reset daily
Not applicable
PROVISIONS RELATING TO REDEMPTION
11. Redemption Commission
Percentage:
1.00%
12. Early Redemption Amount: Fair Market Value
13. Buy-Back provisions: Applicable
14. (i) Administration Fee: Not applicable
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO EQUITY-LINKED NOTES AND INDEX-LINKED NOTES
15. Provisions for Underlying Equity-
Linked Notes:
Applicable
(a) Underlying Security-Linked Notes: Applicable
Underlying
Securities
(including
ISIN or other
security
identification
code)
Underlying
Companies
Number of
Underlying
Securities
per Note
Exchange(s
)
Related
Exchange(s
)
Underlying
Currency(ies)
Ordinary shares
issued by the
Underlying
Company
(ISIN: SA000A0KDVM8
)
EMAAR THE ECONOMIC CITY ORD SHS SAR
10.00 1
Saudi
Arabia
Exchange
All
Exchanges
SAR
(i) Underlying Security(ies): As specified in the above table
(ii) Underlying Company(ies): As specified in the above table
(iii) Exchange(s): As specified in the above table
(iv) Related Exchange(s): As specified in the above table
(v) Underlying Currencies: As specified in the above table
(vi) PRC Underlying: No
16. Provisions for Underlying
Index-Linked Notes:
Not applicable
17. Further provisions applicable
to Underlying Index-Linked
Notes:
Not applicable
VALUATION PROVISIONS
18. Valuation Date(s): 29 March 2021
19. Valuation Time: The definition in the Conditions applies
GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO THE NOTES
20. Form of Notes:
(i) Form of Notes: Registered Notes
21. If issued in bearer form: Not applicable
22. Exchange Date for exchange
of Temporary Global Note:
Not applicable
23. If issued in registered form: Applicable
- Initially represented by: Combined Global Registered Note
- Combined Global
Registered Note
exchangeable at the option
of the Issuer in
circumstances where the
Issuer would suffer a
material disadvantage
following a change of law or
regulation:
Yes
24. Payments:
(i) Relevant Financial
Centre Day:
The definition in the Conditions applies
(ii) Business Centre(s): Not applicable
(iii) Payment of
Alternative
Payment Currency
Equivalent:
Not applicable
Offshore RMB
Centre:
Not applicable
25. Redenomination: Not applicable
26. Supplementary Amount: Not applicable
CONFIRMED
HSBC BANK plc
By: ......................................................................
Authorised Signatory
Date: ......................................................................
PART B – OTHER INFORMATION
LISTING
1. (i) Listing: Application will be made to admit the Notes to listing on the
Official List of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct
Authority. No assurance can be given as to whether or not, or
when, such application will be granted.
(ii) Admission to
trading:
Application will be made for the Notes to be admitted to
trading on the regulated market of the London Stock Exchange
plc. No assurance can be given as to whether or not, or when,
such application will be granted.
2. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS, ESTIMATED NET
PROCEEDS AND TOTAL EXPENSES
(i) Reasons for the
offer and use of
proceeds:
Not applicable
(ii) Estimated net
proceeds:
Information not provided
(iii) Estimated total
expenses:
Information not provided
3. INTERESTS OF NATURAL AND LEGAL PERSONS INVOLVED IN THE ISSUE
Save for any fees payable to the Dealer(s), so far as the Issuer is aware, no person involved
in the issue of the Notes has an interest material to the issue. The Dealer(s) and their affiliates
have engaged, and may in the future engage, in investment banking and/or commercial
banking transactions with, and may perform other services for, the Issuer and its affiliates in
the ordinary course of business.
4. INFORMATION ABOUT THE UNDERLYING
Details of past and further performance and volatility of the Underlying Securities are
obtainable from the following display pages on Bloomberg and such information does not
form part of this document: (Source: Bloomberg Financial Markets Information Service)
EMAAR THE ECONOMIC CITY ORD SHS SAR 10.00 and the issuer of the Underlying Securities
are available on the following website of the issuer of such Underlying Securities:
www.emaar.com. The Issuer confirms that the information sourced from Bloomberg
Financial Markets Information Service and the website of the issuer of the Underlying
Securities has been accurately reproduced. As far as the Issuer is aware and is able to
ascertain from information available from such source, no facts have been omitted which
would render the reproduced information inaccurate or misleading.
OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
5. ISIN: XS1805268205
6. Common Code: 180526820
7. SEDOL: BFY3BV7
8. CUSIP: Not applicable
9. Clearing System: Euroclear
10. TEFRA Rules applicable to
Bearer Notes:
TEFRA Not applicable
11. Additional U.S. federal
income tax considerations:
Not applicable
12. Principal Paying
Agent/Registrar/Issue
Agent/Transfer Agent:
HSBC Bank plc
13. Additional Paying Agent(s)
(if any):
Not applicable
ANNEX
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS NOT REQUIRED BY THE SECURITIES NOTE RELATING TO
THE UNDERLYING
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SECURITY
The information set out in this Annex relating a brief discussion to EMAAR THE ECONOMIC CITY ORD
SHS SAR 10.00 (the "(Underlying Company"), (Bloomberg: EMAAR AB) provides of the business of
the Underlying Company and the split-adjusted high, low and end-of-period closing prices for each Security
for each calendar quarter in the period from 01 January 2007 to 29 March 2018 and daily from 01 April
2018 to 03 April 2018. The Issuer confirms that the information set out in this Annex relating EMAAR
THE ECONOMIC CITY ORD SHS SAR 10.00 of the Underlying Company (the "Security") has been
accurately reproduced from information available from the website of the issuer of the underlying Security, www.emaar.com. and Bloomberg Financial Markets Information Service. As far as the Issuer is aware and
is able to ascertain from information available from such source, no facts have been omitted which would
render the reproduced information inaccurate or misleading.
1. Description of the Underlying Company (Source: Bloomberg Financial Markets
Information Service
Emaar Economic City is a real estate consortium. The group develops properties for multiple use or other
developments, including infrastructure facilities. Emaar also markets, plots, and sells properties.
Listing
The Security is listed on the Saudi Arabia Stock Exchange
EMAAR AB EQUITY
Date Px
High Px Low Px Last
29/03/2007 23.25 14.25 18.00
28/06/2007 19.75 14.25 15.00
30/09/2007 17.25 14.75 15.75
31/12/2007 25.75 15.25 22.75
31/03/2008 28.75 17.50 18.00
30/06/2008 26.50 17.75 22.50
30/09/2008 23.75 13.20 14.60
31/12/2008 14.05 8.10 8.95
31/03/2009 11.00 7.60 8.25
30/06/2009 12.35 8.05 10.45
30/09/2009 10.65 9.40 10.45
31/12/2009 11.25 9.55 9.60
31/03/2010 10.65 9.55 9.85
30/06/2010 9.95 8.4 8.55
30/09/2010 8.85 7.75 7.85
30/12/2010 7.85 6.9 7.1
31/03/2011 7.6 5.55 6.9
30/06/2011 8.15 6.70 7.85
29/09/2011 7.75 6.15 6.45
29/12/2011 7.9 6.2 7.4
29/03/2012 14.2 7.05 13.15
28/06/2012 14.05 8.55 8.7
30/09/2012 10.4 8.6 9
31/12/2012 9.1 7.5 8.3
31/03/2013 10.1 8.35 9.5
30/06/2013 10.4 8.9 9.95
30/09/2013 12.45 9.8 11.6
2. Historical prices
The historical prices of a Security should not be taken as an indication of future performance,
and no assurance can be given that the price of a Security will perform sufficiently from year
to year to cause the holders of the Notes to receive any return on their investment.
ISSUE SPECIFIC SUMMARY
Section A – Introduction and Warnings
A.1 Introduction and
Warnings:
This summary must be read as an introduction to the prospectus and any
decision to invest in the Notes should be based on a consideration of the
prospectus as a whole by the investor, including any information
incorporated by reference and read together with the relevant final terms.
Where a claim relating to the information contained in the prospectus is
brought before a court in a Member State of the European Economic
Area, the claimant may, under the national legislation of the Member
States, be required to bear the costs of translating the prospectus before
the legal proceedings are initiated.
Civil liability attaches only to those persons who have tabled this
summary including any translation thereof, but only if this summary is
misleading, inaccurate or inconsistent when read together with the other
parts of the prospectus or it does not provide, when read together with the
other parts of the prospectus, key information in order to aid investors
when considering whether to invest in the Notes.
A.2 Consent by the
Issuer to the use of
Not applicable. The prospectus has been prepared solely in connection
with the admission of Notes to trading on a regulated market pursuant to
31/12/2013 13.55 11 13.3
31/03/2014 17.6 13.05 17.2
30/06/2014 18.2 14.5 15.13
30/09/2014 19.35 15.15 17.42
31/12/2014 18.2 9.75 11.89
31/03/2015 16.8 11 13.19
30/06/2015 17.1 11.95 14.89
30/09/2015 15.55 9.85 10.83
31/12/2015 13.95 8.45 12.94
31/03/2016 14.25 10.05 13.95
30/06/2016 15.95 13.3 14.45
29/09/2016 15.1 10.9 11.99
29/12/2016 19.2 11.4 17.16
30/03/2017 20.25 16.4 17.03
29/06/2017 17.45 12.64 15.72
28/09/2017 15.9 13.4 14.4
31/12/2017 14.9 11.74 13.49
29/03/2018 14.46 12.3 13.68 EMAAR AB EQUITY
Date Px High Px Low Px Last
03/04/2018 13.42 13.20 13.39
02/04/2018 13.40 13.20 13.31
01/04/2018 13.68 13.22 13.26
Section A – Introduction and Warnings
the prospectus in
subsequent resale
or final placement
of the securities,
indication of offer
period and
conditions to
consent for
subsequent resale
or final placement
and warning:
Article 3(3) of the Prospectus Directive and there will be no public offer
of the Notes. The Issuer does not consent to the use of the prospectus for
subsequent resales.
Section B – Issuer
B.1 Legal and
commercial name
of the Issuer:
The legal name of the issuer is HSBC Bank plc (the "Issuer") and, for
the purposes of advertising, the Issuer uses an abbreviated version of its
name, HSBC.
B.2 Domicile and legal
form of the Issuer,
the legislation
under which the
Issuer operates
and its country of
incorporation:
The Issuer is a public limited company registered in England and Wales
under registration number 14259. The liability of its members is limited.
The Issuer was constituted by Deed of Settlement on 15 August 1836
and in 1873, registered under the Companies Act 1862 as an unlimited
company. It was re-registered as a company limited by shares under the
Companies Acts 1862 to 1879 on 1 July 1880. On 1 February 1982 the
Issuer re-registered under the Companies Acts 1948 to 1980 as a public
limited company.
The Issuer is subject to primary and secondary legislation relating to
financial services and banking regulation in the United Kingdom,
including, inter alia, the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
as amended, for the purposes of which the Issuer is an authorised person
carrying on the business of financial services provision. In addition, as
a public limited company, the Issuer is subject to the UK Companies
Act 2006.
B.4b Known trends
affecting the
Issuer and the
industries in
which it operates:
UK real Gross Domestic Product ("GDP") rose by 0.5% in the fourth
quarter of 2017 - a small improvement on 0.4% in the preceding quarter.
The annual rate of growth slowed to 1.5% (from 2.0% in the same quarter
of 2016). The unemployment rate stood at 4.3% in the three months to
November 2017 - its lowest level since 1975. Employment as a
percentage of the population aged 16-64 was 75.5% in November 2017
- a series high. Annual wage growth (excluding bonuses) stood at 2.4%
in the three months to November 2017. The annual rate of growth in the
Consumer Price Index ("CPI") was 3.0% in December 2017. Activity in
the housing market weakened over the year, with price growth
moderating but remaining positive. However, the Bank of England
raised rates by 25bps to 0.5% in November 2017.
The annual pace of UK real GDP growth is now expected to slow from
1.8% in 2017 to 1.5% in 2018. Though CPI inflation may be at or near
its peak, it looks set to continue to outpace wage growth throughout
2018, with employment growth slowing. Together, these factors could
weigh on consumption growth. Political uncertainty may also keep
investment growth weak, while net trade is not expected to contribute to
GDP growth in 2018. Although the rate of growth is lower than it has
been in recent years, it is still close to what the Bank of England
Section B – Issuer
considers to be the new ‘speed limit’. It may therefore raise the Bank
Rate again in 2018.
The eurozone continued on a steady growth path in 2017, with GDP
increasing at a 0.6% quarterly rate in the fourth quarter of the year,
following 0.7% in the previous two quarters. This took full year growth
to 2.5% in the eurozone last year, the fastest rate in ten years. So far we
only have the data for two of the Big 4 eurozone countries: France and
Spain. GDP increased by 0.6% quarter-on-quarter in France, led by
strong exports growth and investment, and by 0.7% quarter-on-quarter
in Spain, taking the full year growth to 3.1%, the third year in a row in
excess of 3%. Domestic consumption is likely to have remained an
important driver of growth in the fourth quarter, fuelled by strong job
creation, but HSBC Global Research expects it to have eased a little as
the recent oil price increase is reducing households’ purchasing power.
Investment has also been picking up recently, particularly in the business
sector, also helped by important fiscal incentives, while net exports are
also likely to have contributed positively to growth, thanks to the highly
synchronised global cycle, and so far with limited impact from the
appreciation of the euro (circa 9% in trade-weighted terms) since last
spring.
The latest survey data point to a continuation of the strong growth
momentum, although HSBC Global Research expects a marginal
slowdown in growth in 2018 (to 2.3%) due to stalling real wage growth
putting a lid on domestic consumption, against the background of rising
energy prices, while the stronger euro might have a dampening effect on
export growth. The European Central Bank ("ECB") Quantitative Easing
("QE") programme has been extended for 9 months from January 2018
albeit at a slightly lower pace (€30bn of asset purchases per month,
compared to €60bn previously), which should continue to provide fiscal
support to countries, while the ECB forward guidance on rates should
help prevent a further appreciation of the euro by pushing expectations
for a possible rate hike further into the future. HSBC Global Research
expects QE to end in October 2018. With nominal wage growth stalling,
HSBC Global Research expects inflation to continue to undershoot the
ECB’s inflation target, at 1.5% both in 2018 and 2019, even if the recent
oil price increase has added some pressures to inflation in the short term,
only partly offset by the stronger euro. The main political risk is the
Italian election on 4 March 2018, with polls pointing to a likely hung
parliament. The outcome of the Catalan independence threat remains
uncertain, after pro-independence parties re-gained a majority of seats in
the Catalan parliament at the regional election on 21 December 2017,
while Germany is still without a government after last September’s
election.
B.5 The group and the
Issuer's position
within the group:
The whole of the issued ordinary and preference share capital of the
Issuer is beneficially owned by HSBC Holdings plc ("HSBC Holdings",
together with its subsidiaries, the "HSBC Group"). The Issuer is the
HSBC Group's principal operating subsidiary undertaking in Europe.
The HSBC Group is one of the largest banking and financial services
organisations in the world, with an international network of more than
4,700 branches in 71 countries and territories across five geographical
regions: Europe, Asia, Middle East and North Africa, North America and
Latin America. Its total assets as at 31 December 2016 were U.S.$
2,374,986 million.
Section B – Issuer
B.9 Profit forecast or
estimate:
Not applicable. There are no profit forecasts or estimates made in the
prospectus.
B.10 Nature of any
qualifications in
the audit reports
on the historical
financial
information:
Not applicable. There are no qualifications in the audit reports on the
audited, consolidated financial statements of the Issuer for the financial
years ended 31 December 2015 or 31 December 2016.
B.12 Selected key
financial
information, no
material adverse
change and no
significant change
statement:
The selected key financial information regarding the Issuer set out below
has been extracted without material adjustment from the audited
consolidated financial statements of the Issuer for the years ended 31
December 2016 and 31 December 2017.
Footnote
s 2017 2016
For the year (£m)
Profit before tax (reported basis) ................................. 2,370 874
Profit before tax (adjusted basis) ................................. 1 3,832 4,234 Net operating income before loan impairment charges
and other credit risk provisions ................................ 2 13,052 13,305 Profit/(loss) attributable to shareholders of the parent
company .................................................................. 1,809 (212)
At year end (£m) Total equity attributable to shareholders of the parent
company .................................................................. 43,462 39,930
Total assets .................................................................. 818,868 816,829
Risk-weighted assets ................................................... 233,073 245,237 Loans and advances to customers (net of impairment
allowances) .............................................................. 280,402 272,760
Customer accounts ...................................................... 381,546 375,252
Capital ratios (%) 3
Common Equity tier 1 ................................................. 11.8 10.2 Tier 1 ratio .................................................................. 13.8 12.3 Total capital ................................................................ 16.9 15.7 Performance, efficiency and other ratios
(annualised %) Return on average ordinary shareholders' equity ......... 4 4.2 (1.2)
Return on average risk-weighted assets ....................... 1.0 0.4
Adjusted return on average risk-weighted assets.... 1.6 1.7 Cost efficiency ratio (reported basis) ........................... 5 78.2 90.3 Cost efficiency ratio (adjusted basis)........................... 5 67.5 63.9 Jaws (adjusted basis) ................................................... 6 (5.8) 0.4
Ratio of customer advances to customer accounts....... 73.5 74.8 _______________________ 1 Adjusted performance is computed by adjusting reported results for the effect of significant items as detailed on pages 10 to
12 of the Issuer's Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2017.
2 Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions is also referred to as revenue.
3 Capital ratios as detailed on the capital section on pages 56 to 58 of the Issuer's Annual Report and Accounts for the year
ended 31 December 2017.
4 The return on average ordinary shareholders’ equity is defined as profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company
divided by the average total shareholders’ equity
5 Reported cost efficiency ratio is defined as total operating expenses (reported) divided by net operating income before loan
impairment charges and other credit risk provisions (reported), while adjusted cost efficiency ratio is defined as total
operating expenses (adjusted) divided by net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk
Section B – Issuer
provisions (adjusted). Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions (adjusted) is
also referred to as revenue (adjusted).
6 Adjusted jaws measures the difference between adjusted revenue and adjusted cost growth rates.
There has been no material adverse change in the prospects of the
Issuer since 31 December 2017.
There has been no significant change in the financial or trading position
of the Issuer and its subsidiary undertakings since 31 December 2017.
B.13 Recent events
particular to the
Issuer which are to
a material extent
relevant to the
evaluation of the
Issuer's solvency:
Not applicable. There have been no recent events particular to the Issuer
which are to a material extent relevant to the evaluation of its solvency.
B.14 Dependence upon
other entities
within the group:
The Issuer is a wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings.
The Issuer and its subsidiaries form a UK-based group (the "Group").
The Issuer conducts part of its business through its subsidiaries and is
accordingly dependent upon those members of the Group.
B.15 The Issuer's
principal
activities:
The Group provides a comprehensive range of banking and related
financial services. The Group divides its activities into four business
segments: Retail Banking and Wealth Management; Commercial
Banking; Global Banking and Markets; and Global Private Banking.
B.16 Controlling
persons:
The whole of the issued ordinary and preference share capital of the
Issuer is owned directly by HSBC Holdings.
Section C – Securities
C.1 Description of
type and class of
securities:
Issuance in series:
Notes will be issued in series which may comprise one or more tranches.
Each Tranche issued under a series will have identical terms, except that
different tranches of Notes may comprise Notes in bearer form ("Bearer
Notes") or registered form ("Registered Notes") The issue dates and
issue prices under different tranches of Notes may also vary.
The Registered Notes being issued are series PALMS 1397 tranche 1
Notes (the "Notes")
Form of Notes:
Registered Notes in global form:
Registered Notes will be issued in global form and a combined global
registered note will be deposited with and registered in the name of a
common depositary (or its nominee) for Euroclear Bank SA/NV
("Euroclear") and/or Clearstream Banking, société anonyme
("Clearstream, Luxembourg")
Security Identification Number[s]:
Section C – Securities
The Registered Notes have been accepted for clearance through
Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and will be allocated the
following Security Identification Number[s] [to be consolidated with the
Original Issue Security Identification Number[s]:
ISIN Code XS1805268205
Common Code: 180526820
SEDOL: BFY3BV7
C.2 Currency of the
securities issue:
The settlement currency of the Notes is USD (the "Settlement
Currency").
C.5 Description of any
restrictions on the
free
transferability of
the securities:
The Notes are freely transferable. However, there are restrictions on the
offer and sale of the Notes. The Issuer and HSBC Bank plc (the
"Dealer") have agreed restrictions on the offer, sale and delivery of the
Notes and on distribution of offering materials in Australia, the Dubai
International Financial Centre, the European Economic Area, France,
Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Kingdom of Bahrain,
Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, the People's Republic of China, Pakistan,
Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka,
Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, The Netherlands, the United Arab
Emirates (excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre), the
United Kingdom, the United States of America and Vietnam. In
addition, investors of the Notes, by their purchase of the Notes, will be
deemed to have given certain representations, warranties, undertakings,
acknowledgements and agreements.
C.8
The rights
attaching to the
securities,
including ranking
and limitations to
those rights:
Status of the Notes:
The Notes will be direct, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of
the Issuer and will rank equally and without preference among
themselves and, at their date of issue, with all other unsecured and
unsubordinated obligations of the Issuer (unless preferred by law).
Interest Payments:
The Notes do not bear interest.
Early redemption/termination for illegality:
If the Calculation Agent determines that the performance of the Issuer's
obligations has become unlawful or impracticable in whole or in part for
any reason, the Issuer will be entitled to redeem the Notes and pay the
relevant investor an amount per Note equal to the fair market value of
such Note or such other amount specified in the relevant final terms
("Final Terms").
Early redemption for taxation reasons:
If the Issuer were required under the terms and conditions of the Notes
(as applicable) (the "Conditions") to pay additional amounts in respect
of tax, the Issuer may subject to prior notice to the holders of such Notes,
redeem or terminate all, but not some only, of such Notes and pay the
Section C – Securities
relevant investor an amount per Note equal to the fair market value of
such Note or such other amount specified in the relevant Final Terms.
Modification and substitution:
Modifications to the Conditions may be made without the consent of any
holders of Notes to cure any ambiguity or manifest error or correct or
supplement any Conditions provided that: (i) the modification is not
materially prejudicial to the interest of holders of Notes; (ii) the
modification is of a formal, minor or technical nature or is to correct a
manifest error or is to comply with mandatory provisions of the law of
the Issuer's jurisdiction of incorporation; or (iii) the modification corrects
inconsistency between the Conditions and the relevant termsheet relating
to the Notes. The Notes permit the substitution of the Issuer with its
affiliates without the consent of any holders of Notes where the Issuer
provides an irrevocable guarantee of the affiliate's obligations.
Events of default of the Notes:
The following events constitute events of default (each, an "Event of
Default") under the Notes and would entitle the Noteholder to accelerate
the Notes: (i) a continuing default in the repayment of any principal due
on the Notes for more than 14 days, provided that the reason for non-
payment is not compliance with any fiscal or other law or regulation or
court order, or that there is doubt as to the validity of such law, regulation
or order in accordance with independent legal advice from advisers
which is acceptable to HSBC Bank plc, acting in its capacity as principal
paying agent (the "Principal Paying Agent"); or (ii) the passing of a
winding-up order in relation to the Issuer. On an Event of Default the
Notes will be redeemed against payment of an amount per Note equal to
[the fair market value of such Note
Meetings of Noteholders
The Conditions of the Notes contain provisions for calling meetings of
Noteholders to consider matters affecting their interests generally. These
provisions permit defined majorities to bind all Noteholders including
Noteholders who did not attend and vote at the relevant meeting and
Noteholders who voted in a manner contrary to the majority.
No guarantee or security:
The Notes are the obligations of the Issuer only and are unsecured.
Taxation:
All payments by the Issuer in respect of the Notes will be made without
deduction of any taxes, duties and other similar charges, including
United Kingdom taxes unless the Issuer is required by law to withhold
or deduct any such taxes. Therefore, Noteholders will be liable for
and/or subject to any taxes, duties and other similar charges, including
withholding tax, stamp duty, stamp duty reserve tax and/or similar
transfer taxes, payable in respect of the Notes.
Governing Law:
English law.
Section C – Securities
C.11 Listing and
trading:
Application will be made to admit the Notes to the Official List of the
United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority and to trading on the
regulated market of the London Stock Exchange plc.
C.15 Description of how
the value of the
investment is
affected by the
value of the
underlying
instrument:
The Notes are designed to track the price of the Underlying converted
into the currency of the Note (if applicable). The Final Redemption
Amount payable on redemption of any Note is linked to a fixed amount
of the Underlying by way of a hedge in respect of such fixed amount of
the Underlying (whether directly or synthetically). In general, as the
price of the Underlying increases or decreases, so will the Final
Redemption Amount payable in respect of such Notes. Similarly,
changes in the value of the relevant currency rate will change the value
of the Notes.
The quoted price of the Underlying converted into the currency of the
Note (if applicable) may diverge from the Final Redemption Amount
payable under the Note owing to disparity between any hedge and the
Underlying, and to the deduction of costs, such as, amongst other things,
brokers fees, transaction processing fees and actual and potential taxes,
duties and other similar charges, including those costs that would be
incurred by the Issuer and/or its designated affiliates of hedging the
Underlying, whether directly or synthetically, and a fee to be retained by
the Issuer, the Dealer(s) and/or their affiliates.
The offer is addressed solely to qualified investors (as such term is
defined in the Prospectus Directive).
C.16 Expiration or
maturity date of
securities:
The Notes will be cash-settled.
The maturity date of the Notes is 05 April 2021 (the "Maturity Date").
C.17 Settlement
procedure:
The Notes will be cash-settled.
All payments to Noteholders will be paid through Euroclear and/or
Clearstream, Luxembourg.
C.18 Return on
securities:
The Notes are "Underlying Security-Linked Notes and are linked to a
single underlying security (the "Underlying").
The Notes are market access products, which are designed for investors
who wish to be exposed to fluctuations in the price of the Underlying,
but who do not wish to or are not able to hold the relevant Underlying
itself. In addition, the Notes are designed to allow investors to get
exposure to the Underlying even though it may be priced locally in a less
accessible currency or currencies.
A Noteholder will receive one type of payment under the Notes: the Final
Redemption Amount
Payments at maturity or on exercise
The Notes will have a Final Redemption Amount which will be
calculated in a different manner depending on whether the Notes are
Underlying ETF-Linked Notes, Underlying Fund-Linked Notes,
Underlying Index-Linked Notes or Underlying Security-Linked Notes.
The Notes are Underlying Security-Linked Notes and accordingly the
Final Redemption Amount will be the greater of 0.03 per cent. of the
Section C – Securities
issue price per Note and the Net Realisable Sale Price. The Realisable
Sale Price per Note will be equal to:
if the Issuer or any of its affiliate(s) hold the underlying assets
and dispose of them, the amount per Note received from such
disposal, less any costs and converted into the currency of the
Note (if applicable);
if neither the Issuer nor any of its affiliate(s) hold the underlying
assets but is party to a hedge or other arrangement relating to the
Notes being redeemed, the effective price at which such hedge
or other arrangement was realised or unwound, less any costs
and converted into the currency of the Notes (if applicable); or
if neither the Issuer nor any of its affiliate(s) hold the underlying
assets nor are party to a hedge or other arrangement relating to
the Notes being redeemed, the amount per Note a notional,
direct holder of the underlying assets of the Notes would receive
from disposing of them on expiry, less any costs and converted
into the currency of the Note (if applicable).
If the actual or notional amounts received need to be converted into the
currency of the Note, the rate of exchange used will be either:
if the Issuer or its affiliate(s) has an exchange transaction
(whether implicit as part of a hedge or other arrangement for the
underlying assets or as part of a separate arrangement), the rate
of exchange obtained under that arrangement; or
if the Issuer or its affiliate(s) has not entered into an exchange
transaction the rate of exchange which a notional, direct holder
of the underlying assets of the Notes would be able to obtain.
Additional Payments
If the Notes are Underlying Security-Linked, Underlying ETF-Linked or
Underlying Index-Linked Notes, then holders of Notes will also
potentially be entitled to Additional Payments.
The Notes are Underlying Security-Linked Notes and the Additional
Payments payable to holders of Notes will be:
if the Issuer or its affiliate(s) hold the appropriate underlying
assets (that is, the shares or exchange-traded, the aggregate
amount of the net cash dividend or distribution received;
if the Issuer or its affiliate(s) hold a hedge or other arrangement
for the purposes of performing its obligations under the Notes,
the net cash dividend or distribution equivalent payment
received under the hedge or other arrangement;
if the Issuer or its affiliate(s) do not hold any of the underlying
assets or are not party to a hedge or other arrangement relating
to the Notes, the net amount a notional, direct holder of the
underlying assets relating to the Notes would receive by way of
cash dividend or distribution; or
if a non-cash dividend or distribution is made, the Issuer may in
its absolute discretion, pay to the Noteholders the net cash value
Section C – Securities
of such non-cash dividend or distribution or, if the Issuer or its
affiliate(s) holds a hedge or other arrangement relating to the
Notes, the net cash adjustment or settlement received in respect
of such non-cash dividend or distribution under such hedge or
other arrangement, in respect of the underlying securities, such
as an issue of warrants or preference shares,
in all cases, less any costs and converted into the currency of the Notes
(if applicable).
If the actual or notional amounts need to be converted into the currency
of the Note, the rate of exchange used is either:
if the Issuer or its affiliate(s) has an exchange transaction
(whether implicit as part of a hedge or other arrangement for the
underlying assets or as part of a separate arrangement), the rate
of exchange obtained under that arrangement; or
if the Issuer or its affiliate(s) has not entered into an exchange
transaction, that which a notional, direct holder of the
underlying assets of the Notes would be able to obtain.
Supplementary Amounts:
Supplementary Amounts do not apply to this series of Underlying
Security-Linked Notes.
Interest Payments:
The Notes do not bear interest.
C.19 Exercise price or
final reference
price of the
underlying:
The calculations which are required to be made to calculate the Final
Redemption Amount will be based on the value of the Underlying
determined by the Calculation Agent being HSBC Bank plc. The
Calculation Agent will determine the value of the Underlying by
reference to the actual or notional value upon disposal or realisation of
the Underlying or the value of realising or unwinding a hedge or other
arrangement in respect of such Underlying, in all cases deducting costs
and converting into the currency of the Note (if applicable).
C.20 Type of the
underlying:
Each series of Notes is linked to the performance of one of the following:
a security or basket of securities (together, the "Underlying Securities"
and each, an "Underlying Security") issued by a company or companies
(together, the "Underlying Companies" and each, an "Underlying
Company") which is/are listed and/or admitted to trading on one or more
stock exchanges (such Notes are referred to as, "Underlying Security-
Linked Notes"); or
a security or basket of securities (together, the "China Connect
Underlying Securities" and each, a "China Connect Underlying
Security") issued by a company or companies (together, the
"Underlying Companies" and each, an "Underlying Company") which
is, or is expected to be, listed and/or admitted to trading on any stock
exchange (each a "China Connect Market") in the People's Republic of
Section C – Securities
China ("PRC", which shall for the purposes of this document exclude
Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan) under any securities trading and clearing
links developed or to be developed by The Stock Exchange of Hong
Kong Limited ("SEHK"), any such China Connect Market, the Hong
Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited and the China Securities
Depository and Clearing Corporation for the establishment of mutual
market access between SEHK and any such China Connect Market (such
Notes are referred to as "China Connect Underlying Security-Linked
Notes"); or
an index or basket of indices (together, the "Underlying Indices" and
each, an "Underlying Index") being composed of certain securities
(together, the "Component Securities" and each, a "Component
Security") (such Notes are referred to as, "Underlying Index-Linked
Notes"); or
a fund or basket of funds (together, the "Underlying Funds" and each,
an "Underlying Fund") (such Notes are referred to as, "Underlying
Fund-Linked Notes"); or
an exchange-traded fund or a basket of funds (together, the "Underlying
ETFs" and each, an "Underlying ETF") which is/are listed and/or
admitted to trading on one or more stock exchanges (such Notes are
referred to as, "Underlying ETF-Linked Notes").
The Notes are Underlying-Security Linked Notes, being Notes in
relation to which the Final Redemption Amount is linked to one security,
namely EMAAR THE ECONOMIC CITY ORD SHS SAR 10.00 Underlying
Security Linked Notes are also referred to in the prospectus as
"Underlying Equity-Linked Notes".
References to "Underlying", either in the singular or plural form, shall
refer to any Underlying applicable to a series of Notes.
Information on the Underlying can be found on EMAAR AB /
www.emaar.com
Section D – Risks
D.2 Key risks specific
to the Issuer:
A description of the key risk factors relating to the Issuer that may affect
the ability of the Issuer to fulfil its obligations to investors in relation to
any of its debt or derivative securities is set out below.
Current economic and market conditions could materially adversely
affect the Issuer:
The Issuer's earnings are affected by global and local economic and
market conditions. Uncertain and at times volatile economic conditions
can create a challenging operating environment for financial services
companies such as the Issuer, including challenges arising from any of
the following: reduced demand for borrowing from creditworthy
customers; the imposition of protectionist measures; renewed stress as
subdued economic conditions raise asset quality concerns, and
uncertainties about the EU bank resolution regime raise funding costs; a
prolonged period of low or negative interest rates constraining the
amount of the Issuer's net interest income; market disruption adversely
affecting funding transactions and the Issuer's ability to borrow from
Section D – Risks
other financial institutions; subdued economic growth and/or asset
valuation bubbles as a result of too rapid growth.
The UK's withdrawal from the EU may adversely affect the Issuer's
operating model and financial results
The UK electorate's vote to leave the EU may have a significant impact
on general macroeconomic conditions in the UK, the EU and globally,
and is likely to usher in a prolonged period of uncertainty. Negotiations
of the UK's exit agreement, its future relationship with the EU and its
trading relationships with the rest of the world will likely take a number
of years to resolve. The period of uncertainty and market volatility that
followed the UK's decision to leave the EU is likely to continue until the
UK's future relationship with the EU and the rest of the world is clearer.
Given the timeframe and the complex negotiations involved, a clearer
picture is not expected to emerge for some time.
Uncertainty as to the precise terms of these arrangements, and the future
legal and regulatory landscape, may lead to uncertain economic
conditions, market volatility and currency fluctuations. Among other
issues, the UK's future relationship with the EU may have implications
for the future business model for the Issuer's London-based European
cross-border banking operations, which relies on unrestricted access to
the European financial services market.
The Issuer's parent company is subject to regulatory commitments and
consent orders:
HSBC Holdings is subject to a deferred prosecution agreement with the
US Department of Justice and related agreements and consent orders
with US and UK government agencies to comply with certain remedial
measures with respect to the HSBC Group’s anti-money laundering and
sanctions compliance programmes, including the appointment of an
independent compliance monitor. Failure to comply with the terms of
such agreements may have a material adverse effect on the Group,
including loss of business and withdrawal of funding, restrictions on
performing dollar-clearing functions, or revocation of bank licences.
UK banking structural reform legislation and proposals could
materially adversely affect the Issuer:
Material changes to the corporate structure and business activities of the
Issuer, including the establishment of a separate ring-fenced bank for
retail banking activities, are expected pursuant to UK banking structural
reform legislation and proposals. The restructuring will involve the
transfer of qualifying components of the Issuer's UK Retail Banking and
Wealth Management, Commercial Banking and Global Private Banking
businesses from the Issuer to a new legal entity, HSBC UK. The Issuer
expects the cost of implementing these plans to be material. In addition
to the restructuring costs, the Issuer will have a reduced balance sheet,
including a reduction in risk-weighted assets, and a reduced and
potentially more volatile revenue stream. These structural changes could
result in changes to the Issuer's credit rating and increases in its cost of
funding.
The Issuer is subject to a number of legal and regulatory actions and
investigations:
Section D – Risks
The Issuer is subject to a number of legal and regulatory actions and
investigations, the outcomes of which are inherently difficult to predict.
An unfavourable result in one or more of these could result in the Issuer
incurring significant expense, substantial monetary damages, loss of
significant assets, other penalties and injunctive relief, potential
regulatory restrictions on the Issuer's business and/or a negative effect
on the Issuer's reputation.
Unfavourable legislative or regulatory developments, or changes in the
policy of regulators or governments could materially adversely affect
the Issuer:
The Issuer's businesses are subject to ongoing regulation and associated
regulatory risks, including the effects of changes in the laws, regulations,
policies, guidance, voluntary codes of practice and their interpretations
in the UK, the EU and the other markets in which the Issuer operates.
This is particularly so in the current environment, where the Issuer
expects government and regulatory intervention in the banking sector to
remain high for the foreseeable future.
The Issuer is subject to the substance and interpretation of tax laws in
the jurisdictions in which it and members of the Group operate:
The Issuer is subject to the substance and interpretation of tax laws in all
countries in which it and members of the Group operate, the risk
associated with changes in tax law or in the interpretation of tax law, the
risk of changes in tax rates and the risk of consequences arising from
failing to comply with procedures required by tax authorities.
The Issuer's operations are highly dependent on its information
technology systems:
The reliability and security of the Issuer's information and technology
infrastructure and the Issuer's customer databases are crucial to
maintaining the service availability of banking applications and
processes and to protecting the HSBC brand. Critical systems failure,
prolonged loss of service, cyber-attacks, or internet crime or a material
breach of security could lead to financial loss and cause damage to the
Issuer's business and brand.
The Issuer's operations have inherent reputational risk:
Reputational risk may arise from negative public opinion about the actual
or perceived manner in which the Issuer conducts its business activities,
its financial performance, as well as actual or perceived practices in
banking and the financial services industry generally. Negative public
opinion may adversely affect the Issuer's ability to keep and attract
customers and, in particular, corporate and retail depositors, and retain
and motivate staff which in turn could have a material adverse effect on
the Issuer.
The Issuer has significant exposure to counterparty risk:
The Issuer's ability to engage in routine transactions to fund its
operations and manage its risks could be materially adversely affected
by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial services
institutions. Financial services institutions are necessarily
interdependent because of trading, clearing, counterparty or other
Section D – Risks
relationships, which could affect a financial services institution's funding
and its ability to manage the risks of its business.
Market fluctuations may reduce the Issuer's income or the value of its
portfolios:
The Issuer's businesses are exposed to changes in, and increased
volatility of, interest rates, inflation rates, credit spreads, foreign
exchange rates, commodity, equity, bond and property prices and the risk
that the Issuer's customers act in a manner inconsistent with its business,
pricing and hedging assumptions. It is difficult to predict with any
accuracy changes in market conditions, and such changes could have a
material adverse effect on the Issuer.
Liquidity, or ready access to funds, is essential to the Issuer's business:
If the Issuer is unable to raise funds, its liquidity position could be
adversely affected and the Issuer might be unable to meet deposit
withdrawals or obligations under committed financing facilities and
insurance contracts, to fund new loans, investments and businesses or to
repay borrowings as they mature.
Any reduction in the credit rating of the Issuer or any of its debt
securities could affect the availability of the Issuer's funding and affect
its liquidity position and interest margins:
Credit ratings affect the cost and other terms upon which the Issuer is
able to obtain market funding. Rating agencies regularly evaluate the
Issuer, as well as its respective debt securities. There can be no assurance
that the rating agencies will maintain the Issuer's current ratings or
outlook. Any reductions in these ratings and outlook could increase the
cost of the Issuer's funding, limit access to capital markets and require
additional collateral to be placed.
D.6 Key risks specific
to the securities
and risk warning
to the investor:
Credit risk: The Notes are direct, unsubordinated and unsecured
obligations of the Issuer and not of any other person. If the Issuer's
financial position were to deteriorate, there could be a risk that the Issuer
would not be able to meet its obligations under the Notes (the Issuer's
credit risk). If the Issuer becomes insolvent or defaults on its obligations
under the Notes, in the worst case scenario, investors in the Notes could
lose all of their invested amounts.
The Notes are unsecured obligations: The Notes are not secured over
any asset. Therefore, the investor would not be able to enforce security
as a method of recouping payments due under the Notes if the Issuer
were to become insolvent and cease to be able to pay such amounts.
The Notes are not ordinary debt securities: The Notes do not pay
interest and, upon redemption, expiry or upon exercise (as applicable),
may return less than the amount invested or nothing. The Notes are
designed to track the price or level of the Underlying. If the performance
of such Underlying does not move in the anticipated direction or if the
issuer thereof becomes insolvent, the Notes will be adversely affected
and, in a worst case scenario, may become worthless.
Payments under the Notes may be delayed: Payments to holders of
Notes which are calculated by reference to hedging arrangements will
only be due if the proceeds would have been received by an investor
outside the jurisdiction where the Underlying is listed or quoted. There
Section D – Risks
is a risk that limitations on the importation and withdrawal of funds in
such jurisdiction could lead to potential delays in payments under the
Notes or, in the worst case, the Notes becoming worthless.
No ownership rights: The Notes do not confer any legal or beneficial
interest or any voting or dividend rights in the Underlying or the
Component Securities.
Suspension of Issuer's payment obligation: Payments to holders of
Notes may be suspended so long as dealings in the relevant Underlying
and related hedging transaction are or are wholly to be prevented,
delayed or restricted by the closure of a relevant exchange or the
suspension of trading or the occurrence of other circumstances, or if any
circumstances arise which adversely affect the ability to carry out foreign
exchange transactions or currency transfers. In the event of such
suspension, Noteholders will not be entitled to any interest or other
compensation in respect of the suspension.
There may be no active trading market or secondary market for
liquidity for the Notes: Any series of Notes may not be widely
distributed and there may not be an active trading market, nor is there
assurance as to the development of an active trading market. If there is
no liquid market, investors may not be able to realise their investment
until maturity of the Notes or may not realise a return that equals or
exceeds the purchase price of their Notes. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Issuer may issue Notes which provide for certain
circumstances where the Issuer and/or Dealer may buy-back such Notes
from the holders of such securities.
Certain factors affecting the value and trading price of Notes: The
Final Redemption Amount payable under the Notes may be affected by
fluctuations in value of the Underlying or the Component Securities,
changes in currency exchange rates, changes in interest rates, volatility
of the Underlying, time remaining to expiry, dividend rates on the
Underlying or the Component Securities or, where applicable, the
number and type of Underlyings included in a basket to which the
relevant Notes relate.
Conflicts of interest may arise between the interests of the Issuer or its
affiliates and those of the holders of the Notes: The Issuer or its
affiliates may enter into hedging or other transactions (i) relating to
Underlyings or the Component Securities or (ii) with issuers of
Underlyings or the Component Securities. The Issuer or its affiliates
may also publish research or other reports relating to Underlyings or the
Component Securities. Any such activities may have a negative effect
on the value of Notes relating to such Underlyings. In addition, the Issuer
may assume roles as hedging party, service providers or calculation
agent in respect of Underlyings which are funds, calculation agent under
the Notes or publisher of research reports. In respect of any of these roles
the Issuer may have interests that conflict with the interests of holders of
such securities.
Commission and cost of hedging: The issue price of the Notes may
include commissions charged by Issuer or its affiliates and the cost or
expected costs of hedging the Issuer's obligations under the Notes (if
any). Accordingly, there is a risk that, upon issue, the market price of
Notes may be lower than original issue price of the Notes. Also, fees,
Section D – Risks
commission and hedging costs may be deducted from the Final
Redemption Amount in the case of Notes.
Exchange rate risks and exchange control risk: The Issuer will pay
amounts in respect of the Notes in the Settlement Currency. Since the
Underlying is referenced in SAR (the "Underlying Currency"),
amounts payable under the Notes may be affected by multiple currency
conversion costs which may be passed on to investors. Where the
Settlement Currency is not the same as the investor's home currency, the
realisable value of the investment in the investor's home currency may
be at risk from fluctuations in the exchange rate. Government and
monetary authorities may impose or modify exchange controls that could
adversely affect an applicable exchange rate or transfer of funds in and
out of the country. As a result of such restrictions and controls the Issuer
may suspend its obligations to make any payment under any Notes if and
for as long as such exchange controls have occurred and are continuing.
Holders of the Notes shall not be entitled to any interest or other
compensation in respect of any such suspension.
Market Disruption Events and Additional Disruption Events: In the
case of early closure of the relevant exchange, disruption of such
exchange or suspension of trading on such exchange, including, in the
case of Notes linked to a China Connect Underlying, including the early
closure or disruption of the securities trading and clearing links
programme developed or to be developed by The Stock Exchange of
Hong Kong Limited (the "SEHK"), the China Connect Market, the Hong
Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited and the China Securities
Depository and Clearing Corporation for the establishment of mutual
market access with SEHK and the China Connect Market, where
applicable ("Market Disruption Events") or a hedging disruption, a
change in applicable laws, an increased cost of hedging, where
applicable, an insolvency filing of the issuer of the Underlying, a foreign
exchange disruption event, or, in the case of Notes linked to a China
Connect Underlying, a ceasing by the relevant exchange to accept
Securities as "China Connect" securities, or a permanent suspension or
termination of the "China Connect" service with respect to the Securities
("Additional Disruption Events"), postponement or adjustment of
valuations in case of a Market Disruption Event or adjustment of terms
agreed to by the holders of Notes or redemption or exercise of the Notes
in case of an Additional Disruption Event in respect of such Notes may
have an adverse effect on the value of and/or the Final Redemption
Amount in respect of such Notes.
Illegality or changes in tax law may cause the Issuer's obligations
under the Notes to be redeemed or terminated early: If the Calculation
Agent determines the performance of the Issuer's obligations under any
Notes shall have become unlawful or impracticable or if the Issuer
determines that it would be required to pay additional amounts in respect
of any withholding or deduction for taxes, duties or other similar charges
on payments under the Notes, the Issuer may redeem such Notes and pay
a sum representing the fair market value of such Notes. As a result
holders of Notes will forgo any future appreciation in the relevant
Underlying and may suffer a loss of some or all of their investments.
Considerations regarding hedging: The value of the Notes may not
exactly correlate with the value of the Underlying to which the Notes
relate.
Section D – Risks
Applicable Bank Resolution Powers: The Issuer is subject to the
Banking Act 2009 which implements the BRRD in the UK and gives
wide powers in respect of UK banks and their parent and other group
companies to HM Treasury, the Bank of England, the Prudential
Regulation Authority and the United Kingdom Financial Conduct
Authority (each, a "relevant UKRA") in circumstances where a UK
bank has encountered or is likely to encounter financial difficulties.
These powers include a "bail-in" power, which gives the relevant UKRA
the power to cancel all or a portion of the principal amount of, or interest
on, certain unsecured liabilities (which could include the Notes) of a
failing financial institution, to convert certain debt claims (which could
be amounts payable under the Notes) into another security (including
common shares), or alter the terms of such liabilities, including their
maturity or expiry or the date on which interest becomes payable,
including by suspending payments for a temporary period. The exercise
by the relevant UKRA of any of its powers under the Banking Act 2009
(including especially the bail-in power) could lead to the holders of the
Notes losing some or all of their investment or may adversely affect the
rights of holders of the Notes, the market value thereof or the Issuer's
ability to satisfy its obligations thereunder.
Tax risks: The amount of a payment to the investor under the Notes may
be decreased to take into account the effect of taxes, duties or other
similar charges on an investment in the Underlying. There is a risk that
tax law or practice will change in the future resulting in the imposition
of or increase in tax on an investment in, or disposition of the Underlying.
This will result in a decrease of the amounts payable under the Notes.
Also, investors in the Notes will be obliged to pay all taxes, duties or
other similar charges payable in connection with the subscription,
purchase or holding of such Note and the payment of the Final
Redemption Amount and/or any Additional Payment.
Emerging market risks: Investors in Notes relating to Underlyings
which are issued in or located in or listed on an exchange in an emerging
market, namely Saudi Arabia, should be aware that investments in
emerging markets, and specifically Saudi Arabia, are subject to greater
risks than well-developed western markets. Institutions relied upon for
the efficient functioning of capital markets, such as stock exchanges,
economic, legal and regulatory institutions, systems for the clearing,
settlement and registration of securities, may be less developed.
Disclosure standards may be less onerous on issuers and accountancy
practices may differ from those which are internationally accepted.
Political conditions in certain geographic locations where the issuers of
Underlyings may operate may be volatile or unstable, and there could be
increased price volatility.
Specific risks relating to Underlying Equity-Linked Notes: If a
Potential Adjustment Event occurs and dilutes the theoretical value of
the Underlying or an Extraordinary Event occurs, the Calculation Agent
may make corresponding adjustments to the conditions of the Notes
which may adversely affect the Final Redemption Amount payable or (in
the case of Extraordinary Events) may redeem the Notes; as a result the
holder of Notes may lose some or all of its investment. As the Underlying
are units in a fund, the investor will be exposed to the risks of specific
regulation affecting funds, risk relating to the fund's management and
internal rules and, where the fund is a synthetic fund, also from
counterparty risk from the swap counterparty.
Section D – Risks
Alternative Payment Currency Risk: If "Payment of Alternative
Payment Currency Equivalent" is specified as applicable in the relevant
Final Terms, an investor is subject to the risk that payments in respect of
such Notes will be made in the Alternative Payment Currency specified
in the relevant Final Terms instead of the Settlement Currency. To the
extent the Issuer is not able, or it is impracticable for it, to satisfy its
obligation to pay the Final Redemption Amount, Additional Payments
and/or Supplementary Amounts (if applicable) as a result of
Inconvertibility, Non transferability or Illiquidity (each, as defined in the
Conditions), the Issuer shall be entitled to settle any such payment in the
Alternative Payment Currency specified in the relevant Final Terms on
the due date at the Alternative Payment Currency Equivalent of any such
Final Redemption Amount, Additional Payments and/or Supplementary
Amounts (if applicable). In this case, the subheading in this section
entitled "Exchange rate risks and exchange control risk" would apply
as if the relevant Alternative Payment Currency were the Settlement
Currency.
Investors may lose the value of their entire investment or part of it,
as the case may be.
Section E – Offer
E.2b Reasons for the
offer and use of
proceeds when
different from
making profit
and/or hedging
certain risks:
Not applicable. The prospectus has been prepared solely in connection
with the admission of Notes to trading on a regulated market pursuant to
Article 3(3) of the Prospectus Directive. There will be no public offer of
the Notes and thus reasons for the offer and use of proceeds are not
required.
E.3 Description of the
Terms and
conditions of the
offer:
Not applicable. The prospectus has been prepared solely in connection
with the admission of Notes to trading on a regulated market pursuant to
Article 3(3) of the Prospectus Directive. There will be no public offer of
the Notes and thus a description of the terms and conditions of the offer
is not required.
E.4 Description of any
interests material
to the issue/offer,
including
conflicting
interests:
The Issuer or its affiliates may engage in hedging or other transactions
involving the relevant Underlying which may have a positive or negative
effect on the value of such Underlying and therefore on the value of any
Notes to which they relate. Certain affiliates of the Issuer may also be
the counterparty to the hedge of the Issuer's obligations under an issue of
Notes and the Calculation Agent is responsible for making
determinations and calculations in connection with the Notes in its sole
and absolute discretion acting in good faith and may be a service provider
in respect of Underlyings which are funds. The Issuer or its affiliates
may from time to time advise the issuer or obligors of, or publish
research reports relating to, an Underlying. The views or advice may
have a positive or negative effect on the value of an Underlying and may
be inconsistent with purchasing or holding the Notes relating to such an
Underlying.
Fees may be payable by the Issuer to the Dealer[s] acting as
underwriter(s) of issues of the Notes.
Section E – Offer
Save as disclosed above, no person involved in the issue of the Notes
has, so far as the Issuer is aware, an interest material to the issue.
E.7 Estimated
expenses charged
to the investor by
the Issuer or the
offeror:
Not applicable. The prospectus has been prepared solely in connection
with the admission of Notes to trading on a regulated market pursuant to
Article 3(3) of the Prospectus Directive. There will be no public offer of
the Notes and expenses in respect of the listing of Notes are not charged
directly by the Issuer or Dealer(s) to the investor.