424B2 1 v172814_424b2.htm PRICING SUPPLEMENT Unassociated Document
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Class of Securities Offered
Maximum Aggregate
Offering Price
Amount of
Registration Fee (1)
HSBC USA Inc. Knock-Out Buffer Notes Linked to the iShares® MSCI Brazil Index Fund due August 4, 2011
$8,100,000
$577.53
(1) Calculated in accordance with Rule 457(r) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration No. 333-158385
January 28, 2010
PRICING SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated April 2, 2009,
Prospectus Supplement dated April 9, 2009,
and Product Supplement dated April 9, 2009)
 
Structured 
Investments 
 
HSBC USA Inc.
$8,100,000
Knock-Out Buffer Notes Linked to the iShares® MSCI Brazil Index Fund due August 4, 2011
General
·  
Terms used in this pricing supplement are described or defined herein, in the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus. The notes offered will have the terms described in the product supplement, prospectus supplement or prospectus. The notes are not principal protected, and you may lose up to 100.00% of your initial investment.
·  
All references to “Enhanced Market Participation Notes” in the product supplement shall refer to these Knock-Out Buffer Notes.
·  
This pricing supplement relates to a single note offering. The purchaser of a note will acquire a security linked to a single reference asset described below.
·  
Although the offering relates to a 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 held by the reference asset or as to the suitability of an investment in the related notes.
·  
Senior unsecured debt obligations of HSBC USA Inc. maturing August 4, 2011.
·  
Minimum denominations of $10,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
·  
If the terms of the notes set forth below are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying product supplement, the terms set forth below will supersede.
Key Terms
Issuer:
HSBC USA Inc.
Issuer Rating:
AA- (S&P), A1 (Moody’s), AA (Fitch)*
Reference Asset:
The iShares® MSCI Brazil Index Fund (“EWZ”) (the “reference asset”)
Knock-Out Event:
A knock-out event occurs if, at any time during the observation period, the official closing price (as defined below) has decreased, as compared to the initial price, by more than the knock-out buffer amount.
Knock-Out Buffer Amount:
30.00%
Contingent Minimum Return:
23.40%
Principal Amount:
$1,000 per note.
Trade Date:
January 28, 2010
Pricing Date:
January 28, 2010
Original Issue Date:
February 2, 2010
Final Valuation Date:
August 1, 2011, subject to adjustment as described herein and in the accompanying product supplement.
Observation Period:
The period beginning on and excluding the pricing date and ending on and including the final valuation date.
Maturity Date:
3 business days after the final valuation date and is expected to be August 4, 2011.  The maturity date is subject to further adjustment as described under “Specific Terms of the Notes — Market Disruption Events” in the accompanying product supplement.
Payment at Maturity:
If a knock-out event has occurred, you will receive a cash payment on the maturity date that will reflect the performance of the reference asset subject to the maximum cap. Under these circumstances, your payment at maturity per $1,000 principal amount note will be calculated as the lesser of:
 
           (a) $1,000 + ($1,000 × reference return); and
 
(b) $1,000 + ($1,000 × maximum cap)
 
If a knock-out event has occurred and the final price is less than the initial price, you will lose some or all of your investment. This means that if the reference return is -100.00%, you will lose your entire investment.
 
If a knock-out event has not occurred, you will receive a cash payment on the maturity date that will reflect the performance of the reference asset, subject to the contingent minimum return and maximum cap. If a knock-out event has not occurred, your payment at maturity per $1,000 principal amount note will equal the lesser of (A) $1,000 plus the product of (a) $1,000 multiplied by (b) the greater of (i) the reference return and (ii) the contingent minimum return, and (B) $1,000 plus the product of (a) $1,000 multiplied by (b) the maximum cap.  For additional clarification, please see “What is the Total Return on the Notes at Maturity Assuming a Range of Performance for the Reference Asset?” herein.
Reference Return:
The quotient, expressed as a percentage, calculated as follows:
 
final price – initial price
 
            initial price
Maximum Cap:
40.00%
Initial Price:
$66.34, which was the official closing price on the pricing date.
Final Price:
The official closing price on the final valuation date, adjusted by the calculation agent as described under “Adjustments to an ETF” in the accompanying product supplement.
Official Closing Price:
The official closing price on any scheduled trading day as determined by the calculation agent based upon the value displayed on Bloomberg Professional® service page “EWZ UP <EQUITY>” or any successor page on Bloomberg Professional® service or any successor service, as applicable.
CUSIP/ISIN:
4042K0M93 / US4042K0M939
Form of Notes:
Book-Entry
Listing:
The notes will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or quotation system.
* A credit rating reflects the creditworthiness of HSBC USA Inc. and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold notes, and it may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization. The notes themselves have not been independently rated. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
Investment in the notes involves certain risks. You should refer to “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page 3 of this document and “Risk Factors” on page PS-4 of the product supplement and page S-3 of the prospectus supplement.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the notes or determined that this pricing supplement, or the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus, is truthful or complete.  Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The notes are not deposit liabilities or other obligations of a bank and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the United States or any other jurisdiction and involve investment risks including possible loss of the principal amount invested due to the credit risk of HSBC.  In addition, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or another of our affiliates or agents may use this pricing supplement in market-making transactions in any notes after their initial sale.  Unless we or our agent informs you otherwise in the confirmation of sale, this pricing supplement will be used in a market-making transaction. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of ours, will purchase the notes from us for distribution to the placement agent.  See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on the last page of this pricing supplement.
We have appointed J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. as placement agent for the sale of the notes.  J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. will offer the notes to investors directly or through other registered broker-dealers.
 
Price to Public(1)
Fees and Commissions
Proceeds to Issuer
Per Note
$1,000
$12.50
$987.50
Total
$8,100,000
$101,250
$7,998,750
(1) Certain fiduciary accounts will pay a purchase price of $987.50 per note, and the placement agents with respect to sales made to such accounts will forgo any fees.
JPMorgan
Placement Agent
January 28, 2010

 
Additional Terms Specific to the Notes
 
This pricing supplement relates to a single note offering linked to the reference asset identified on the cover page. The purchaser of a note will acquire a senior unsecured debt security linked to the reference asset.  Although the note offering relates only to the reference asset identified on the cover page, you should not construe that fact as a recommendation as to the merits of acquiring an investment linked to the reference asset or any securities held by reference asset or as to the suitability of an investment in the notes.
 
You should read this document together with the prospectus dated April 2, 2009, the prospectus supplement dated April 9, 2009 and the product supplement dated April 9, 2009.  If the terms of the notes offered hereby are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement or prospectus, the terms described in this pricing supplement shall control.  You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page 3 of this pricing supplement and “Risk Factors” on page PS-4 of the product supplement and page S-3 of the prospectus supplement, as the notes involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. All references to “Enhanced Market Participation Notes” in the product supplement shall refer to these Knock-Out Buffer Notes.  We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisers 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 a product supplement) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the offering to which this pricing supplement relates.  Before you invest, you should read the prospectus, prospectus supplement and product 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 or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the prospectus, prospectus supplement and product supplement if you request them by calling toll-free 1 866 811 8049.
 
You may also obtain:
 
 
 
 
Supplemental Information Relating to the Terms of the Notes
 
Notwithstanding anything contained in the accompanying prospectus supplement or product supplement to the contrary, the notes will be issued under the senior indenture dated March 31, 2009, between HSBC USA Inc., as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee.  Such indenture will have substantially the same terms as the indenture described in the accompanying prospectus supplement and product supplement.  HSBC Bank USA, N.A. will act as paying agent with respect to the Notes pursuant to a Paying Agent and Securities Registrar Agreement dated June 1, 2009, between HSBC USA Inc. and HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
 
Selected Purchase Considerations
 
 
·
APPRECIATION POTENTIAL — The notes provide the opportunity to participate in the appreciation of the reference asset at maturity up to the maximum cap on the notes of 40.00%, or a maximum payment of $1,400 for every $1,000 principal amount note. If a knock-out event has not occurred, in addition to the principal amount, you will receive at maturity at least the contingent minimum return of 23.40% on the notes, or a minimum payment at maturity of  $1,234.00 for every $1,000 principal amount note. Even if a knock-out event has occurred, if the final price is greater than the initial price, in addition to the principal amount, you will receive at maturity a return on the notes equal to the reference return subject to the maximum cap. Because the notes are our senior unsecured debt obligations, payment of any amount at maturity is subject to our ability to pay our obligations as they become due.
 
 
·
LIMITED PROTECTION AGAINST LOSSIf a knock-out event has not occurred, you will receive at least the principal amount and the contingent minimum return at maturity even if the final price is below the initial price.  If a knock-out event has occurred and the final price is less than the initial price, you will lose 1.00% of the principal amount for every 1.00% that the final price is less than the initial price. If a knock-out event has occurred and the reference return is -100.00%, you will lose your entire investment.
 
 
·
EXPOSURE TO PERFORMANCE OF THE iSHARES® MSCI BRAZIL INDEX FUND — The reference asset is an exchange-traded fund of iShares, Inc., which is a registered investment company that consists of numerous separate investment portfolios. The reference asset seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Brazil Index (the “underlying index”). The underlying index is a free-float adjusted average of the U.S. dollar values of all of the equity securities constituting the underlying index. For additional information about the reference asset, see the information set forth under “Description of the Reference Asset” herein.
 
 
·
TAX TREATMENT — 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, the notes should be treated as executory contracts 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.  Notwithstanding any disclosure in the accompanying product supplement to the contrary, our special U.S. tax counsel in this transaction is Sidley Austin LLP. 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, Sidley Austin LLP, it is reasonable to treat the notes as executory contracts with respect to the reference asset.  Pursuant to this approach and subject to
 
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the discussion below regarding “constructive ownership transactions”, 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.
 
 
A “constructive ownership transaction” includes a contract under which an investor will receive payment equal to or credit for the future value of any equity interest in a regulated investment company (such as shares of the reference asset (the “Underlying Shares”)). Under the “constructive ownership” rules, if an investment in the notes is treated as a “constructive ownership transaction,” any long-term capital gain recognized by a U.S. holder (as defined under “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement) in respect of a note will be recharacterized as ordinary income to the extent such gain exceeds the amount of “net underlying long-term capital gain” (as defined in Section 1260 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) of the U.S. holder determined as if the U.S. holder had acquired the Underlying Shares on the original issue date of the note at fair market value and sold them at fair market value on the maturity date (if the note was held until the maturity date) or on the date of sale or exchange of the note (if the note was sold or exchanged prior to the maturity date) (the “Excess Gain”). In addition, an interest charge will also apply to any deemed underpayment of tax in respect of any Excess Gain to the extent such gain would have resulted in gross income inclusion for the U.S. holder in taxable years prior to the taxable year of the sale, exchange or maturity of the note (assuming such income accrued at a constant rate equal to the applicable federal rate as of the date of sale, exchange or maturity of the note).
 
 
Although the matter is not clear, there exists a risk that an investment in the notes will be treated as a “constructive ownership transaction.” If such treatment applies, it is not entirely clear to what extent any long-term capital gain recognized by a U.S. holder in respect of a note will be recharacterized as ordinary income. It is possible, for example, that the amount of the Excess Gain (if any) that would be recharacterized as ordinary income in respect of each note will equal the excess of (i) any long-term capital gain recognized by the U.S. holder in respect of a note over (ii) the “net underlying long-term capital gain” such U.S. holder would have had if such U.S. holder had acquired a number of the Underlying Shares at fair market value on the original issue date of the note for an amount equal to the “issue price” of the note and, upon the date of sale, exchange or maturity of the note, sold such Underlying Shares at fair market value (which would reflect the percentage increase in the value of the Underlying Shares over the term of the note). Accordingly, U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application of the “constructive ownership” rules.
 
We will not attempt to ascertain whether the issuer of any stock owned by the reference asset would be treated as a “passive foreign investment company,” within the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code.  In the event that the issuer of any stock owned by the reference asset were treated as a passive foreign investment company, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences might apply. You should refer to information filed with the SEC or other authorities by the issuers of stock owned by the reference asset and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you, if any, in the event that one or more issuers of stock owned by the reference asset is or becomes a passive foreign investment company.
 
For a discussion of certain of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in a note, please see the discussion under “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying product supplement.
 
Selected Risk Considerations
 
An investment in the notes involves significant risks. Investing in the notes is not equivalent to investing directly in the reference asset or any of the component securities held by the reference asset. These risks are explained in more detail in the “Risk Factors” sections of the accompanying product supplement and prospectus supplement.
 
 
·
SUITABILITY OF NOTES FOR INVESTMENT — You should only reach a decision to invest in the notes after carefully considering, with your advisors, the suitability of the notes in light of your investment objectives and the information set out in this pricing supplement.  Neither HSBC nor any dealer participating in the offering makes any recommendation as to the suitability of the notes for investment.
 
 
·
YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES MAY RESULT IN A LOSS — The notes do not guarantee any return of principal. The return on the notes at maturity is linked to the performance of the reference asset and will depend on whether a knock-out event has occurred and whether, and the extent to which, the reference return is positive or negative. If the official closing price is ever below the initial price by more than the knock-out buffer amount of 30.00% during the observation period, a knock-out event has occurred, and the protection provided by the knock-out buffer amount will terminate. IF A KNOCK-OUT EVENT OCCURS, YOU MAY LOSE UP TO 100.00% OF YOUR INVESTMENT.
 
 
·
THE NOTES ARE SUBJECT TO THE 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. Any payment to be made on the notes, including any principal protection 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.
 
 
·
YOUR PROTECTION MAY TERMINATE AT ANY TIME DURING THE TERM OF THE NOTESIf the official closing price is ever below the initial price by more than the knock-out buffer amount of 30.00% during the observation period, you will be fully exposed to any decline in the reference asset at the final valuation date. We refer to this feature as a knock-out buffer amount. Under these circumstances, if the final price is less than the initial price, you will lose 1.00% of the principal amount of your investment for every 1.00% decrease in the final price as compared to the initial price.  You will be subject to this potential loss of principal even if the official closing price of the reference asset subsequently increases such that the final price is less than the initial price by not more than the knock-out buffer amount of 30.00%, or is equal to or greater than the initial price. As a result, you may lose some or all of your investment.  Your return on the notes may not reflect the return you would receive on a conventional fixed
 
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or floating rate debt instrument with a comparable term to maturity issued by HSBC or any other issuer with a similar credit rating.
 
 
·
YOUR MAXIMUM GAIN ON THE NOTES IS LIMITED TO THE MAXIMUM CAP — If the final price is greater than the initial price, for each $1,000 principal amount note you hold, you will receive at maturity $1,000 plus an additional amount that will not exceed the maximum cap of 40.00% of the principal amount, regardless of the appreciation in the reference asset, which may be significantly greater than the maximum cap. You will not receive a return on the notes greater than the maximum cap.
 
 
·
YOUR ABILITY TO RECEIVE THE CONTINGENT MINIMUM RETURN MAY TERMINATE AT ANY TIME DURING THE TERM OF THE NOTES — If the official closing price at any time during the observation period declines from the initial price by more than the knock-out buffer amount of 30.00%, you will not be entitled to receive the protection provided by the contingent minimum return on the notes. Under these circumstances, you may lose some or all of your investment at maturity and will be fully exposed to any decline in the official closing price of the reference asset.
 
 
·
THE VALUE OF SHARES OF THE REFERENCE ASSET MAY NOT COMPLETELY TRACK THE VALUE OF THE UNDERLYING INDEX — Although the trading characteristics and valuations of shares of the reference asset will usually mirror the characteristics and valuations of the underlying index, the value of the shares of the reference asset may not completely track the value of the underlying index.  The reference asset may reflect transaction costs and fees that are not included in the calculation of the underlying index.  Additionally, because the reference asset may not actually hold all of the stocks comprising the underlying index but invests in a representative sample of securities which have a similar investment profile as the stocks comprising the underlying index, the reference asset may not fully replicate the performance of the underlying index.
 
 
·
AN INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES IS SUBJECT TO RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FOREIGN SECURITIES MARKETS — The stocks held by the underlying index, which is the underlying index for the reference asset, and that are generally tracked by the reference asset have been issued by companies in Brazil.  Although the trading price of shares of the reference asset is not directly tied to the value of the underlying index or the trading price of the stocks comprising the underlying index, the trading price of shares of the reference asset is expected to correspond generally to the value of publicly traded equity securities in the aggregate in Brazil, as measured by the underlying index.  This means that the trading price of shares of the reference asset is expected to be affected by factors affecting securities markets in Brazil.
 
Investments in securities linked to the value of foreign securities markets involve certain risk.  Foreign securities markets may be more volatile than U.S. or other securities markets and may be affected by market developments in different ways than U.S. or other securities markets.  Also, there generally may be less publicly available information about companies in foreign securities markets than about U.S. companies, and companies in foreign securities markets are subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements that differ from those applicable to U.S. companies. Although many of the component stocks in the underlying index are listed or traded on foreign securities markets which constitute “designated offshore securities markets” under Regulation S, certain of the component stocks in the underlying index are primarily traded on foreign securities markets which have not been approved by U.S. securities regulatory agencies or U.S. exchanges.  In addition, regardless of their status as designated offshore securities markets, certain component stocks in the underlying index may be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements that differ from those applicable to United States reporting companies.  In addition, foreign securities issuers may be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements that differ from those applicable to United States reporting companies. Securities prices generally are subject to political, economic, financial and social factors that apply to the markets in which they trade and, to a lesser extent, foreign markets.
 
Securities prices outside the United States are subject to political, economic, financial and social factors that apply in foreign countries.  These factors, which could negatively affect foreign securities markets, include the possibility of changes in a foreign government’s economic and fiscal policies, the possible imposition of, or changes in, currency exchange laws or other laws or restrictions applicable to foreign companies or investments in foreign equity securities and the possibility of fluctuations in the rate of exchange between currencies.  Moreover, foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States economy in important respects such as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources and self-sufficiency.
 
 
·
AN INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES  IS SUBJECT TO CURRENCY EXCHANGE RISK —  Because the underlying index is denominated in U.S. Dollars, the prices of the component stocks comprising the underlying index will be converted into U.S. Dollars for the purposes of calculating the value of the underlying index and, thus, noteholders will be exposed to currency exchange rate risk with respect to the Brazilian Real. A noteholder’s net exposure will depend on the extent to which the Brazilian Real strengthens or weakens against the U.S. Dollar.  If the U.S. Dollar strengthens against the Brazilian Real, the value of the reference asset may be adversely affected, and the principal payment at maturity of the notes may be reduced.
 
 
·
CERTAIN BUILT-IN COSTS ARE LIKELY TO ADVERSELY AFFECT THE VALUE OF THE NOTES PRIOR TO MATURITY — While the payment at maturity described in this pricing supplement is based on the full principal amount of your notes, the original issue price of the notes includes the placement agent’s commission and the estimated cost of hedging our obligations under the notes through one or more of our affiliates. As a result, the price, if any, at which HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will be willing to purchase notes from you in secondary market transactions, if at all, will likely be lower than the original issue price, and any sale of notes by you prior to the maturity date could result in a substantial loss to you. The notes are not designed to be short-term trading instruments. Accordingly, you should be able and willing to hold your notes to maturity.
 
 
·
NO INTEREST OR DIVIDEND PAYMENTS OR VOTING RIGHTS — As a holder of the notes, you will not receive interest payments, and you will not have voting rights or rights to receive cash dividends or other distributions or other rights that holders of shares of the reference asset or the underlying index would have.
 
 
·
THE NOTES LACK LIQUIDITY — The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. may offer to purchase the notes in the secondary market but is not required to do so and may cease making such
 
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offers at any time if at all. 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. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the notes easily.
 
 
·
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS — HSBC and its affiliates play a variety of roles in connection with the issuance of the notes, including acting as calculation agent and hedging its obligations under the notes. In performing these duties, the economic interests of the calculation agent and other affiliates of HSBC are potentially adverse to your interests as an investor in the notes. HSBC will not have any obligation to consider your interests as a holder of the notes in taking any corporate action that might affect the price of the reference asset and the value of the notes.
 
 
·
THE NOTES ARE NOT INSURED 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 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.
 
 
·
MANY ECONOMIC AND MARKET FACTORS WILL IMPACT THE VALUE OF THE NOTES — In addition to the official closing price of the reference asset on any day, the value of the notes will be affected by a number of economic and market factors that may either offset or magnify each other, including:
 
 
·
the expected volatility of the reference asset;
 
 
·
the time to maturity of the notes;
 
 
·
whether a knock-out event has occurred;
 
 
·
the dividend rate on the equity securities held by the reference asset or comprising the underlying index;
 
 
·
the exchange rate between the Brazilian Real and the U.S. Dollar;
 
 
·
interest and yield rates in the market generally;
 
 
·
a variety of economic, financial, political, regulatory or judicial events that affect the equity securities held by the reference asset or the stock markets generally; and
 
 
·
our creditworthiness, including actual or anticipated downgrades in our credit ratings.
 
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What Is the Total Return on the Notes at Maturity Assuming a Range of Performance for the Reference Asset?
 
The following table illustrates the hypothetical total return at maturity on the notes. The “total return” as used in this pricing supplement is the number, expressed as a percentage, that results from comparing the payment at maturity per $1,000 principal amount note to $1,000. The hypothetical total returns set forth below reflect the knock-out buffer amount of 30.00%, the contingent minimum return on the notes of 23.40%, the maximum cap of 40.00% and the initial price of $66.34, the official closing price on January 25, 2010. The actual initial price will be determined on the pricing date. The hypothetical total returns set forth below are for illustrative purposes only and may not be the actual total returns applicable to a purchaser of the notes. The numbers appearing in the following table and examples have been rounded for ease of analysis.

     
Hypothetical Final Price
Hypothetical Reference Return
Hypothetical Total Return
   
Knock Out Event Has
Not Occurred(1)
Knock Out Event Has
Occurred(2)
$119.41
80.00%
40.00%
40.00%
$112.78
70.00%
40.00%
40.00%
$99.51
50.00%
40.00%
40.00%
$92.88
40.00%
40.00%
40.00%
$86.24
30.00%
30.00%
30.00%
$81.86
23.40%
23.40%
23.40%
$79.61
20.00%
23.40%
20.00%
$76.29
15.00%
23.40%
15.00%
$72.97
10.00%
23.40%
10.00%
$69.66
5.00%
23.40%
5.00%
$67.00
1.00%
23.40%
1.00%
$66.34
0.00%
23.40%
0.00%
$63.02
-5.00%
23.40%
-5.00%
$59.71
-10.00%
23.40%
-10.00%
$56.39
-15.00%
23.40%
-15.00%
$53.07
-20.00%
23.40%
-20.00%
$46.44
-30.00%
23.40%
-30.00%
$39.80
-40.00%
N/A
-40.00%
$33.17
-50.00%
N/A
-50.00%
$26.54
-60.00%
N/A
-60.00%
$19.90
-70.00%
N/A
-70.00%
$13.27
-80.00%
N/A
-80.00%
$6.63
-90.00%
N/A
-90.00%
$0.00
-100.00%
N/A
-100.00%
 
(1)
The official closing price has not declined, as compared to the initial price, by more than 30.00% at any time during the observation period.
 
(2)
The official closing price has declined, as compared to the initial price, by more than 30.00% at any time during the observation period.
 
Hypothetical Examples of Amounts Payable at Maturity
 
The following examples illustrate how the total returns set forth in the table above are calculated.
 
Example 1: A knock-out event has not occurred, and the price of the reference asset increases from the initial price of $66.34 to a final price of $76.29. Because a knock-out event has not occurred and the reference return of 15.00% is less than the contingent minimum return of 23.40% which is less than the maximum cap of 40.00%, the investor benefits from the contingent minimum return and receives a payment at maturity of $1,234 per $1,000 principal amount note.
 
Example 2: A knock-out event has not occurred, and the price of the reference asset decreases from the initial price of $66.34 to a final price of $56.39. Because a knock-out event has not occurred and the reference return of -­15.00% is less than the contingent minimum return of 23.40%, the investor benefits from the contingent minimum return and receives a payment at maturity of $1,234 per $1,000 principal amount note.
 
Example 3: A knock-out event has not occurred, and the price of the reference asset increases from the initial price of $66.34 to a final price of $86.24. Because a knock-out event has not occurred the reference return of 30.00% is greater than the contingent minimum return of 23.40% but less than the maximum cap of 40.00%, the investor receives a payment at maturity of $1,300 per $1,000 principal amount note, calculated as follows:
 
$1,000 + ($1,000 × 30.00%) = $1,300
 
Example 4: A knock-out event has not occurred, and the price of the reference asset increases from the initial price of $66.34 to a final price of $99.51. Because a knock-out event has not occurred the reference return of 50.00% is greater than the contingent minimum return of 23.40% and also greater than the maximum cap of 40.00%, the investor receives a payment at maturity of $1,400 per $1,000 principal amount note, the maximum payment on the notes, calculated as follows:
 
$1,000 + ($1,000 × 40.00%) = $1,400
 
Example 5: A knock-out event has occurred, and the price of the reference asset decreases from the initial price of $66.34 to a final price of $59.71. Because a knock-out event has occurred, and the reference return is
 
-10.00%, the investor is exposed to the performance of the reference asset and receives a payment at maturity of $900 per $1,000 principal amount note, calculated as follows:
 
$1,000 + ($1,000 × -10.00%) = $900
 
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Example 6: A knock-out event has occurred, and the price of the reference asset increases from the initial price of $66.34 to a final price of $76.29. Because a knock-out event has occurred, your principal is at risk. However, the reference return is 15.00% and therefore, the investor receives a payment at maturity of $1,150 per $1,000 principal amount note, calculated as follows:
 
$1,000 + ($1,000 × 15.00%) = $1,150
 
Example 7: A knock-out event has occurred, and the price of the reference asset increases from the initial price of $66.34 to a final price of $99.51. Because a knock-out event has occurred, your principal is at risk. However, the reference return is 50.00% which is greater than the maximum cap of 40.00% and therefore, the investor receives a payment at maturity of $1,400 per $1,000 principal amount note, the maximum payment on the notes, calculated as follows:
 
$1,000 + ($1,000 × 40.00%) = $1,400
 
Description of the Reference Asset
 
General
 
This pricing supplement is not an offer to sell and it is not an offer to buy interests in the reference asset or any of the stocks held by the reference asset.  All disclosures contained in this pricing supplement regarding a reference asset, including its make-up, performance, method of calculation and changes in its components, where applicable, are derived from publicly available information. Entities with securities registered under the Exchange Act are required to file periodically certain financial and other information specified by the SEC. Information provided to or filed with the SEC electronically can be accessed through a website maintained by the SEC.  The address of the SEC’s website is http://www.sec.gov. Information provided to or filed with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act by an entity issuing a reference asset can be located by reference to the SEC file number specified in the description of each reference asset below.  We make no representation that these publicly available documents are accurate or complete.  You should make your own investigation into the reference asset. For more information, we urge you to read the section “Information Regarding the reference asset and the reference asset Issuer” in the product supplement.
 
The iShares® MSCI Brazil Index Fund (“EWZ”)
 
We have derived all information contained in this pricing supplement regarding the EWZ, including, without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation and changes in its components, from publicly available information. Such information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by iShares. We make no representations or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information derived from these public sources. The EWZ is an investment portfolio maintained and managed by iShares® Inc. (“iShares”) and advised by BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”). iShares is a registered investment company that consists of numerous separate investment portfolios, including the reference asset. The shares of the EWZ are listed and trade at market prices on the New York Stock Exchange under the exchange trading symbol “EWZ”.
 
Information provided to or filed with the SEC by iShares pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 can be located by reference to SEC file numbers 033-97598 and 811-09102, respectively, through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Information from outside sources is not incorporated by reference in, and should not be considered a part of, this pricing supplement or any accompanying prospectus. We make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of such information.
 
The MSCI Brazil Index, which is the underlying index of EWZ, is calculated by or on behalf of MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”). MSCI does not issue, sponsor, endorse, sell or promote the EWZ.  MSCI makes no representations or warranties to the owners of the securities or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in the securities. MSCI has no obligation or liability in connection with the operation, marketing or sale of the securities.
 
The EWZ seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Brazilian market, as measured by the MSCI Brazil Index. The MSCI Brazil Index was developed by MSCI as an equity benchmark for Brazilian stock performance, and is designed to measure equity market performance in Brazil. The EWZ pursues a “representative sampling” strategy in attempting to track the performance of the MSCI Brazil Index, and generally does not hold all of the equity securities included in the MSCI Brazil Index. The EWZ invests in a representative sample of securities in the MSCI Brazil Index, which have a similar investment profile as the MSCI Brazil Index. Securities selected have aggregate investment characteristics (based on market capitalization and industry weightings), fundamental characteristics (such as return variability, earnings valuation and yield) and liquidity measures similar to those of the MSCI Brazil Index. The EWZ will generally invest at least 95% of its assets in the securities of the MSCI Brazil Index and in depositary receipts (“DRs”) based on securities of the MSCI Brazil Index, and at least 80% of its assets in the securities of the MSCI Brazil Index or in securities included in the Brazilian market, but not in the MSCI Brazil Index. The EWZ may invest its other assets in futures contracts, other types of options and swaps related to the MSCI Brazil Index, as well as cash and cash equivalents, including share of money market funds affiliated with BFA.
 
Correlation
 
The underlying index is a theoretical financial calculation, while the EWZ is an actual investment portfolio. The performance of the EWZ and the MSCI Brazil Index will vary somewhat due to transaction costs, foreign currency valuation, asset valuation, corporate actions (such as mergers and spin-offs) and timing variances, and differences between the EWZ’s portfolio and the MSCI Brazil Index resulting from legal restrictions (such as diversification requirements) that apply to the EWZ but not to the MSCI Brazil Index or the use of representative sampling. A figure of 100% would indicate perfect correlation. Any correlation of less than 100% is called “tracking error.” The EWZ, which uses a representative sampling strategy, can be expected to have a greater tracking error than a fund using replication strategy. Replication is a strategy in which a fund invests in substantially all of the securities in its underlying index in approximately the same proportions as in the underlying index.
 
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Industry Concentration Policy
 
The EWZ will concentrate its investments ( i.e., hold 25% or more of its total assets) in a particular industry or group of industries only to approximately the same extent that the MSCI Brazil Index is so concentrated. For purposes of this limitation, securities of the U.S. government (including its agencies and instrumentalities), repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities, and securities of state or municipal governments and their political subdivisions are not considered to be issued by members of any industry.
 
The MSCI Brazil Index
 
All information in this pricing supplement regarding the MSCI Brazil Index, including, without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation and changes in its components, is derived from publicly available information. Such information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, MSCI or any of its affiliates (the “MSCI Brazil Index sponsor”). The MSCI Brazil Index sponsor owns the copyright and all other rights to the MSCI Brazil Index. The MSCI Brazil Index has no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue publication of, the MSCI Brazil Index. We do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information. Historical performance of the MSCI Brazil Index is not an indication of future performance. Future performance of the MSCI Brazil Index may differ significantly from historical performance, either positively or negatively.
 
The MSCI Brazil Index is published by MSCI and is intended to measure the performance of equity markets in Brazil. The Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index with a base date of December 31, 1987 and an initial value of 100. Component companies must meet objective criteria for inclusion in the MSCI Brazil Index, taking into consideration unavailable strategic shareholdings and limitations to foreign ownership. The MSCI Brazil Index is calculated daily in U.S. Dollars and published in real time every 60 seconds during market trading hours. The MSCI Brazil Index is published by Bloomberg under the index symbol “MXBR”.
 
The MSCI Brazil Index is part of the MSCI Equity Indices series. MSCI aims to include in its indices 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each industry sector, within each country included in an index.
 
Constructing the MSCI Standard Indices
 
MSCI undertakes an index construction process, which involves: (i) defining the Equity Universe; (ii) determining the Market Investable Equity Universe for each market; (iii) determining market capitalization size segments for each market; (iv) applying Index Continuity Rules for the MSCI Standard Index; (v) creating style segments within each size segment within each market; and (vi) classifying securities under the Global Industry Classification Standard (the “GICS”).
 
Maintenance
 
The MSCI Standard Indices are maintained with the objective of reflecting the evolution of the underlying equity markets and segments on a timely basis, while seeking to achieve index continuity, continuous investability of constituents and replicability of the indices, and index stability and low index turnover.
 
In particular, index maintenance involves:
 
(i) Semi-Annual Index Reviews (“SAIRs”) in May and November of the Size Segment and Global Value and Growth Indices which include:
 
 
 
Updating the indices on the basis of a fully refreshed Equity Universe.
   
 
Taking buffer rules into consideration for migration of securities across size and style segments.
  
 
Updating FIFs and Number of Shares (“NOS”).
 
(ii) Quarterly Index Reviews (“QIRs”) in February and August of the Size Segment Indices aimed at:
 
 
 
Including significant new eligible securities (such as IPOs that were not eligible for earlier inclusion) in the index.
  
 
Allowing for significant moves of companies within the Size Segment Indices, using wider buffers than in the SAIR.
  
 
Reflecting the impact of significant market events on FIFs and updating NOS.
 
(iii) Ongoing event-related changes. Changes of this type are generally implemented in the indices as they occur. Significantly large IPOs are included in the indices after the close of the company’s tenth day of trading.
 
Historical Performance of the Reference Asset
 
The following graph sets forth the historical performance of the reference asset based on the historical official closing prices from January 3, 2005 through January 28, 2010.  The official closing price for the reference asset on January 28, 2010 was $66.34.  We obtained the official closing prices below from Bloomberg Professional® service. We make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg Professional® service.
 
The historical official closing prices of the reference asset should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the official closing price on the final valuation date. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of the reference asset will result in the return of any of your initial investment.
 
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Historical Performance of the iShares® MSCI Brazil Index Fund
 

Quarter Begin
Quarter End
Quarterly High
Quarterly Low
Quarterly Close
1/3/2005
3/31/2005
$25.65
$19.59
$22.55
4/1/2005
6/30/2005
$24.85
$20.74
$24.45
7/1/2005
9/30/2005
$33.04
$23.19
$32.87
10/3/2005
12/30/2005
$35.55
$28.44
$32.87
1/3/2006
3/31/2006
$42.63
$33.42
$39.38
4/3/2006
6/30/2006
$46.37
$31.25
$38.63
7/3/2006
9/29/2006
$40.59
$34.54
$37.97
10/2/2006
12/29/2006
$46.42
$37.56
$46.15
1/3/2007
3/30/2007
$49.41
$41.52
$48.61
4/2/2007
6/29/2007
$62.62
$48.29
$60.65
7/2/2007
9/28/2007
$73.86
$46.08
$73.24
10/1/2007
12/31/2007
$86.65
$70.19
$80.20
1/2/2008
3/31/2008
$88.21
$63.60
$76.55
4/1/2008
6/30/2008
$101.56
$77.00
$89.03
7/1/2008
9/30/2008
$88.41
$48.36
$56.22
10/1/2008
12/31/2008
$56.28
$26.47
$34.90
1/2/2009
3/31/2009
$41.03
$31.15
$37.67
4/1/2009
6/30/2009
$58.62
$37.24
$52.97
7/1/2009
9/30/2009
$68.50
$48.03
$67.67
10/1/2009
12/31/2009
$80.92
$65.08
$74.61
1/4/2010*
1/28/2010*
$78.29
$66.19
$66.34
         
* As of the date of this pricing supplement available information for the first calendar quarter of 2010 includes data for the period from January 4, 2010 through January 28, 2010. Accordingly, the “Quarterly High,” “Quarterly Low” and “Quarterly Close” data indicated are for this shortened period only and do not reflect complete data for the first calendar quarter of 2010.
 
Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)
 
Pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of HSBC, will purchase the notes from HSBC for distribution to J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.  J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. will act as placement agent for the notes and will receive a fee that will not exceed $12.50 per $1,000 principal amount of notes.
 
In addition, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or another of its affiliates or agents may use the pricing supplement in market-making transactions after the initial sale of the notes, but is under no obligation to do so and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice.
 
See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution” on page S-52 in the prospectus supplement.
 
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