HSBC Holdings plc (NYSE: HSBC)

HSBC is one of the world's largest banks, with a unique position as the dominant financial institution bridging East and West. The bank operates in 62 countries with particular strength in Hong Kong, the UK, and the Middle East. HSBC serves over 40 million customers and holds $3+ trillion in assets. The bank's full name u2014 Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation u2014 reflects its Asian roots.

Net interest income from a massive global deposit base, trade finance (HSBC is the world's largest trade finance bank), wealth management, and commercial banking. The bank's Hong Kong operations are disproportionately profitable. Global Banking and Markets (investment banking, trading) adds fee income. HSBC has been restructuring to focus on Asia and the Middle East while scaling back in less profitable Western markets.

Founded in Hong Kong in 1865 to finance trade between China and Europe. HSBC acquired Midland Bank (UK) in 1992 and Household International (US subprime lender) in 2003 u2014 the latter proved disastrous. The bank paid $1.9 billion in 2012 to settle money laundering charges related to Mexican drug cartels. HSBC has been under pressure from its largest shareholder, Ping An Insurance, to spin off its Asian operations.