What is the bank identification code?
A bank identification code (commonly known as a BIC or SWIFT code) is an international standard format for business identifier codes used to uniquely identify financial institutions globally. Consisting of 8 to 11 alphanumeric characters, a BIC specifies the exact bank, country, location, and specific branch. It is an essential component required by financial institutions to process cross-border wire transfers, foreign exchange transactions, and global trade communications securely.
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Hong Kong does not have a single unified bank code for all financial institutions; instead, local banks use distinct three-digit clearing codes (such as 004 for HSBC or 012 for Bank of China Hong Kong) regulated by the Hong Kong Association of Banks.
The full official corporate name of the historic financial institution is Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited.
The primary head office SWIFT/BIC code for Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited in Hong Kong is SCBHKHHXXXX (frequently represented in its concise 8-character form as SCBHKHHX).
HSBC account numbers typically consist of 12 digits for newer accounts, though historically the bank issued 9-digit account numbers.
The primary international bank identifier code (SWIFT/BIC code) for The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited in Hong Kong is HSBCHKHHXXX.
The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, widely known as HSBC, is one of the world's largest and most significant banking and financial services organizations.
The Bank of China utilizes a structured system of unique branch codes alongside international SWIFT routing identifiers to distinguish its numerous domestic and overseas operational offices.
Major American financial institutions maintain an active operational footprint in China, focusing primarily on corporate banking, institutional finance, wealth management, and global treasury services rather than standard retail consumer branches.
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) uses the three-digit local bank code 004 for domestic clearing, ATM networks, and electronic fund transfers within Hong Kong.
Shanghai Commercial Bank utilizes distinct identification codes depending on the transaction scope. Within the Hong Kong domestic clearing system, it operates under the three-digit local bank code 025.