Filed Pursuant to Rule 433 Registration No. 333-253385 February 24, 2021 FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS (To Prospectus dated February 23, 2021, Prospectus Supplement dated February 23, 2021 and Equity Index Underlying Supplement dated February 23, 2021) HSBC USA Inc. Buffered Digital Notes Linked to the Russell 2000® Index (the “Reference Asset”) Digital Upside Return of 16.50% if the Reference Return of the Reference Asset is greater than or equal to the Buffer Percentage (-10%) Protection from the first 10% of any losses of the Reference Asset Approximately a 3-year maturity All payments on the notes are subject to the credit risk of HSBC USA Inc. The Buffered Digital Notes (each a “note” and collectively the “notes") offered hereunder will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or automated quotation system. The notes will not bear interest. Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the notes or passed upon the accuracy or the adequacy of this document, the accompanying prospectus, prospectus supplement or Equity Index Underlying Supplement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. We have appointed HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of ours, as the agent for the sale of the notes. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will purchase the notes from us for distribution to other registered broker-dealers or will offer the notes directly to investors. In addition, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or another of its affiliates or agents may use the pricing supplement to which this free writing prospectus relates in market-making transactions in any notes after their initial sale. Unless we or our agent inform you otherwise in the confirmation of sale, the pricing supplement to which this free writing prospectus relates is being used in a market-making transaction. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on page FWP-13 of this document. Investment in the notes involves certain risks. You should refer to “Risk Factors” beginning on page FWP-7 of this document, page S-1 of the accompanying prospectus supplement and page S-1 of the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement. The Estimated Initial Value of the notes on the Pricing Date is expected to be between $850 and $950 per note, which will be less than the price to public. The market value of the notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy. See “Estimated Initial Value” on page FWP-4 and “Risk Factors” beginning on page FWP-7 of this document for further information. Price to Public Underwriting Discount1 Proceeds to Issuer Per security $1,000 Total 1 HSBC USA Inc. or one of its affiliates may pay varying underwriting discounts of up to 2.025% per $1,000 Principal Amount in connection with the distribution of the notes to other registered broker-dealers. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on page FWP-13 of this document. The Notes: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value
Indicative Terms1 The Notes Principal Amount $1,000 per note Term Approximately 3 years Reference Asset The Russell 2000® Index (“RTY”) Digital Upside Return 16.50% Buffer Percentage -10% Reference Return Final Level – Initial Level Initial Level Payment at Maturity per Note If the Reference Return is greater than or equal to the Buffer Percentage, you will receive: $1,000 + ($1,000 × Digital Upside Return). If the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage: $1,000 + [$1,000 × (Reference Return + 10%)]. For example, if the Reference Return is -40%, you will suffer a 30% loss and receive 70% of the Principal Amount, subject to the credit risk of HSBC. If the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage, you will lose some or a significant portion (up to 90%) of your investment. Initial Level See page FWP-4 Final Level See page FWP-4 Pricing Date March 16, 2021 Trade Date March 16, 2021 Original Issue Date March 19, 2021 Final Valuation Date(2) March 14, 2024 Maturity Date(2) March 19, 2024 CUSIP/ISIN 40438C2Z3 / US40438C2Z32 These Buffered Digital Notes may be suitable for investors who believe that the Reference Asset will increase modestly over the term of the notes. If the Reference Return is greater than or equal to the Buffer Percentage, you will realize the Digital Upside Return at maturity (subject to the credit risk of HSBC). If the Reference Return exceeds the Digital Upside Return, the notes will not provide any additional return aside from the Digital Upside Return. If the Reference Return is less than zero but equal to or greater than -10%, you will still receive the Digital Upside Return. If the Reference Asset declines by more than 10%, you will lose 1% of your investment for every 1% decline of the Reference Asset beyond the Buffer Percentage. (1) As more fully described on page FWP-4. (2) Subject to adjustment as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes” in the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement.
Payoff Example The table at right shows the hypothetical payout profile of an investment in the notes reflecting the Digital Upside Return of 16.50% and the Buffer Percentage of -10%. 80.00% 10.00% Upside exposure, subject to the Digital Upside Return16.50% 16.50% 5.00% 0.00%-5.00% -10.00%-15.75% -100.00% Upside exposure, subject to the Digital Upside Return Buffer Percentage of -10% 1x loss beyond the Buffer Percentage 16.50% 16.50% 16.50% 16.50% -5.75% -90.00% Information about the Reference Asset The RTY is designed to track the performance of the small capitalization segment of the United States equity market. All 2,000 stocks are traded on the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq, and the RTY consists of the smallest 2,000 companies included in the Russell 3000® Index. The Russell 3000® Index is composed of the 3,000 largest United States companies as determined by market capitalization and represents approximately 98% of the United States equity market. The graph above illustrates the performance of the Reference Asset from February 23, 2011 through February 23, 2021. The closing levels in the graph above were obtained from the Bloomberg Professional® Service. Past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results. For further information on the Reference Asset, please see “Description of the Reference Asset” on page FWP-12 of this document. We have derived all disclosure regarding the Reference Asset from publicly available information. Neither HSBC USA Inc. nor any of its affiliates have undertaken any independent review of, or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to, the publicly available information about the Reference
HSBC USA Inc. Buffered Digital Notes Linked to the Russell 2000® Index This document relates to a single offering of Buffered Digital Notes. The notes will have the terms described in this document and the accompanying prospectus supplement, prospectus and Equity Index Underlying Supplement. If the terms of the notes offered hereby are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying prospectus supplement, prospectus or Equity Index Underlying Supplement, the terms described in this document shall control. You should be willing to forgo interest and dividend payments during the term of the notes and, if the Reference Return is less than -10%, lose up to 90% of your principal. This document relates to an offering of notes linked to the performance of the Reference Asset. The purchaser of a note will acquire a senior unsecured debt security of HSBC USA Inc. linked to the Reference Asset as described below. The following key terms relate to the offering of notes: Issuer: HSBC USA Inc. Principal Amount: $1,000 per note Reference Asset: The Russell 2000® Index (Ticker: “RTY”) Trade Date: March 16, 2021 Pricing Date: March 16, 2021 Original Issue Date: March 19, 2021 Final Valuation Date March 14, 2024, subject to adjustment as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes—Valuation Dates” in the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement. Maturity Date: 3 business days after the Final Valuation Date, and expected to be March 19, 2024. The Maturity Date is subject to adjustment as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes—Coupon Payment Dates, Call Payment Dates and Maturity Date” in the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement. Digital Upside Return: 16.50% Payment at Maturity: On the Maturity Date, for each note, we will pay you the Final Settlement Value. Final Settlement Value: If the Reference Return is greater than or equal to the Buffer Percentage, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date, per $1,000 Principal Amount of notes, equal to: $1,000 + ($1,000 × Digital Upside Return). If the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date, per $1,000 Principal Amount, calculated as follows: $1,000 + [$1,000 × (Reference Return + 10%)]. Under these circumstances, you will lose 1% of the Principal Amount for each percentage point that the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage. For example, if the Reference Return is -40%, you will suffer a 30% loss and receive 70% of the Principal Amount, subject to the credit risk of HSBC. If the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage, you will lose some or a significant portion (up to 90%) of your investment. Reference Return: The quotient, expressed as a percentage, calculated as follows: Final Level – Initial Level Initial Level Buffer Percentage: -10% Initial Level: The Official Closing Level of the Reference Asset on the Pricing Date. Final Level: The Official Closing Level of the Reference Asset on the Final Valuation Date. Form of Notes: Book-Entry Listing: The notes will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or quotation system. CUSIP/ISIN: 40438C2Z3 / US40438C2Z32 Estimated Initial Value: The Estimated Initial Value of the notes is expected to be less than the price you pay to purchase the notes. The Estimated Initial Value does not represent a minimum price at which we or any of our affiliates would be willing to purchase your notes in the secondary market, if any, at any time. The Estimated Initial Value will be calculated on the Pricing Date. See “Risk Factors — The Estimated Initial Value of the notes, which will be determined by us on the Pricing Date, is expected to be less than the price to public and may differ from the market value of the notes in the secondary market, if any.” The Trade Date, the Pricing Date and the other dates set forth above are subject to change, and will be set forth in the pricing supplement relating to the notes.
GENERAL
This document relates to an offering of notes linked to the Reference Asset. The purchaser of a note will acquire a senior unsecured debt security of HSBC USA Inc. We reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify the offering and to reject orders in whole or in part. Although the offering of notes relates to the Reference Asset, you should not construe that fact as a recommendation as to the merits of acquiring an investment linked to the Reference Asset or any component security included in the Reference Asset or as to the suitability of an investment in the notes.
You should read this document together with the prospectus dated February 23, 2021, the prospectus supplement dated February 23, 2021, and the Equity Index Underlying Supplement dated February 23, 2021. If the terms of the notes offered hereby are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying prospectus supplement, prospectus or Equity Index Underlying Supplement, the terms described in this document shall control. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” beginning on page FWP-7 of this document, page S-1 of the prospectus supplement and page S-1 of the Equity Index Underlying Supplement, as the notes involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors before you invest in the notes. As used herein, references to the “Issuer”, “HSBC”, “we”, “us” and “our” are to HSBC USA Inc.
HSBC has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, a prospectus supplement and Equity Index Underlying Supplement) with the SEC for the offering to which this document relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus, prospectus supplement and Equity Index Underlying Supplement in that registration statement and other documents HSBC has filed with the SEC for more complete information about HSBC and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the prospectus, prospectus supplement and Equity Index Underlying Supplement if you request them by calling toll-free 1-866-811-8049.
You may also obtain:
The Equity Index Underlying Supplement at: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000110465921026625/tm217170d5_424b2.htm
The prospectus supplement at: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000110465921026609/tm217170d2_424b2.htm
The prospectus at: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000110465921026585/tm217170d7_424b3.htm
We are using this document to solicit from you an offer to purchase the notes. You may revoke your offer to purchase the notes at any time prior to the time at which we accept your offer by notifying HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. We reserve the right to change the terms of, or reject any offer to purchase, the notes prior to their issuance. In the event of any material changes to the terms of the notes, we will notify you.
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
On the Maturity Date, for each note you hold, we will pay you the Final Settlement Value, which is an amount in cash, as described below:
If the Reference Return is greater than or equal to the Buffer Percentage, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date, per $1,000 Principal Amount of notes, equal to:
$1,000 + ($1,000 × Digital Upside Return).
If the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date, per $1,000 Principal Amount, calculated as follows:
$1,000 + [$1,000 × (Reference Return + 10%)].
Under these circumstances, you will lose 1% of the Principal Amount for each percentage point that the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage. For example, if the Reference Return is -40%, you will suffer a 30% loss and receive 70% of the Principal Amount, subject to the credit risk of HSBC. You should be aware that if the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage, you will lose some or a significant portion (up to 90%) of your investment.
Interest
The notes will not pay interest.
Calculation Agent
We or one of our affiliates will act as calculation agent with respect to the notes.
Reference Sponsor
The reference sponsor is FTSE Russell.
FWP-5
INVESTOR SUITABILITY The notes may be suitable for you if: The notes may not be suitable for you if: You seek an investment with a return linked to the potential performance of the Reference Asset and you believe the level of the Reference Asset will not be less than the Buffer Percentage. You are willing to make an investment that is exposed to the negative Reference Return on a 1-to-1 basis for each percentage point that the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage. You are willing to invest in the notes based on the fact that your maximum potential return is the Digital Upside Return. You are willing to accept the risk and return profile of the notes versus a conventional debt security with a comparable maturity issued by HSBC or another issuer with a similar credit rating. You are willing to forgo dividends or other distributions paid to holders of the stocks included in the Reference Asset. You do not seek current income from your investment. You do not seek an investment for which there is an active secondary market. You are willing to hold the notes to maturity. You are comfortable with the creditworthiness of HSBC, as Issuer of the notes. You believe the Reference Return will be less than the Buffer Percentage. You are unwilling to make an investment that is exposed to the negative Reference Return on a 1-to-1 basis for each percentage point that the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage. You are unwilling to invest in the notes based on the fact that your maximum potential return is the Digital Upside Return. You seek an investment that provides full return of principal. You prefer the lower risk, and therefore accept the potentially lower returns, of conventional debt securities with comparable maturities issued by HSBC or another issuer with a similar credit rating. You prefer to receive the dividends or other distributions paid on the stocks included in the Reference Asset. You seek current income from your investment. You seek an investment for which there will be an active secondary market. You are unable or unwilling to hold the notes to maturity. You are not willing or are unable to assume the credit risk associated with HSBC, as Issuer of the notes.
RISK
FACTORS We urge you to read the section “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-1 in the accompanying prospectus
supplement and on page S-1 of the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement. Investing in the notes is not equivalent to
investing directly in any of the stocks included in the Reference Asset. You should understand the risks of investing in the notes
and should reach an investment decision only after careful consideration, with your advisors, of the suitability of the notes
in light of your particular financial circumstances and the information set forth in this document and the accompanying Equity
Index Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus. In addition to the risks discussed below, you should review
“Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus supplement and Equity Index Underlying Supplement including the explanation
of risks relating to the notes described in the following sections: “—
Risks Relating to All Note Issuances” in the prospectus supplement; and “— General Risks Related to Indices”
in the Equity Index Underlying Supplement. You will be subject to significant
risks not associated with conventional fixed-rate or floating-rate debt securities. Risks Relating to the Structure
or Features of the Notes Your investment in the notes may result in a
loss. You will be exposed on a 1-to-1 basis to any decrease
in the level of the Reference Asset beyond the Buffer Percentage of
-10%. Accordingly, if the Reference Return is less than -10%, you will lose up to 90% of your investment at maturity. You
will not participate in any appreciation in the level of the Reference Asset and your return on the notes is limited to the Digital
Upside Return. The notes will not pay a return more than the Digital
Upside Return. Even if the level of the Reference Asset appreciates over the term of the notes, you will not participate in that
appreciation. Assuming the notes are held to maturity, the maximum return on the notes will not exceed the Digital Upside Return.
Under no circumstances, regardless of the extent to which the level of the Reference Asset increases, will your return exceed
the Digital Upside Return. In some cases, you may earn significantly less by investing in the notes than you would have earned
by investing in an instrument directly linked to the performance of the Reference Asset, or by investing directly in the stocks
included in the Reference Asset. The amount payable on the notes is not linked to the level of the Reference Asset at any time
other than the Final Valuation Date. The Final Level will be based on the Official Closing Level of the Reference Asset on
the Final Valuation Date, subject to postponement for non-trading days and certain Market Disruption Events. Even if the level
of the Reference Asset appreciates during the term of the notes other than on the Final Valuation Date but then decreases on the
Final Valuation Date to a level that is less than 90% of the Initial Level, the Payment at Maturity may be less, and may be significantly
less, than it would have been had the Payment at Maturity been linked to the level of the Reference Asset prior to such decrease.
Although the actual level of the Reference Asset on the Maturity Date or at other times during the term of the notes may be higher
than the Final Level, the Payment at Maturity will be based solely on the Official Closing Level of the Reference Asset on the
Final Valuation Date. The notes will not bear interest. As a holder of the notes, you will not receive interest payments.
Risks Relating to the Reference Asset Changes that affect the
Reference Asset may affect the market value of the notes and the amount you will receive at maturity. The
policies of the reference sponsor concerning additions, deletions and substitutions of the stocks included in the Reference Asset
and the manner in which the reference sponsor takes account of certain changes affecting those stocks may affect the level of
the Reference Asset. The policies of the reference sponsor with respect to the calculation of the Reference Asset could also affect
the level of the Reference Asset. The reference sponsor may discontinue or suspend calculation or dissemination of the Reference
Asset. Any such actions could affect the value of the notes and their return. The notes are subject to small-capitalization
risk. The RTY tracks companies that are considered small-capitalization. These companies often have greater stock price volatility,
lower trading volume and less liquidity than large-capitalization companies and therefore the level of the RTY may be more volatile
than an investment in stocks issued by large-capitalization companies. Stock prices of small-capitalization companies are also
more vulnerable than those of large-capitalization companies to adverse business and economic developments, and the stocks of
small-capitalization companies may be thinly traded, making it difficult for the RTY to track them. In addition, small-capitalization
companies are typically less stable financially than large-capitalization companies and may depend on a small number of key personnel,
making them more vulnerable to loss of personnel. Small-capitalization companies are often subject to less analyst coverage and
may be in early, and less predictable, periods of their corporate existences. Such companies tend to have smaller revenues, less
diverse product lines, smaller shares of their
product or service markets, fewer financial resources and less competitive strengths than large-capitalization companies and are more susceptible to adverse developments related to their products. General Risk Factors Credit risk of HSBC USA Inc. The notes are senior unsecured debt obligations of the Issuer, HSBC, and are not, either directly or indirectly, an obligation of any third party. As further described in the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus, the notes will rank on par with all of the other unsecured and unsubordinated debt obligations of HSBC, except such obligations as may be preferred by operation of law. Any payment to be made on the notes, including any return of principal at maturity, depends on the ability of HSBC to satisfy its obligations as they come due. As a result, the actual and perceived creditworthiness of HSBC may affect the market value of the notes and, in the event HSBC were to default on its obligations, you may not receive the amounts owed to you under the terms of the notes. The notes are not insured or guaranteed by any governmental agency of the United States or any other jurisdiction. The notes are not deposit liabilities or other obligations of a bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency or program of the United States or any other jurisdiction. An investment in the notes is subject to the credit risk of HSBC, and in the event that HSBC is unable to pay its obligations as they become due, you may not receive the full Payment at Maturity of the notes. The Estimated Initial Value of the notes, which will be determined by us on the Pricing Date, is expected to be less than the price to public and may differ from the market value of the notes in the secondary market, if any. The Estimated Initial Value of the notes will be calculated by us on the Pricing Date and is expected to be less than the price to public. The Estimated Initial Value will reflect our internal funding rate, which is the borrowing rate we pay to issue market-linked securities, as well as the mid-market value of the embedded derivatives in the notes. This internal funding rate is typically lower than the rate we would use when we issue conventional fixed or floating rate debt securities. As a result of the difference between our internal funding rate and the rate we would use when we issue conventional fixed or floating rate debt securities, the Estimated Initial Value of the notes may be lower if it were based on the prices at which our fixed or floating rate debt securities trade in the secondary market. In addition, if we were to use the rate we use for our conventional fixed or floating rate debt issuances, we would expect the economic terms of the notes to be more favorable to you. We will determine the value of the embedded derivatives in the notes by reference to our or our affiliates’ internal pricing models. These pricing models consider certain assumptions and variables, which can include volatility and interest rates. Different pricing models and assumptions could provide valuations for the notes that are different from our Estimated Initial Value. These pricing models rely in part on certain forecasts about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. The Estimated Initial Value does not represent a minimum price at which we or any of our affiliates would be willing to purchase your notes in the secondary market (if any exists) at any time. The price of your notes in the secondary market, if any, immediately after the Pricing Date is expected to be less than the price to public. The price to public takes into account certain costs. These costs, which will be used or retained by us or one of our affiliates, include the underwriting discount, our affiliates’ projected hedging profits (which may or may not be realized) for assuming risks inherent in hedging our obligations under the notes and the costs associated with structuring and hedging our obligations under the notes. If you were to sell your notes in the secondary market, if any, the price you would receive for your notes may be less than the price you paid for them because secondary market prices will not take into account these costs. The price of your notes in the secondary market, if any, at any time after issuance will vary based on many factors, including the level of the Reference Asset and changes in market conditions, and cannot be predicted with accuracy. The notes are not designed to be short-term trading instruments, and you should, therefore, be able and willing to hold the notes to maturity. Any sale of the notes prior to maturity could result in a loss to you. If we were to repurchase your notes immediately after the Original Issue Date, the price you receive may be higher than the Estimated Initial Value of the notes. Assuming that all relevant factors remain constant after the Original Issue Date, the price at which HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. may initially buy or sell the notes in the secondary market, if any, and the value that may be initially used for customer account statements, if any, may exceed the Estimated Initial Value on the Pricing Date for a temporary period expected to be approximately 6 months after the Original Issue Date. This temporary price difference may exist because, in our discretion, we may elect to effectively reimburse to investors a portion of the estimated cost of hedging our obligations under the notes and other costs in connection with the notes that we will no longer expect to incur over the term of the notes. We will make such discretionary election and determine this temporary reimbursement period on the basis of a number of factors, including the tenor of the notes and any agreement we may have with the distributors of the notes. The amount of our estimated costs which we effectively reimburse to investors in this way may not be allocated ratably throughout the reimbursement period, and we may discontinue such reimbursement at any time or revise the duration of the reimbursement period after the Original Issue Date of the notes based on changes in market conditions and other factors that cannot be predicted.
The notes lack liquidity. The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or automated quotation system. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. is not required to offer to purchase the notes in the secondary market, if any exists. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the notes easily. Because other dealers are not likely to make a secondary market for the notes, the price at which you may be able to trade your notes is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. is willing to buy the notes. Potential conflicts of interest may exist. An affiliate of HSBC has a minority equity interest in the owner of an electronic platform, through which we may make available certain structured investments offering materials. HSBC and its affiliates play a variety of roles in connection with the issuance of the notes, including acting as calculation agent and hedging our obligations under the notes. In performing these duties, the economic interests of the calculation agent and other affiliates of ours are potentially adverse to your interests as an investor in the notes. We will not have any obligation to consider your interests as a holder of the notes in taking any action that might affect the value of your notes. Uncertain tax treatment. For a discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in the notes, please see the discussion under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” herein and the discussion under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES The following table and examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are hypothetical. They do not purport to be representative of every possible scenario concerning increases or decreases in the level of the Reference Asset relative to its Initial Level. We cannot predict the actual Final Level. The assumptions we have made in connection with the illustrations set forth below may not reflect actual events, and the hypothetical Initial Level used in the table and examples below is not expected to be the actual Initial Level. You should not take this illustration or these examples as an indication or assurance of the expected performance of the Reference Asset or the return on your notes. The Final Settlement Value may be less than the amount that you would have received from a conventional debt security with the same stated maturity, including such a security issued by HSBC. The numbers appearing in the table below and following examples have been rounded for ease of analysis. The table below illustrates the Final Settlement Value on a $1,000 investment in the notes for a hypothetical range of Reference Returns from -100% to +100%. The following results are based solely on the assumptions outlined below. The “Hypothetical Return on the Notes” as used below is the number, expressed as a percentage, that results from comparing the Final Settlement Value per $1,000 Principal Amount to $1,000. The potential returns described here assume that your notes are held to maturity. You should consider carefully whether the notes are suitable to your investment goals. The following table and examples assume the following: Principal Amount: $1,000 Hypothetical Initial Level*: 1,000.00 Digital Upside Return: 16.50% Buffer Percentage: -10% *The actual Initial Level will be determined on the Pricing Date. Final Level Hypothetical Reference Return Hypothetical Final Settlement Value Hypothetical Return on the Notes 2,000.00 100.00% $1,165.00 16.50% 1,800.00 80.00% $1,165.00 16.50% 1,600.00 60.00% $1,165.00 16.50% 1,300.00 30.00% $1,165.00 16.50% 1,250.00 25.00% $1,165.00 16.50% 1,165.00 16.50% $1,165.00 16.50% 1,100.00 10.00% $1,165.00 16.50% 1,050.00 5.00% $1,165.00 16.50% 1,020.00 2.00% $1,165.00 16.50% 1,010.00 1.00% $1,165.00 16.50% 1,000.00 0.00% $1,165.00 16.50% 990.00 -1.00% $1,165.00 16.50% 980.00 -2.00% $1,165.00 16.50% 950.00 -5.00% $1,165.00 16.50% 900.00 -10.00% $1,165.00 16.50% 800.00 -20.00% $900.00 -10.00% 700.00 -30.00% $800.00 -20.00% 600.00 -40.00% $700.00 -30.00% 500.00 -50.00% $600.00 -40.00% 100.00 -90.00% $200.00 -80.00% 0.00 -100.00% $100.00 -90.00%
The following examples indicate how the Final Settlement Value would be calculated with respect to a hypothetical $1,000 investment in the notes. Example 1: The level of the Reference Asset increases from the Initial Level of 1,000.00 to a Final Level of 1,050.00. Reference Return: 5.00% Final Settlement Value: $1,165.00 Because the Reference Return is positive, the investor receives the Digital Upside Return, and the Final Settlement Value would be $1,165.00 per $1,000 Principal Amount, calculated as follows: $1,000 + ($1,000 × Digital Upside Return) = $1,000 + ($1,000 × 16.50%) = $1,165.00 Example 1 shows that you will benefit from the Digital Upside Return at maturity when the Reference Return is positive. Example 2: The level of the Reference Asset increases from the Initial Level of 1,000.00 to a Final Level of 1,600.00. Reference Return: 60.00% Final Settlement Value: $1,165.00 Even if the Reference Return is positive, and greater than the Digital Upside Return, the Final Settlement Value would still be $1,165.00 per $1,000 Principal Amount of notes, calculated as follows: $1,000 + ($1,000 × Digital Upside Return) = $1,000 + ($1,000 × 16.50%) = $1,165.00 Example 2 shows that you will not receive any return of your principal investment in addition to the Digital Upside Return at maturity when the Reference Return is greater than the Digital Upside Return. Example 3: The level of the Reference Asset decreases from the Initial Level of 1,000.00 to a Final Level of 950.00. Reference Return: -5.00% Final Settlement Value: $1,165.00 Because the Reference Return is greater than the Buffer Percentage of -10%, the Final Settlement Value would be $1,165.00 per $1,000 Principal Amount of notes, calculated as follows: $1,000 + ($1,000 × Digital Upside Return) = $1,000 + ($1,000 × 16.50%) = $1,165.00 Example 3 shows that you will receive the Digital Upside Return at maturity when the Reference Return is equal to or greater than the Buffer Percentage. Example 4: The level of the Reference Asset decreases from the Initial Level of 1,000.00 to a Final Level of 500.00. Reference Return: -50.00% Final Settlement Value: $600.00 Because the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Percentage of -10%, the Final Settlement Value would be $600.00 per $1,000 Principal Amount, calculated as follows: $1,000 + [$1,000 × (Reference Return + 10%)] = $1,000 + [$1,000 × (-50.00% + 10%)] = $600.00 Example 4 shows that you are exposed on a 1-to-1 basis to declines in the level of the Reference Asset beyond the Buffer Percentage of -10%. YOU MAY LOSE UP TO 90% OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF YOUR NOTES.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE ASSET Description of the RTY The RTY is designed to track the performance of the small capitalization segment of the United States equity market. All 2,000 stocks are traded on the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq, and the RTY consists of the smallest 2,000 companies included in the Russell 3000® Index. The Russell 3000® Index is composed of the 3,000 largest United States companies as determined by market capitalization and represents approximately 98% of the United States equity market. For more information about the RTY, see “The Russell 2000Ò Index” beginning on page S-45 of the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement. Historical Performance of the RTY The following graph sets forth the historical performance of the RTY based on the daily historical closing values from February 23, 2011 through February 23, 2021. We obtained the closing values below from the Bloomberg Professional® service. We have not undertaken any independent review of, or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to, the information obtained from the Bloomberg Professional® service. The historical values of the RTY should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the Official Closing Level of the RTY on the Final Valuation Date.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND ACCELERATION If the notes have become immediately due and payable following an Event of Default (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) with respect to the notes, the calculation agent will determine the accelerated payment due and payable at maturity in the same general manner as described in “Payment at Maturity” in this document. In that case, the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the date of acceleration will be used as the Final Valuation Date for purposes of determining the Reference Return, and the accelerated Maturity Date will be three business days after the accelerated Final Valuation Date. If a Market Disruption Event exists with respect to the Reference Asset on that scheduled trading day, then the accelerated Final Valuation Date for the Reference Asset will be postponed for up to five scheduled trading days (in the same manner used for postponing the originally scheduled Final Valuation Date). The accelerated Maturity Date will also be postponed by an equal number of business days. If the notes have become immediately due and payable following an Event of Default, you will not be entitled to any additional payments with respect to the notes. For more information, see “Description of Debt Securities — Senior Debt Securities — Events of Default” in the accompanying prospectus. SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST) We have appointed HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of HSBC, as the agent for the sale of the notes. Pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will purchase the notes from HSBC at the price to public less the underwriting discount set forth on the cover page of the pricing supplement to which this free writing prospectus relates, for distribution to other registered broker-dealers, or will offer the notes directly to investors. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. proposes to offer the notes at the price to public set forth on the cover page of this free writing prospectus. HSBC USA Inc. or one of its affiliates may pay varying underwriting discounts of up to 2.025% per $1,000 Principal Amount in connection with the distribution of the notes to other registered broker-dealers. An affiliate of HSBC has paid or may pay in the future an amount to broker-dealers in connection with the costs of the continuing implementation of systems to support the notes. In addition, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or another of its affiliates or agents may use the pricing supplement to which this free writing prospectus relates in market-making transactions after the initial sale of the notes, but is under no obligation to make a market in the notes and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice. We expect that delivery of the notes will be made against payment for the notes on or about the Original Issue Date set forth on the inside cover page of this document, which is more than two business days following the Trade Date. Under Rule 15c6-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to that trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the notes more than two business days prior to the Original Issue Date will be required to specify an alternate settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement, and should consult their own advisors. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on page S-83 in the prospectus supplement. U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS There is no direct legal authority as to the proper tax treatment of the notes, and therefore significant aspects of the tax treatment of the notes are uncertain as to both the timing and character of any inclusion in income in respect of the notes. Under one approach, a note should be treated as a pre-paid executory contract with respect to the Reference Asset. We intend to treat the notes consistent with this approach. Pursuant to the terms of the notes, you agree to treat the notes under this approach for all U.S. federal income tax purposes. Subject to the limitations described therein, and based on certain factual representations received from us, in the opinion of our special U.S. tax counsel, Mayer Brown LLP, it is reasonable to treat a note as a pre-paid executory contract with respect to the Reference Asset. Pursuant to this approach, we do not intend to report any income or gain with respect to the notes prior to their maturity or an earlier sale or exchange and we intend to treat any gain or loss upon maturity or an earlier sale or exchange as long-term capital gain or loss, provided that you have held the note for more than one year at such time for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We will not attempt to ascertain whether any of the entities whose stock is included in the Reference Asset would be treated as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) or United States real property holding corporation (“USRPHC”), both as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If one or more of the entities whose stock is included in the Reference Asset were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences might apply. You should refer to information filed with the SEC and other authorities by the entities whose stock is included in the Reference Asset and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you if one or more of the entities whose stock is included in the Reference Asset is or becomes a PFIC or a USRPHC. Under current law, while the matter is not entirely clear, individual non-U.S. holders, and entities whose property is potentially includible in those individuals’ gross estates for U.S. federal estate tax purposes (for example, a trust funded by such an individual and with respect to which the individual has retained certain interests or powers), should note that, absent an applicable treaty benefit, the notes are likely to be treated as U.S. situs property, subject to U.S. federal estate tax. These individuals and entities should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of investing in the notes.
A “dividend equivalent” payment is treated as a dividend from sources within the United States and such payments generally would be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax if paid to a non-U.S. holder. Under U.S. Treasury Department regulations, payments (including deemed payments) with respect to equity-linked instruments (“ELIs”) that are “specified ELIs” may be treated as dividend equivalents if such specified ELIs reference an interest in an “underlying security,” which is generally any interest in an entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if a payment with respect to such interest could give rise to a U.S. source dividend. However, Internal Revenue Service guidance provides that withholding on dividend equivalent payments will not apply to specified ELIs that are not delta-one instruments and that are issued before January 1, 2023. Based on the Issuer’s determination that the notes are not “delta-one” instruments, non-U.S. holders should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments, if any, under the notes. However, it is possible that the notes could be treated as deemed reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting the Reference Asset or the notes, and following such occurrence the notes could be treated as subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments. Non-U.S. holders that enter, or have entered, into other transactions in respect of the Reference Asset or the notes should consult their tax advisors as to the application of the dividend equivalent withholding tax in the context of the notes and their other transactions. If any payments are treated as dividend equivalents subject to withholding, we (or the applicable paying agent) would be entitled to withhold taxes without being required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts so withheld. For a discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in a note, please see the discussion under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement. PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF NOTES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF NOTES.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Free Writing Prospectus General FWP-5 Payment at Maturity FWP-5 Investor Suitability FWP-6 Risk Factors FWP-7 Illustrative Examples FWP-10 Description of The Reference Asset FWP-12 Events of Default and Acceleration FWP-13 Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest) FWP-13 U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations FWP-13 Equity Index Underlying Supplement Disclaimer ii Risk Factors S-1 The DAX® Index S-8 The Dow Jones Industrial Average® S-10 The EURO STOXX 50® Index S-12 The EURO STOXX® Banks Index S-14 The FTSE® 100 Index S-16 The Hang Seng Index S-17 The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index S-19 The KOSPI 200 Index S-22 The MSCI Indices S-24 The NASDAQ-100 Index® S-31 The Nikkei Stock Average S-34 The NYSE® Fang+™ Index S-36 The PHLX Housing Sector Index S-41 The Russell 2000® Index S-45 The S&P 100® Index S-48 The S&P 500® Index S-55 The S&P 500® Low Volatility Index S-62 The S&P BRIC 40 Index S-65 The S&P MidCap 400® Index S-68 The S&P/ASX 200 Index S-75 The S&P 500® ESG Index S-78 The TOPIX® Index S-82 The Swiss Market Index S-84 Additional Terms of the Notes S-86 Prospectus Supplement Risk Factors S-1 Pricing Supplement S-12 Description of Notes S-14 Use of Proceeds and Hedging S-55 Certain ERISA and Related Considerations S-56 U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations S-58 Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest) S-83 Prospectus About this Prospectus 1 Risk Factors 2 Where You Can Find More Information 3 Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 4 HSBC USA Inc. 7 Use of Proceeds 8 Description of Debt Securities 9 Description of Preferred Stock 20 Description of Warrants 25 Description of Purchase Contracts 30 Description of Units 33 Book-Entry Procedures 35 Limitations on Issuances in Bearer Form 39 U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations Relating to Debt Securities 40 Certain European Union Tax Considerations 48 Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest) 49 Notice to Canadian Investors 52 Notice to EEA Investors 53 Notice to U.K. Investors 54 UK Financial Promotion 54 Certain ERISA and Related Matters 55 Legal Opinions 57 Experts 58