Organization

HSBC USA Inc. ("HSBC USA"), incorporated under the laws of Maryland, is a New York State based bank holding company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC North America Holdings Inc. ("HSBC North America"), which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc ("HSBC" and, together with its subsidiaries, "HSBC Group"). HSBC USA (together with its subsidiaries, "HUSI") may also be referred to in these notes to the consolidated financial statements as "we," "us" or "our."

Through our subsidiaries, we offer a comprehensive range of consumer and commercial banking products and related financial services. HSBC Bank USA, National Association ("HSBC Bank USA"), our principal U.S. banking subsidiary, is a national banking association with banking branch offices and/or representative offices in 17 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to our domestic offices, we maintain foreign branch offices, subsidiaries and/or representative offices in Europe, Asia and Latin America. Our customers include individuals, including high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, small businesses, corporations, institutions and governments. HSBC Bank USA is also an international dealer in derivative instruments denominated in U.S. dollars and other currencies, focusing on structuring transactions to meet clients' needs.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, our results were impacted by an out of period adjustment to our estimated liability associated with certain medical benefits provided to employees on long-term disability which increased salaries and employee benefits expense by $7 million.