Unassociated Document

Product Supplement No. STEPS-1

(To Prospectus dated April 2, 2009

and Prospectus Supplement dated April 9, 2009)

October 20, 2011

STEP Income Securities® Linked to a Single Equity Security

·	The STEP Income Securities® (the “notes”) are senior unsecured debt securities of HSBC USA Inc. (“HSBC”). The notes do not guarantee return of principal. The payment of any amounts due under the notes is subject to our credit risk.

This product supplement describes the general terms of the notes and the general manner in which they may be offered and sold. For each offering of the notes, we will provide you with a pricing supplement (which we may refer to as a “term sheet”) that will describe the specific terms of that offering. The term sheet will identify any additions or changes to the terms specified in this product supplement.

·	The term sheet will also identify the Underlying Stock, which will be a common equity security issued by a company other than us, MLPF&S or our respective affiliates.

·	You will receive periodic interest payments on the notes at the rate and on the dates specified in the applicable term sheet.

At maturity, in addition to the final interest payment on your notes, you will receive a cash payment per unit (the “Redemption Amount”) based upon the direction of and percentage change in the value of the applicable Underlying Stock from the Starting Value to the Ending Value (each as defined below), calculated as described in this product supplement.

·	Unless the applicable term sheet provides otherwise:

If the Ending Value is equal to or greater than the Step Level (as defined below), then you will receive at maturity a Redemption Amount equal to the Original Offering Price plus the Step Payment (as defined below).

If the Ending Value is less than the Step Level but is equal to or greater than the Threshold Value (as defined below), then you will receive at maturity a Redemption Amount equal to the Original Offering Price.

If the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value, then you will receive at maturity a Redemption Amount per unit equal to the Original Offering Price minus the product of (i) the Original Offering Price, and (ii) the percentage decrease of the Underlying Stock in excess of the Threshold Value.

·	The “Step Level” represents a specified percentage above the Starting Value, and will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

·	The “Threshold Value” represents a specified percentage at or below the Starting Value, and will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

·	The “Step Payment,” if any, is a cash payment per unit at maturity equal to a specified percentage of the Original Offering Price, and will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

The notes will be issued in denominations of whole units, as specified in the applicable term sheet. Each unit will have an “Original Offering Price” as set forth in the applicable term sheet. We may set the interest rate, the Threshold Value, the Step Level, and/or the Step Payment, on the pricing date of the notes, which will be the date the notes are priced for initial sale to the public. The term sheet may also set forth a minimum number of units that you must purchase.

·	Unless provided for in the applicable term sheet, we do not intend to apply to have your notes listed on a securities exchange or quotation system. We make no representation that your notes will be listed or, if listed, will remain listed for the entire term of your notes.

·	Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”) and one or more of its affiliates may act as our agents to offer the notes.

The notes offered hereunder are not deposit liabilities or other obligations of a bank, are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the United States or any other jurisdiction and carry investment risks including possible loss of the amount invested due to the credit risk of HSBC USA Inc. Potential purchasers of the notes should consider the information in “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-9 and page S-3 of the accompanying prospectus supplement. You may lose some or all of your investment in the notes.

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 supplement or prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Merrill Lynch & Co.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
SUMMARY	S-3
RISK FACTORS	S-8
USE OF PROCEEDS	S-16
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES	S-17
SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION	S-29
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX SUMMARY	S-30
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS	S-35

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“STEP Income Securities®” and “STEPS” are registered service marks of Bank of America Corporation, the parent corporation of MLPF&S.

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SUMMARY

This product supplement relates only to the notes and does not relate to the Underlying Stock described in any term sheet. This summary includes questions and answers that highlight selected information from the prospectus, prospectus supplement, and this product supplement to help you understand the notes. You should read carefully the entire prospectus, prospectus supplement, and product supplement, together with the applicable term sheet, to understand fully the terms of your notes, as well as the tax and other considerations important to you in making a decision about whether to invest in any notes. In particular, you should review carefully the section in this product supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement entitled “Risk Factors,” which highlights a number of risks of an investment in the notes, to determine whether an investment in the notes is appropriate for you. If information in this product supplement is inconsistent with the prospectus or prospectus supplement, this product supplement will supersede those documents. However, if information in any term sheet is inconsistent with this product supplement, that term sheet will supersede this product supplement.

Certain capitalized terms used and not defined in this product supplement have the meanings ascribed to them in the prospectus supplement and prospectus.

Investing in the notes is not equivalent to investing directly in any Underlying Stock. You should understand the risks of investing in the notes and should reach an investment decision only after careful consideration, with your advisors, with respect to the notes in light of your particular financial circumstances and the information set forth in the relevant term sheet, this product supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus.

The information in this “Summary” section is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed explanation set forth elsewhere in this product supplement, the prospectus supplement, and prospectus, and the applicable term sheet. You should rely only on the information contained in those documents for information about us or this offering. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information about us or this offering. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. Neither we nor any agent is making an offer to sell the notes in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information in this product supplement, the prospectus supplement, and prospectus, and the applicable term sheet, is accurate only as of the date on their respective front covers.

Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this document to “HSBC,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references are to HSBC USA Inc.

What are the notes?

The notes are senior unsecured debt securities issued by HSBC, and are not guaranteed or insured by the FDIC or secured by collateral. 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. Any payment to be made on the notes, including any return of principal at maturity, depends on HSBC’s credit risk and the ability of HSBC to satisfy its obligations as they come due. Each series of notes will mature on the date set forth in the applicable term sheet. We cannot redeem notes at any earlier date, except under the limited circumstances described in this product supplement. The notes do not guarantee return of principal at maturity.

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The notes are designed for investors who seek periodic interest payments, who are seeking exposure to a specific Underlying Stock, and who want the opportunity to receive an additional fixed payment, if any, at maturity if the Ending Value of the Underlying Stock equals or exceeds the Step Level on a date shortly before the maturity date of the notes. In such event, investors in the notes must be willing to accept that the additional fixed payment at maturity, if any, will not exceed the Step Payment. Investors should also be willing to accept that at maturity there will be no Step Payment if the Ending Value of the Underlying Stock is below the Step Level.

Further, investors must be willing to accept that their investment may result in a loss if the Ending Value of the Underlying Stock on the Valuation Date is less than the Threshold Value. The notes will pay interest, but will not guarantee any return of principal at maturity.

Investors in the notes must be willing to bear the risk of loss of all or substantially all of their investment.

Are the notes equity or debt securities?

The notes are our senior debt securities and are not secured by collateral. You will receive periodic interest payments. However, the notes will differ from traditional debt securities in that their return is linked to the performance of the Underlying Stock, and they do not guarantee return of principal at maturity. At maturity, instead of receiving the Original Offering Price of your notes, you may receive an amount that is greater than or less than the Original Offering Price, depending upon the performance of the Underlying Stock over the term of the notes. We describe below how this amount at maturity is determined. 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.

Will you receive interest on the notes?

Yes. You will receive periodic interest payments on the notes at the rate and on the dates specified in the applicable term sheet. Interest on the notes will be paid quarterly, unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet. See “Description of the Notes—Interest.”

Is it possible for you to lose some or all of your investment in the notes?

Yes. You will receive at maturity a Redemption Amount that is less than the Original Offering Price of your notes if the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value.

The Redemption Amount you will receive at maturity per unit of the notes will be equal to the Original Offering Price minus the product of (i) the Original Offering Price and (ii) the percentage decrease of the Underlying Stock in excess of the Threshold Value. In no event will the Redemption Amount be less than zero.

You may lose all or a substantial portion of the amount that you invested to purchase the notes. Further, if you sell your notes prior to maturity, you may find that the market value per unit is less than the Original Offering Price.

What is the Underlying Stock?

The Underlying Stock will consist of the common equity securities of a company (the “Underlying Company”) represented either by a class of equity securities registered under the

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Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or by American Depositary Receipts ( “ADRs”) registered under the Exchange Act.

The applicable term sheet will set forth information as to the specific Underlying Stock, including information as to the historical prices of the Underlying Stock. However, historical values of the Underlying Stock are not indicative of the future performance of the Underlying Stock or the performance of your notes.

How will the Redemption Amount be calculated?

At maturity, in addition to the final interest payment, subject to our credit risk as issuer of the notes, and unless the applicable term sheet provides otherwise, you will receive the Redemption Amount per unit of the notes that you hold, denominated in U.S. dollars. In no event will the Redemption Amount be less than zero. The Redemption Amount will be calculated as follows:

If the Ending Value is greater than or equal to the Step Level, then the Redemption Amount will equal:

If the Ending Value is less than the Step Level but is greater than or equal to the Threshold Value, then the Redemption Amount will equal the Original Offering Price.

If the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value, then the Redemption Amount will equal:

The “Step Level” represents a specified percentage above the Starting Value. The Step Level will be determined on the pricing date and set forth in the applicable term sheet.

The “Step Payment,” if any, is a cash payment per unit at maturity equal to a specified percentage of the Original Offering Price and will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

The “Threshold Value” is a price of the Underlying Stock that reflects a specified percentage of the Starting Value, and will be equal to or less than 100% of the Starting Value. The Threshold Value will be determined on the pricing date and set forth in the applicable term sheet. The Redemption Amount per unit will be less than the Original Offering Price if the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value. As a result, if the Threshold Value is equal to 100% of the Starting Value, then the Redemption Amount for the notes will be less than the Original Offering Price if there is any decrease in the value of the Underlying Stock from the Starting Value to the Ending Value.

How will the Starting Value and the Ending Value be determined?

The “Starting Value” will be the price of the Underlying Stock determined as set forth in the applicable term sheet.

The “Ending Value” will be the Closing Market Price (as defined below) of the Underlying Stock on the Valuation Date multiplied by the Price Multiplier (as defined below).

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In the event that a Market Disruption Event occurs and is continuing on the Valuation Date, or if certain other events occur, the calculation agent will determine the Ending Value as set forth in the section “Description of the Notes—Determining the Starting Value and the Ending Value.”

The “Valuation Date” will be a date shortly before the maturity date of the notes. The actual Valuation Date will be determined on the pricing date and set forth in the term sheet made available in connection with sales of the notes.

Is the return on the notes limited in any way?

Yes. Your opportunity to participate in possible increases in the value of the Underlying Stock through an investment in the notes is limited. This is because your return on the notes will never exceed the sum of (a) the periodic interest payments over their term and (b) the Step Payment, if any, payable at maturity. This will be the case regardless of the extent to which the Ending Value exceeds the Step Level.

Each term sheet will set forth examples of hypothetical Ending Values, the Threshold Value, the Step Level, and the Step Payment.

Can the maturity date be postponed if a Market Disruption Event occurs?

No. See the section entitled “Description of the Notes—Market Disruption Events.”

Who will determine the Redemption Amount?

The calculation agent will make all calculations associated with the notes, including determinations regarding the Starting Value, the Ending Value, the Threshold Value, the Redemption Amount, any Market Disruption Events, a successor Underlying Stock, business days, calculation days, non-calculation days, and calculations related to the discontinuance of the Underlying Stock. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, we or one or more of our affiliates, acting independently or jointly with MLPF&S, will act as the calculation agent for the notes. When we refer to a “calculation agent” in this product supplement or in any term sheet, we are referring to the applicable calculation agent or joint calculation agents, as the case may be. See the section entitled “Description of the Notes—Role of the Calculation Agent.”

Will you have an ownership interest in any of the Underlying Stocks?

No. An investment in the notes does not entitle you to any ownership interest, including any voting rights, dividends paid, or other distributions, in any Underlying Stocks.

Who are the agents for the notes?

MLPF&S and one or more of its affiliates will act as our agents in connection with each offering of the notes and will receive an underwriting discount based on the number of units of the notes sold. None of the agents is your fiduciary or advisor, and you should not rely upon any communication from any of them in connection with the notes as investment advice or a recommendation to purchase the notes. You should understand the risks of investing in the notes and should reach an investment decision only after careful consideration, with your advisors, with respect to the notes in light of your particular financial circumstances and the information set forth in the relevant term sheet, this product supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus.

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How are the notes being offered?

We have registered the notes with the SEC in the United States. However, we will not register the notes for public distribution in any jurisdiction other than the United States. See the section entitled “Supplemental Plan of Distribution” in the prospectus supplement.

Will the notes be listed on an exchange?

Unless provided for in the applicable term sheet, we do not intend to apply to have your notes listed on a securities exchange or quotation system. We make no representation that your notes will be listed or, if listed, will remain listed for the entire term of your notes.

What are the tax consequences of investing in the notes?

There are no Treasury regulations, published rulings or judicial decisions addressing the treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes of securities with terms that are substantially the same as the notes. Accordingly, the proper U.S. federal income tax treatment of notes is uncertain. Under the terms of the notes, you will have agreed with us to treat the notes as income bearing pre-paid forward contracts or executory contracts with respect to the Underlying Stock, as described under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary—General.” You are urged to consult your tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investing in notes.

Does ERISA impose any limitations on purchases of the notes?

Yes. An employee benefit plan subject to the fiduciary responsibility provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (commonly referred to as “ERISA”), or a plan that is subject to Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the “Code,” including individual retirement accounts, individual retirement annuities, or Keogh plans, or any entity the assets of which are deemed to be “plan assets” under the ERISA regulations, should not purchase, hold, or dispose of the notes unless that plan or entity has determined that its purchase, holding, or disposition of the notes will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code.

Any plan or entity purchasing the notes will be deemed to be representing that it has made that determination, or that a prohibited transaction class exemption (“PTCE”) or other statutory or administrative exemption exists and can be relied upon by that plan or entity. See the section entitled “ERISA Considerations.”

Are there any risks associated with your investment?

Yes. An investment in the notes is subject to risks. The notes do not guarantee return of principal. Please refer to the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on the next page of this product supplement and page S-3 of the prospectus supplement. If the applicable term sheet sets forth any additional risk factors, you should read those carefully before purchasing any notes.

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RISK FACTORS

You will be subject to significant risks not associated with conventional fixed-rate or floating-rate debt securities. You should understand the risks of investing in the securities and should reach an investment decision only after careful consideration with your advisors with respect to the securities in light of your particular financial circumstances and the information set forth in the relevant term sheet, this product supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus.

General Risks Relating to the Notes

Your investment may result in a loss; there is no guaranteed return of principal. The notes do not guarantee the return of principal at maturity. There is no fixed repayment amount of principal on the notes at maturity. If the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value, then the Redemption Amount will be an amount in cash that reflects the percentage decrease of the Underlying Stock in excess of the Threshold Value, and it will be less than the Original Offering Price of your notes. As a result, depending on the performance of the Underlying Stock, you may lose all or a substantial portion of your investment.

Your yield may be less than the yield on a conventional debt security of comparable maturity. Any yield that you receive on the notes, which could be negative, may be less than the return you would earn if you purchased a conventional fixed-rate or floating-rate debt security with the same maturity date. As a result, your investment in the notes may not reflect the full opportunity cost to you when you consider factors such as inflation that affect the time value of money.

Payments on 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. 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. 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. Because your return on the notes depends upon factors in addition to HSBC’s ability to pay its obligations, such as the value of the applicable Underlying Stock, an improvement in HSBC’s credit ratings will not reduce the other investment risks related to the notes.

You will not receive a Step Payment at maturity unless the Ending Value of the Underlying Stock is greater than or equal to the Step Level on the Valuation Date. If the Ending Value of your notes is less than the Step Level on the Valuation Date, you will not receive a Step Payment on the maturity date. This will be the case notwithstanding the fact that the value of the Underlying Stock to which your notes are linked may be equal to or greater than the Step Level at certain points during the term of the notes.

Your return on the notes, if any, is limited to the return represented by the periodic interest payments over the term of the notes and the Step Payment, if any. Any positive return on the notes is based on the periodic interest payments over the term of the notes and on the increase in the Underlying Stock from the Starting Value to the Ending Value. However, your return on the notes will never exceed the sum of (i) the periodic interest payments over the term of the notes and (ii) the Step Payment, if any, at maturity, regardless of the extent to which the Ending Value exceeds the Step Level.

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Your investment return may be less than a comparable investment directly in the Underlying Stock. Although your return on the notes is limited to the sum of the interest payments and the Step Payment, if any, a direct investment in the Underlying Stock would allow you to receive the full benefit of any appreciation in the value of the Underlying Stock. Your return on the notes, if any, will not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned shares of the Underlying Stock and received the dividends paid or distributions made on them because, unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, the Ending Value will be calculated without taking into consideration the value of dividends paid or distributions made on the Underlying Stock, or any other rights with respect to the Underlying Stock.

You must rely on your own evaluation of the merits of an investment linked to the applicable Underlying Stock. In the ordinary course of their businesses, we, the agents, and our respective affiliates may have expressed views on expected movements in an Underlying Stock, and may do so in the future. These views or reports may be communicated to our clients and clients of these entities. However, these views are subject to change from time to time. Moreover, other professionals who deal in markets relating to an Underlying Stock may at any time have significantly different views from our views and the views of these entities. For these reasons, you are encouraged to derive information concerning an Underlying Stock from multiple sources, and you should not rely on our views or the views expressed by these entities.

Commissions, fees and hedging costs may affect the price at which you will be able to sell the notes in secondary market transactions. The original issue price of the notes includes the underwriting commissions, certain fees and our cost of hedging our obligations under the notes. Such cost includes the expected cost of providing the hedge, as well as the profit expected to be realized in consideration for assuming the risks inherent in providing such hedge. As a result, assuming no change in market conditions or any other relevant factors, the price, if any, at which you will be able to sell the notes in secondary market transactions, if at all, will likely be lower than the original issue price.

We cannot assure you that a trading market for your notes will ever develop or be maintained. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, we will not list the notes on any securities exchange. Even if an application were made to list your notes, we cannot assure you that the application will be approved or that your notes will be listed and, if listed, that they will remain listed for the entire term of the notes. We cannot predict how the notes will trade in any secondary market, or whether that market will be liquid or illiquid. You should be aware that the listing of the notes on any securities exchange will not necessarily ensure that a trading market will develop for the notes, and if a trading market does develop, that there will be liquidity in the trading market.

The development of a trading market for the notes will depend on our financial performance and other factors, including changes in the value of the Underlying Stock. The number of potential buyers of your notes in any secondary market may be limited. We anticipate that one or more of the agents will act as a market-maker for the notes that it offers, but none of them is required to do so. Any such agent may discontinue its market-making activities as to any series of the notes at any time. To the extent that an agent engages in any market-making activities, it may bid for or offer any series of the notes. Any price at which an agent may bid for, offer, purchase, or sell any notes may differ from the values determined by pricing models that it may use, whether as a result of dealer discounts, mark-ups, or other transaction costs. These bids, offers, or completed transactions may affect the prices, if any, at which those notes might otherwise trade in the market.

In addition, if at any time the applicable agent were to cease acting as a market-maker as to any series of the notes, it is likely that there would be significantly less liquidity in any

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secondary market. In such a case, the price at which those notes could be sold likely would be lower than if an active market existed.

The Redemption Amount will not be affected by all developments relating to the Underlying Stock. Changes in the value of the Underlying Stock during the term of the notes before the applicable Valuation Date will not be reflected in the calculation of the Redemption Amount. The calculation agent will calculate the Redemption Amount by comparing only the Ending Value to the Starting Value, the Step Level and the Threshold Value, as applicable. No other values of the Underlying Stock will be taken into account. As a result, you will not receive any Step Payment at maturity even if the value of the Underlying Stock has increased at certain times during the term of your notes before decreasing to a value that is less than the Step Level on the Valuation Date. Similarly, you may receive less than the Original Offering Price of your notes, even if the value of the Underlying Stock has increased at certain times during their term before decreasing to a value on the Valuation Date that is less than the Threshold Value.

If you attempt to sell the notes prior to maturity, their market value, if any, will be affected by various factors that interrelate in complex ways, and their market value may be less than their Original Offering Price. Unlike savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and other similar investment products, you have no right to have your notes redeemed prior to maturity. If you wish to liquidate your investment in the notes prior to maturity, your only option would be to sell them. At that time, there may be an illiquid market for your notes or no market at all. Even if you were able to sell your notes, there are many factors outside of our control that may affect their market value, some of which, but not all, are stated below. Some of these factors are interrelated in complex ways. As a result, the effect of any one factor may be offset or magnified by the effect of another factor. The following paragraphs describe the expected impact on the market value of the notes from a change in a specific factor, assuming all other conditions remain constant.

Value of the Underlying Stock. Because the Redemption Amount is tied to the Ending Value, determined by reference to the value of the Underlying Stock on the Valuation Date, the market value of the notes at any time generally will depend to a significant extent on the value of the Underlying Stock. The value of the Underlying Stock will be influenced by complex and interrelated political, economic, financial, and other factors that affect the capital markets generally, the markets on which the applicable Underlying Stock is traded, and the market segments of which the Underlying Stock is a part. Even if the value of the Underlying Stock increases after the applicable pricing date, if you are able to sell your notes before their maturity date, you may receive substantially less than the amount that would be payable at maturity based on that value because of the impact of the Threshold Value and the anticipation that the value of the Underlying Stock will continue to fluctuate until the Ending Value is determined. If you sell your notes when the value of the Underlying Stock is less than or not sufficiently above the applicable Starting Value then you may receive less than the Original Offering Price of your notes. In general, the market value of the notes will decrease as the value of the Underlying Stock decreases, and increase as the value of the Underlying Stock increases (up to the Step Level). However, as the value of the Underlying Stock increases or decreases, the market value of the notes is not expected to increase or decrease at the same rate. In addition, due to the Step Payment, we do not expect that the notes will trade in any secondary market at a level above the sum of the Original Offering Price and the applicable Step Payment, except to the extent that the market value of the notes is impacted by their interest rate.

Volatility of the Underlying Stock. Volatility is the term used to describe the size and frequency of market fluctuations. The volatility of the Underlying Stock during the term of your notes may vary. In addition, an unsettled international environment and

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related uncertainties may result in greater market volatility, which may continue over the term of the notes. Increases or decreases in the volatility of the Underlying Stock may have an adverse impact on the market value of the notes.

Economic and Other Conditions Generally. The general economic conditions of the capital markets in the United States, as well as geopolitical conditions and other financial, political, regulatory, and judicial events that affect stock markets generally, may affect the value of the Underlying Stock and the value of the notes.

Interest Rates. We expect that changes in interest rates will affect the market value of the notes. In general, if U.S. interest rates increase, we expect that the market value of the notes will decrease, and conversely, if U.S. interest rates decrease, we expect that the market value of the notes will increase. The level of prevailing interest rates also may affect the U.S. economy and any applicable markets outside of the United States, and, in turn, the value of the Underlying Stock.

Dividend Yields. If the dividend yield of an Underlying Stock increases, we anticipate that the market value of the notes will decrease; conversely, if its dividend yield decreases, we anticipate that the market value of your notes will increase.

Time to Maturity. As the time remaining to maturity of your notes decreases, we anticipate that the notes may have a market value that may be different from that which would be expected based on the levels of market interest rates and the value of the Underlying Stock. This difference will reflect a time premium or discount due to expectations concerning the value of the Underlying Stock during the period before the applicable maturity date. In general, as the time remaining to maturity decreases, the value of notes will approach the amount that would be payable at maturity based on the then-current value of the Underlying Stock.

Our purchases and sales, and those of the agents, may affect your return. We, the agents, and our respective affiliates may from time to time buy or sell shares of the applicable Underlying Stock, or futures or options contracts on the Underlying Stock for our own or their own accounts for business reasons. We also expect to enter into these transactions in connection with hedging our obligations under the notes. These transactions could affect the value of the Underlying Stock in a manner that could be adverse to your investment in the notes. Any purchases or sales by us, the agents, and our respective affiliates or others on our or their behalf on or before the applicable pricing date may temporarily increase or decrease the value of the applicable Underlying Stock. Consequently, the values of the Underlying Stock may change subsequent to the applicable pricing date, affecting the value of the Underlying Stock and therefore the market value of the notes.

Our trading and hedging activities, and those of the agents, may create conflicts of interest with you. We, the agents, and our respective affiliates may engage in trading activities related to the Underlying Stock that are not for your account or on your behalf. We, the agents, and our respective affiliates from time to time may buy or sell shares of the Underlying Stock or related futures or options contracts for our own or their own accounts, for business reasons, or in connection with hedging our obligations under the notes. We, the agents and our respective affiliates also may issue or underwrite other financial instruments with returns based upon the applicable Underlying Stock. These trading and underwriting activities could affect the Underlying Stock in a manner that would be adverse to your investment in the notes.

We expect to enter into arrangements to hedge the market risks associated with our obligation to pay the periodic interest payments and Redemption Amount due on the notes. We

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may seek competitive terms in entering into the hedging arrangements for the notes, but are not required to do so. We may enter into such hedging arrangements with one or more of our subsidiaries or affiliates, or with one or more of the agents or their affiliates. Such a party may enter into additional hedging transactions with other parties relating to the notes and the applicable Underlying Stock. This hedging activity is expected to result in a profit to those engaging in the hedging activity, which could be more or less than initially expected, but which could also result in a loss.

We or our affiliates may enter into these transactions on or prior to each pricing date, in order to hedge some or all of our anticipated obligations under the notes. This hedging activity could increase the value of the Underlying Stock on the applicable pricing date.

In addition, from time to time during the term of each series of the notes and in connection with the determination of the Ending Value, we, the agents, and our respective affiliates may enter into additional hedging transactions or adjust or close out existing hedging transactions. We, the agents and our respective affiliates also may enter into hedging transactions relating to other notes or instruments that we or they issue, some of which may have returns calculated in a manner related to that of a particular series of the notes. We, the agents and our respective affiliates will price these hedging transactions with the intent to realize a profit, considering the risks inherent in these hedging activities, whether the value of the notes increases or decreases. However, these hedging activities may result in a profit that is more or less than initially expected, or could result in a loss.

These trading and hedging activities may present a conflict of interest between your interest in the notes and the interests we, the agents and our respective affiliates may have in our proprietary accounts, in facilitating transactions, including block trades, for our other customers, and in accounts under our management. These trading activities, if they influence the Underlying Stock or secondary trading in the notes, could be adverse to your interests as a beneficial owner of the notes.

Our hedging activities, and those of the agents, may affect your return on the notes and their market value. We, the agents, and our respective affiliates may engage in hedging activities that may affect the value of the Underlying Stock. Accordingly, these hedging activities may increase or decrease the market value of your notes prior to maturity, including on the Valuation Date, and the applicable Redemption Amount. In addition, we, the agents, and our respective affiliates may purchase or otherwise acquire a long or short position in the notes. We, the agents, and our respective affiliates may hold or resell the notes. For example, the agents may enter into these transactions in connection with any market making activities in which they engage. Although we have no reason to believe that any of those activities will have a material impact on the value of the Underlying Stock, we cannot assure you that these activities will not affect the value of the Underlying Stock and the market value of your notes prior to maturity or the Redemption Amount.

There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent. We may appoint and remove the calculation agent. We or one of our affiliates may be the calculation agent or act as joint calculation agent for the notes and, as such, will determine the Starting Value, the Ending Value, and the Redemption Amount. Under some circumstances, these duties could result in a conflict of interest between our status as issuer and our responsibilities as calculation agent. These conflicts could occur, for instance, in connection with the calculation agent’s determination as to whether a “Market Disruption Event” has occurred or if certain corporate events occur relating to the Underlying Stock. See the sections entitled “Description of the Notes—Market Disruption Events” and “—Anti-Dilution Adjustments.” The calculation agent will be required to carry out its duties in good faith and using its reasonable judgment. However, because we may serve as the calculation agent, potential conflicts of interest could arise.

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In addition, we may appoint MLPF&S or one of its affiliates to act as the calculation agent or as joint calculation agent for notes. As the calculation agent or joint calculation agent, MLPF&S or one of its affiliates will have discretion in making various determinations that affect your notes. The exercise of this discretion by the calculation agent could adversely affect the value of your notes and may present the calculation agent with a conflict of interest of the kind described under “—Our trading and hedging activities, and those of the agents, may create conflicts of interest with you” and “—Our hedging activities, and those of the agents, may affect your return on the notes and their market value” above.

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 payments due on the notes.

The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the notes are uncertain, and may be adverse to a holder of the notes. There are no Treasury regulations, published rulings or judicial decisions addressing the treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes of securities with terms that are substantially the same as the notes. Accordingly, the proper U.S. federal income tax treatment of the notes is uncertain. Under the terms of the notes, you will have agreed with us to treat the notes as income bearing pre-paid forward contracts or executory contracts with respect to the Underlying Stock, as described under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary—General.” You are urged to consult your tax advisors as to the tax consequences of investing in the notes.

Risks Relating to the Underlying Stock

You will have no rights as a securityholder, you will have no rights to receive shares of any Underlying Stock, and you will not be entitled to dividends or other distributions by any Underlying Company. The notes are our debt securities. They are not equity instruments, shares of stock, or securities of any other issuer. Investing in the notes will not make you a holder of shares of any Underlying Stock. You will not have any voting rights, any rights to receive dividends or other distributions, or any other rights with respect to any Underlying Stock. As a result, the return on your notes may not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned shares of the Underlying Stock and received the dividends paid or other distributions made in connection with them. This is because the calculation agent will calculate the Redemption Amount by reference to the Ending Value, the Step Level, the Threshold Value, and the Step Payment. Your notes will be paid in cash and you have no right to receive delivery of shares of any Underlying Stock.

The Price Multiplier for each Underlying Stock will not be adjusted for all corporate events that could affect the Underlying Company. The Price Multiplier, and the Ending Value, may be adjusted for the specified corporate events affecting the Underlying Stock, as described in the section entitled “Description of the Notes—Anti-Dilution Adjustments.” However, these adjustments do not cover all corporate events that could affect the market price of an Underlying Stock, such as offerings of common shares for cash or in connection with certain acquisition transactions. The occurrence of any event that does not require the calculation agent to adjust the applicable Price Multiplier may adversely affect the determination of the Ending Value and the Redemption Amount, and, as a result, the market value of the notes.

The Underlying Company will have no obligations relating to the notes and none of us, the agents or our respective affiliates will perform any due diligence procedures with respect to the Underlying Company. Neither we nor any agent will control the Underlying Company, and

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the Underlying Company will not have authorized or approved the notes in any way. Furthermore, the Underlying Company will not have any financial or legal obligation with respect to the notes or the amounts to be paid to you, including any obligation to take our needs or the needs of noteholders into consideration for any reason, including taking any corporate actions that might affect the value of the Underlying Stock or the value of the notes. The Underlying Company will not receive any of the proceeds from any offering of the notes, and will not be responsible for, or participate in, the offering of the notes. No Underlying Company will be responsible for, or participate in, the determination or calculation of the amount receivable by holders of the notes.

Neither we nor any agent makes any representation as to the completeness or accuracy of publicly available information regarding the Underlying Company or as to the future performance of any Underlying Stock. Any prospective purchaser of the notes linked to an Underlying Stock should undertake such independent investigation of the Underlying Company as in its judgment is appropriate to make an informed decision with respect to an investment in the notes.

If the Underlying Company is listed on a foreign exchange, your return may be affected by factors affecting international securities markets. An Underlying Stock (or the common equity securities underlying an ADR) may be listed on a non-U.S. stock exchange, in addition to its U.S. listing. Therefore, the return on your notes will be affected by factors affecting the value of securities in the relevant non-U.S. markets. The relevant 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. Direct or indirect government intervention to stabilize a particular securities market and cross-shareholdings in companies in the relevant foreign markets may affect prices and the volume of trading in those markets.

The prices and performance of securities of companies in foreign countries may be affected by political, economic, financial, and social factors in those regions. In addition, recent or future changes in government, economic, and fiscal policies in the relevant jurisdictions, the possible imposition of, or changes in, currency exchange laws, or other laws or restrictions, and possible fluctuations in the rate of exchange between currencies, are factors that could negatively affect the relevant securities markets. Moreover, the relevant foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in economic factors such as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, and self-sufficiency.

Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, we and the agents do not control any Underlying Company and are not responsible for any disclosure made by any other company. We, the agents, or our respective affiliates currently, or in the future, may engage in business with the Underlying Company, and we, the agents, or our respective affiliates may from time to time own shares of the Underlying Company. However, none of us, the agents, or any of our respective affiliates have the ability to control the actions of any of these companies or assume any responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of any publicly available information about any of these companies. You should make your own investigation into the Underlying Stock and the Underlying Company.

Our business activities and those of the agents relating to the Underlying Company may create conflicts of interest with you. We, the agents, and our respective affiliates at the time of any offering of the notes or in the future, may engage in business with the Underlying Company, including making loans to, equity investments in, or providing investment banking, asset management, or other services to those companies, their affiliates, and their competitors. In connection with these activities, any of these entities may receive information about those companies that we will not divulge to you or other third parties. We, the agents, and our respective affiliates have published, and in the future may publish,

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research reports on one or more of these companies. This research is modified from time to time without notice and may express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with purchasing or holding your notes. Any of these activities may affect the market value of the notes. None of us, the agents, or our respective affiliates make any representation to any purchasers of the notes regarding any matters whatsoever relating to the Underlying Company. Any prospective purchaser of the notes should undertake an independent investigation of the Underlying Company as in its judgment is appropriate to make an informed decision regarding an investment in the notes. The selection of a company as an Underlying Company does not reflect any investment recommendations from us, the agents, or our respective affiliates.

Risks Relating to Underlying Stocks that Are ADRs

The value of an ADR may not accurately track the value of the common shares of the related Underlying Company. If the Underlying Stock is an ADR, each share of that Underlying Stock will represent shares of the relevant Underlying Company. The trading patterns of the ADRs will generally reflect the characteristics and valuations of the underlying common shares; however, the value of the ADRs may not completely track the value of those shares. Trading volume and pricing on the applicable non-U.S. exchange may, but will not necessarily, have similar characteristics as the ADRs. For example, certain factors may increase or decrease the public float of the ADRs and, as a result, the ADRs may have less liquidity or lower market value than the underlying common shares.

Exchange rate movements may adversely impact the value of an Underlying Stock that is an ADR. If an Underlying Stock is an ADR, the market price of the Underlying Stock will generally track the U.S. dollar value of the market price of the underlying common shares. Therefore, if the value of the related foreign currency in which the underlying common shares are traded decreases relative to the U.S. dollar, the market price of the Underlying Stock may decrease while the market price of the underlying common shares remain stable or increase, or does not decrease to the same extent. As a result, changes in, and the volatility of, the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the relevant non-U.S. currency could have a negative impact on the value of the Underlying Stock and consequently, the value of your notes.

Adverse trading conditions in the applicable non-U.S. market may negatively affect the value of an Underlying Stock that is an ADR. Holders of an Underlying Company’s ADRs may usually surrender the ADRs in order to receive and trade the underlying common shares. This provision permits investors in the ADRs to take advantage of price differentials between markets. However, this provision may also cause the market prices of the applicable Underlying Stock to more closely correspond with the values of the common shares in the applicable non-U.S. markets. As a result, a market outside of the United States for the underlying common shares that is not liquid may also result in an illiquid market for the ADRs, which may negatively impact the value of such ADRs and, consequently, the value of your notes linked to such ADRs.

Other Risk Factors Relating to the Applicable Underlying Stock

The applicable term sheet-may set forth additional risk factors as to the Underlying Stock that you should review prior to purchasing the notes.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We will use the net proceeds we receive from each sale of the notes for the purposes described in the prospectus supplement under “Use of Proceeds and Hedging.” In addition, we expect that we or our affiliates may use a portion of the net proceeds to hedge our obligations under the notes.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

General

Each series of the notes will be part of a series of notes entitled “Notes, Series 1” that will be issued under the senior indenture, as amended and supplemented from time to time. The following description of the notes supplements and, to the extent it is inconsistent with, supersedes the description of the general terms and provisions of the notes and debt securities set forth under the headings “Description of Notes” in the prospectus supplement and “Description of Debt Securities” in the prospectus. These documents should be read in connection with the applicable term sheet.

The aggregate principal amount of each series of the notes will be set forth in the applicable term sheet. The notes will mature on the date set forth in the applicable term sheet. We cannot otherwise redeem the notes prior to the maturity date, except as described below under “—Anti-Dilution Adjustments—Reorganization Events.”

The notes do not guarantee the return of principal at maturity.

Prior to the applicable maturity date, the notes are not repayable at the option of any holder. The notes are not subject to any sinking fund.

We will issue the notes in denominations of whole units, each with a specified Original Offering Price. The CUSIP number for each series of the notes will be set forth in the applicable term sheet. You may transfer the notes only in whole units.

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 has substantially the same terms as the indenture described in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

Notwithstanding anything contained in the accompanying prospectus supplement or product supplement to the contrary, 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.

Interest

The notes will bear periodic interest payments at the rate specified in the applicable term sheet. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, the interest will be paid quarterly in cash in arrears on each interest payment date specified in the applicable term sheet. Interest payable on the notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

Each interest payment on an interest payment date will include interest accrued from, and including, the issue date or the most recent interest payment date for which interest has been paid or provided for, as the case may be, to, but excluding, that interest payment date. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, we will pay interest to the persons in whose names the notes are registered at the close of business one business day prior to each interest payment date , unless another date is specified in the applicable term sheet. If an interest payment date falls on a day that is not a business day, that interest payment will be made on the next succeeding business day and no additional interest will accrue as a result of the delayed payment.

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Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable term sheet, a “business day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or regulation to close in the city of New York.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the final payment of interest and the Redemption Amount will be paid to the person in whose names the notes are registered on the maturity date.

Payment at Maturity

At maturity, in addition to the final interest payment on the notes, and unless the applicable term sheet provides otherwise, you will receive (subject to our credit risk as issuer of the notes) a Redemption Amount per unit of the notes that you hold, denominated in U.S. dollars. In no event will the Redemption Amount be less than zero. The Redemption Amount will be calculated as follows:

If the Ending Value is equal to or greater than the Step Level, then the Redemption Amount will equal:

If the Ending Value is less than the Step Level but is equal to or greater than the Threshold Value, then the Redemption Amount will equal the Original Offering Price.

If the Ending Value is less than the Threshold Value, then the Redemption Amount will equal:

The “Step Level” represents a specified percentage above the Starting Value. The Step Level will be determined on the pricing date and set forth in the applicable term sheet.

The “Step Payment,” if any, is a payment at maturity equal to a percentage of the Original Offering Price per unit and will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

The “Threshold Value” is a value of the Underlying Stock that reflects a specified percentage of the Starting Value, and will be less than or equal to 100% of the Starting Value.

Determining the Starting Value and the Ending Value

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, the following definitions will apply:

The “Valuation Date” will be a day shortly prior to the maturity date of the notes. The actual Valuation Date will be determined on the pricing date and set forth in the term sheet made available in connection with sales of the notes.

If the Valuation Date is not a trading day (as defined below)) or if there is a Market Disruption Event on that day, the Valuation Date will be the immediately succeeding trading day during which no Market Disruption Event shall have occurred or is continuing; provided that the closing price of the Underlying Stock will be determined (or, if not determinable, estimated) by the calculation agent in a manner which the calculation agent considers

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commercially reasonable under the circumstances on a date no later than the second scheduled trading day prior to the maturity date, regardless of the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event on that second scheduled trading day.

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable term sheet, a “trading day” is a day, as determined by the calculation agent, on which trading is generally conducted (or was scheduled to have been generally conducted, but for the occurrence of a Market Disruption Event) on the NYSE, NASDAQ, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, and in the over-the-counter market for equity securities in the United States, or any successor exchange or market, or in the case of a security traded on one or more non-U.S. securities exchanges or markets, on the principal non-U.S. securities exchange or market for such security.

The “Starting Value” of an Underlying Stock will be the price of the Underlying Stock determined as set forth in the applicable term sheet.

The “Ending Value” of an Underlying Stock will equal its Closing Market Price on the Valuation Date multiplied by the Price Multiplier.

The “Closing Market Price” means:

(A)

If the Underlying Stock is listed or admitted to trading on a national securities exchange in the United States that is registered under the Exchange Act (“registered national securities exchange”), is included in the OTC Bulletin Board Service (the “OTC Bulletin Board”) operated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or is quoted on a U.S. quotation medium or inter-dealer quotation system (e.g., the Pink-Sheets), then the Closing Market Price for any date of determination on any trading day means for one share of the Underlying Stock (or any other security for which a Closing Market Price must be determined for purposes of the notes):

the last reported sale price, regular way, on that day on the principal registered national securities exchange on which that security is listed or admitted to trading (without taking into account any extended or after-hours trading session);

if the last reported sale price is not obtainable on a registered national securities exchange, then the last reported sale price on the over-the-counter market as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board or, if not available on the OTC Bulletin Board, then the last reported sale price on any other U.S. quotation medium or inter-dealer quotation system on that day (without taking into account any extended or after-hours trading session); or

if the last reported sale price is not available for any reason on a registered national securities exchange, on the OTC Bulletin Board, or on any other U.S. quotation medium or inter-dealer quotation system, then the Closing Market Price shall be the arithmetic mean of the bid prices on that day from as many dealers in that security, but not exceeding three, as have made the bid prices available to the calculation agent after 3:00 p.m., local time in the principal market of Underlying Stock (or any other security for which a Closing Market Price must be determined for purposes of the notes) on that date (without taking into account any extended or after-hours trading session), or if there are no such bids available to the calculation agent, then the Closing Market

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Price shall be determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion and reasonable judgment.

(B)

If the Underlying Stock is not listed on a registered national securities exchange, is not included in the OTC Bulletin Board, or is not quoted on any other U.S. quotation medium or inter-dealer system, then the Closing Market Price for any date of determination on any trading day means for one share of the Underlying Stock the U.S. dollar equivalent of the last reported sale price (as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion and reasonable judgment) on that day on a foreign securities exchange on which that security is listed or admitted to trading with the greatest volume of trading for the calendar month preceding that trading day as determined by the calculation agent; provided that if the last reported sale price is for a transaction which occurred more than four hours prior to the close of that foreign exchange, then the Closing Market Price will mean the U.S. dollar equivalent (as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion and reasonable judgment) of the average of the last available bid and offer price on that foreign exchange.

(C)

If the Underlying Stock is not listed on a registered national securities exchange, is not included in the OTC Bulletin Board, is not quoted on any other U.S. quotation medium or inter-dealer quotation system, is not listed or admitted to trading on any foreign securities exchange, or if the last reported sale price or bid and offer are not obtainable, then the Closing Market Price will mean the average of the U.S. dollar value (as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion) of the last available sale prices in the market of the three dealers which have the highest volume of transactions in that security in the immediately preceding calendar month as determined by the calculation agent based on information that is reasonably available to it.

The “Price Multiplier” for the Underlying Stock will be set forth in the applicable term sheet and will be subject to adjustment for certain corporate events relating to the Underlying Stock described below under “—Anti-Dilution Adjustments.”

Market Disruption Events

As to any Underlying Stock, a “Market Disruption Event” means any of the following events, as determined by the calculation agent in its sole discretion:

(1)

(A)

the suspension of or material limitation of trading, in each case, for more than two hours of trading, or during the one-half hour period preceding the close of trading, of the shares of the Underlying Stock (or the successor to the Underlying Stock) on the primary exchange where such shares trade, as determined by the calculation agent (without taking into account any extended or after-hours trading session); or

(B)

the suspension of or material limitation of trading, in each case, for more than two hours of trading, or during the one-half hour preceding the close of trading, on the primary exchange that trades options contracts or futures contracts related to the shares of that Underlying Stock (or successor to the Underlying Stock) as determined by the calculation agent (without taking into account any extended or after-hours trading session), whether by reason of movements in price otherwise exceeding levels permitted by the relevant exchange or otherwise, in options contracts or futures contracts related to the shares of the Underlying Stock; or

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(2)

the determination that the scheduled Valuation Date is not a trading day by reason of any event, occurrence, declaration, or otherwise.

For the purpose of determining whether a Market Disruption Event has occurred:

(i)

a limitation on the hours in a trading day and/or number of days of trading will not constitute a Market Disruption Event if it results from an announced change in the regular business hours of the relevant exchange;

(ii)

a decision to permanently discontinue trading in the relevant futures or options contracts related to an Underlying Stock, or any successor underlying stock, will not constitute a Market Disruption Event;

(iii)

a suspension in trading in a futures or options contract on the shares of the Underlying Stock (or successor to that Underlying Stock), by a major securities market by reason of (a) a price change violating limits set by that securities market, (b) an imbalance of orders relating to those contracts, or (c) a disparity in bid and ask quotes relating to those contracts, will each constitute a suspension of or material limitation on trading in futures or options contracts relating to that Underlying Stock;

(iv)

subject to paragraph (iii) above, a suspension of or material limitation on trading on the relevant exchange will not include any time when that exchange is closed for trading under ordinary circumstances; and

(v)

for the purpose of clauses (1)(A) above, any limitations on trading during significant market fluctuations under NYSE Rule 80B, or any applicable rule or regulation enacted or promulgated by the NYSE or any other self regulatory organization or the SEC of similar scope as determined by the calculation agent, will be considered “material.”

Determinations by the Calculation Agent

All determinations made by the calculation agent, absent a determination of a manifest error, will be conclusive for all purposes and binding on us and the holders and beneficial owners of the notes.

Anti-Dilution Adjustments

As to any Underlying Stock, the calculation agent, in its sole discretion, may adjust the Price Multiplier and other terms of the notes, and hence the Ending Value, if an event described below occurs after the pricing date and on or before the Valuation Date and the calculation agent determines that such an event has a diluting or concentrative effect on the theoretical value of the shares of the Underlying Stock or the successor to the Underlying Stock. The Price Multiplier resulting from any of the adjustments specified below will be rounded to the eighth decimal place with five one-billionths being rounded upward.

No adjustments to the Price Multiplier will be required unless the Price Multiplier adjustment would require a change of at least 0.1% in the Price Multiplier then in effect. Any adjustment that would require a change of less than 0.1% in the Price Multiplier and that is not applied at the time of the occurrence of the event that requires an adjustment may be taken into account and aggregated at the time of any subsequent adjustment that would require a change of the Price Multiplier then in effect.

No adjustments to the Price Multiplier will be required other than those specified below. However, the calculation agent may, at its sole discretion, make additional adjustments to the Price Multiplier or any other terms of the notes to reflect changes occurring in relation to the

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Underlying Stock or any other security received in a reorganization event in other circumstances where the calculation agent determines that it is appropriate to reflect those changes to ensure an equitable result. The required adjustments specified below do not cover all events that could affect the Closing Market Price of the Underlying Stock.

The calculation agent will be solely responsible for the determination and calculation of any adjustments to the Price Multiplier or any other terms of the notes and of any related determinations and calculations with respect to any distributions of stock, other securities or other property or assets, including cash, in connection with any corporate event described below; its determinations and calculations will be conclusive absent a determination of a manifest error.

No adjustments will be made for certain other events, such as offerings of common equity securities by the Underlying Company for cash or in connection with the occurrence of a partial tender or exchange offer for the Underlying Stock by the Underlying Company.

Following the occurrence of an event that requires an adjustment to the Price Multiplier, the calculation agent may (but is not required to) provide holders of the notes with information about such adjustment as the calculation agent deems appropriate depending on the nature of the adjustment. Upon written request by any holders of the notes, the calculation agent will provide such holder with information about such adjustment.

Anti-Dilution Adjustments

The calculation agent, in its sole discretion and as it deems reasonable, may adjust the Price Multiplier, and other terms of the notes, and hence the Ending Value, as a result of certain events related to the Underlying Stock, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

Stock Splits and Reverse Stock Splits. If the Underlying Stock is subject to a stock split or reverse stock split, then once any split has become effective, the Price Multiplier will be adjusted such that the new Price Multiplier will equal the product of:

the prior Price Multiplier; and

the number of shares which a holder of one share of the Underlying Stock before the effective date of such stock split or reverse stock split would have owned immediately following the applicable effective date.

Stock Dividends. If the Underlying Stock is subject to (i) a stock dividend (i.e., an issuance of additional shares of Underlying Stock) that is given ratably to all holders of record of shares of the Underlying Stock or (ii) a distribution of additional shares of the Underlying Stock as a result of the triggering of any provision of the organizational documents of the Underlying Company, then, once the dividend has become effective and the Underlying Stock is trading ex-dividend, the Price Multiplier will be adjusted on the ex-dividend date such that the new Price Multiplier will equal the product of:

the prior Price Multiplier; and

the number of shares of Underlying Stock which a holder of one share of the Underlying Stock before the date the dividend became effective and the Underlying Stock traded ex-dividend would have owned immediately following that date;

provided that no adjustment will be made for a stock dividend for which the number of shares of the Underlying Stock paid or distributed is based on a fixed cash equivalent value, unless such distribution is an Extraordinary Dividend (as defined below).

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Extraordinary Dividends. There will be no adjustments to the Price Multiplier to reflect any cash dividends or cash distributions paid with respect to the Underlying Stock other than Extraordinary Dividends, as described below, and distributions described under the section entitled “—Reorganization Events” below.

An “Extraordinary Dividend” means, with respect to a cash dividend or other distribution with respect to the Underlying Stock, a dividend or other distribution that the calculation agent determines, in its sole discretion, is not declared or otherwise made according to the Underlying Company’s then existing policy or practice of paying such dividends on a quarterly or other regular basis. If an Extraordinary Dividend occurs with respect to the Underlying Stock, the Price Multiplier will be adjusted on the ex-dividend date with respect to the Extraordinary Dividend so that the new Price Multiplier will equal the product of:

the prior Price Multiplier; and

a fraction, the numerator of which is the Closing Market Price per share of the Underlying Stock on the trading day preceding the ex-dividend date, and the denominator of which is the amount by which the Closing Market Price per share of the Underlying Stock on the trading day preceding the ex-dividend date exceeds the Extraordinary Dividend Amount.

The “Extraordinary Dividend Amount” with respect to an Extraordinary Dividend for the Underlying Stock will equal:

in the case of cash dividends or other distributions that constitute regular dividends, the amount per share of the Underlying Stock of that Extraordinary Dividend minus the amount per share of the immediately preceding non-Extraordinary Dividend for that share of the Underlying Stock; or

in the case of cash dividends or other distributions that do not constitute regular dividends, the amount per share of the Underlying Stock of that Extraordinary Dividend.

To the extent an Extraordinary Dividend is not paid in cash, the value of the non-cash component will be determined by the calculation agent, whose determination will be conclusive. A distribution on the Underlying Stock described in the section “—Issuance of Transferable Rights or Warrants” or clause (a), (d) or (e) of the section entitled “—Reorganization Events” below that also constitutes an Extraordinary Dividend will only cause an adjustment under those respective sections.

Issuance of Transferable Rights or Warrants. If the Underlying Company issues transferable rights or warrants to all holders of record of the Underlying Stock to subscribe for or purchase the Underlying Stock, including new or existing rights to purchase the Underlying Stock under a shareholder’s rights plan or arrangement, then the Price Multiplier will be adjusted on the trading day immediately following the issuance of those transferable rights or warrants so that the new Price Multiplier will equal the prior Price Multiplier plus the product of:

the prior Price Multiplier; and

the number of shares of the Underlying Stock that can be purchased with the cash value of those warrants or rights distributed on one share of the Underlying Stock.

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The number of shares that can be purchased will be based on the Closing Market Price of the Underlying Stock on the date the new Price Multiplier is determined. The cash value of those warrants or rights, if the warrants or rights are traded on a registered national securities exchange, will equal the closing price of that warrant or right, or, if the warrants or rights are not traded on a registered national securities exchange, will be determined by the calculation agent and will equal the average of the bid prices obtained from three dealers at 3:00 p.m., New York time on the date the new Price Multiplier is determined, provided that if only two of those bid prices are available, then the cash value of those warrants or rights will equal the average of those bids and if only one of those bids is available, then the cash value of those warrants or rights will equal that bid.

Anti-Dilution Adjustments to Underlying Stocks that Are ADRs

If an Underlying Stock is an ADR, for purpose of the anti-dilution adjustments set forth above, the calculation agent will consider the effect of any of the relevant events on the Underlying Stock. For example, if a holder of the Underlying Stock receives an extraordinary dividend, the provisions described above would apply to the Underlying Stock. On the other hand, if a spin-off occurs with respect to the Underlying Company, and the Underlying Stock represents both the spun-off security as well as the common shares of the Underlying Company that were represented by the Underlying Stock prior to the spin-off, the calculation agent may determine not to effect the anti-dilution adjustments set forth above. More particularly, the calculation agent may determine not to make an adjustment (1) if holders of the Underlying Stock are not eligible to participate in any of the events that would otherwise require anti-dilution adjustments as set forth above if the notes had been linked directly to the common shares of the Underlying Company represented by the Underlying Stock or (2) to the extent that the calculation agent determines that the Underlying Company or the depositary for the ADRs has adjusted the number of common shares of the Underlying Company represented by each share of the Underlying Stock, so that the market price of the Underlying Stock would not be affected by the corporate event in question.

If the Underlying Company or the depositary for the ADRs, in the absence of any of the events described above, elects to adjust the number of common shares of the Underlying Company represented by each share of the Underlying Stock, then the calculation agent may make the appropriate anti-dilution adjustments to reflect such change. The depositary for the ADRs may also make adjustments in respect of the ADRs for share distributions, rights distributions, cash distributions and distributions other than shares, rights, and cash. Upon any such adjustment by the depositary, the calculation agent may adjust the Price Multiplier or other terms of the notes as the calculation agent determines commercially reasonable to account for that event.

Reorganization Events

If after the pricing date and prior to the maturity date of the notes, as to any Underlying Stock:

	(a)	there occurs any reclassification or change of the Underlying Stock, including, without limitation, as a result of the issuance of tracking stock by the Underlying Company;

	(b)	the Underlying Company, or any surviving entity or subsequent surviving entity of the Underlying Company (a “Successor Entity”), has been subject to a merger, combination, or consolidation and is not the surviving entity;

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	(c)	any statutory exchange of securities of the Underlying Company or any Successor Entity with another corporation occurs, other than under clause (b) above;

	(d)	the Underlying Company is liquidated or is subject to a proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or other similar law;

	(e)	the Underlying Company issues to all of its shareholders securities of an issuer other than the Underlying Company, including equity securities of subsidiaries or affiliates of the Underlying Company, other than in a transaction described in clauses (b), (c), or (d) above;

	(f)	a tender or exchange offer or going-private transaction is consummated for all the outstanding shares of the Underlying Company;

	(g)	there occurs any reclassification or change of the Underlying Stock that results in a transfer or an irrevocable commitment to transfer all such outstanding shares of the Underlying Stock to another entity or person;

	(h)	the Underlying Company or any Successor Entity has been subject to a merger, combination, or consolidation and is the surviving entity, but the transaction results in the outstanding Underlying Stock (other than Underlying Stock owned or controlled by the other party to such merger, combination, or consolidation) immediately prior to such event collectively representing less than 50% of the outstanding Underlying Stock immediately following such event; or

	(i)	the Underlying Company ceases to file the financial and other information with the SEC in accordance with Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act (an event in clauses (a) through (i), a “Reorganization Event”),

then, on or after the date of the occurrence of a Reorganization Event, the calculation agent shall, in its sole discretion, make an adjustment to the Price Multiplier or to the method of determining the Redemption Amount or any other terms of the notes as the calculation agent, in its sole discretion, determines appropriate to account for the economic effect on the notes of that Reorganization Event (including adjustments to account for changes in volatility, expected dividends, stock loan rate, or liquidity relevant to the Underlying Stock or to the notes), which may, but need not, be determined by reference to the adjustment(s) made in respect of such Reorganization Event by an options exchange to options on the relevant Underlying Stock traded on that options exchange and determine the effective date of that adjustment. If the calculation agent determines that no adjustment that it could make will produce a commercially reasonable result, then the calculation agent may cause the notes to be accelerated to the fifth business day following the date of that determination and the Redemption Amount payable to you will be calculated as though the date of early repayment were the stated maturity date of the notes and as though the Valuation Date were the fifth business day prior to the date of acceleration.

If the Underlying Company ceases to file the financial and other information with the SEC in accordance with Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act, as contemplated by clause (i) above, and the calculation agent determines in its sole discretion that sufficiently similar information is not otherwise available to you, the maturity date of the notes will be accelerated to the fifth business day following the date of that determination and the Redemption Amount payable to you will be calculated as though the date of early repayment were the stated maturity date of the notes, and as though the Valuation Date were the fifth business day prior to the date of acceleration. If the calculation agent determines that sufficiently similar information is available to you, the Reorganization Event will be deemed to have not occurred.

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If the notes are accelerated as described in the two preceding paragraphs, you will also receive interest accrued on the notes until the date that the Redemption Amount is paid. However, upon any such acceleration, the Redemption Amount per unit will not include any Step Payment, and you will not be entitled to any interest that would have accrued after the date of acceleration.

Alternative Anti-Dilution and Reorganization Adjustments

The calculation agent may elect at its discretion to not make any of the adjustments to the Price Multiplier or to other terms of the notes, including the method of determining the amount payable on the notes described in this section, but may instead make adjustments in its discretion to the Price Multiplier or any other terms of the notes that will reflect the adjustments to the extent practicable made by the Options Clearing Corporation on options contracts on the Underlying Stock or any successor common stock. We will provide notice of that election to the trustee not more than two trading days following the date that the Options Clearing Corporation publishes notice of its adjustments relating to the Underlying Stock and will describe in that notice the actual adjustment made to the Price Multiplier or to other terms of the notes, including the method of determining the amount payable on the notes.

Delisting of ADRs or Termination of ADR Facility

If an Underlying Stock is an ADR, which is no longer listed or admitted to trading on a U.S. securities exchange registered under the Exchange Act or included in the OTC Bulletin Board Service operated by FINRA, or if the ADR facility between the Underlying Company and the ADR depositary is terminated for any reason, then, on and after the date that the ADR is no longer so listed or admitted to trading or the date of such termination, as applicable (the “termination date”), the Underlying Stock will be deemed to be the Underlying Company’s common shares instead of the ADRs, and the calculation agent will determine the price of the Underlying Stock by reference to those common shares. Under such circumstances, the calculation agent may modify any terms of the notes as it deems necessary, in its sole discretion, to ensure an equitable result. On and after the termination date, for all purposes, the Closing Market Price of the Underlying Company’s common shares on their primary exchange will be converted to U.S. dollars using such exchange rate as the calculation agent, in its sole discretion, determines to be commercially reasonable.

Underlying Stock

Any information regarding an Underlying Stock or the related Underlying Company will be derived from publicly available documents. Neither we nor any agent makes any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Any Underlying Stock will be registered under the Exchange Act. Information provided to or filed with the SEC by any Underlying Company can be located at the SEC’s facilities or through the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Neither we nor any agent makes any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or reports.

The selection of the Underlying Stock is not a recommendation to buy or sell the Underlying Stock. None of us, the agents, or our respective affiliates makes any representation to any purchaser of the notes as to the performance of the Underlying Stock.

Although we, the agents, or our respective affiliates may from time to time hold securities issued by the Underlying Company, including shares of the Underlying Stock, we will not control the Underlying Company. An Underlying Company will not have any obligations with respect to the notes. This product supplement and any related term sheet relates only to the notes and does not relate to the Underlying Stock or other securities of the Underlying

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Company. All disclosures contained in this product supplement or any related term sheet regarding the Underlying Company will be derived from the publicly available documents described above. Neither we nor any of the agents have or will participate in the preparation of the publicly available documents described above. None of us, the agents, or our respective affiliates have made or will make any due diligence inquiry with respect to any Underlying Company in connection with the offering of the notes. We, the agents, and our respective affiliates do not make any representation that the publicly available documents or any other publicly available information regarding any Underlying Company are or will be accurate or complete. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that all events occurring prior to the date of the applicable term sheet, including events that would affect the accuracy or completeness of the publicly available documents described above, and that would affect the trading price of the Underlying Stock, have been or will be publicly disclosed. Subsequent disclosure of any events or the disclosure of or failure to disclose material future events concerning any Underlying Company could affect the value of the Underlying Stock on the Valuation Date and therefore could affect your Redemption Amount. None of us, the agents, or our respective affiliates makes any representation to any purchaser of the notes as to the performance of the Underlying Stock.

We, the agents, or our respective affiliates may presently or from time to time engage in business, directly or indirectly, with any Underlying Company, including extending loans to, or making equity investments in, any Underlying Company or providing investment banking or advisory services to any Underlying Company, including merger and acquisition advisory services. In the course of that business, we the agents, or our respective affiliates may acquire non-public information with respect to any Underlying Company. In addition, we, the agents, or our respective affiliates may publish research reports with respect to any Underlying Company.

Any prospective purchaser of the notes should undertake an independent investigation of any Underlying Company as in its judgment is appropriate to make an informed decision with respect to an investment in the notes.

Role of the Calculation Agent

The calculation agent has the sole discretion to make all determinations regarding the notes as described in this product supplement, including determinations regarding the Starting Value, the Ending Value, the Threshold Value, the Price Multiplier, the Underlying Stock, the Redemption Amount, any Market Disruption Events, a successor Underlying Stock, business days, and trading days. Absent manifest error, all determinations of the calculation agent will be final and binding on you and us, without any liability on the part of the calculation agent.

We or one of our affiliates may act as the calculation agent, or we may appoint MLPF&S or one of its affiliates to act as the calculation agent for the notes. Alternatively, we and MLPF&S or one of its affiliates may act as joint calculation agents for the notes. When we refer to a “calculation agent” in this product supplement or in any term sheet, we are referring to the applicable calculation agent or joint calculation agents, as the case may be. We may change the calculation agent at any time without notifying you. The identity of the calculation agent will be set forth in the applicable term sheet.

Same-Day Settlement and Payment

The notes will be delivered in book-entry form only through The Depository Trust Company against payment by purchasers of the notes in immediately available funds. We will pay interest and the Redemption Amount in immediately available funds so long as the notes are maintained in book-entry form, together with accrued and unpaid interest.

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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 any series of notes occurs and is continuing, the amount payable to a holder of the notes upon any acceleration permitted under the senior indenture will be equal to the Redemption Amount described under the caption “—Payment at Maturity,” determined as if the notes matured on the date of acceleration.

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 — Events of Default” and “— Events of Default; Defaults” in the prospectus.

Listing

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SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

MLPF&S and one or more of its affiliates may act as our agents for any offering of the notes. The agents may act on either a principal basis or an agency basis, as set forth in the applicable term sheet. Each agent will be a party to a distribution agreement with us. Each agent will receive an underwriting discount or commission that is a percentage of the aggregate Original Offering Price of the notes sold through its efforts, which will be set forth in the applicable term sheet. You must have an account with the applicable agent in order to purchase the notes.

No agent is acting as your fiduciary or advisor, and you should not rely upon any communication from it in connection with the notes as investment advice or a recommendation to purchase any of the notes. You should make your own investment decision regarding the notes after consulting with your legal, tax, and other advisors.

We have agreed to indemnify the agents against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments made in respect of those liabilities. We have also agreed to reimburse the agents for specified expenses.

MLPF&S and its affiliates may use this product supplement, the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus, together with the applicable term sheet, in market-making transactions for any notes after their initial sale solely for the purpose of providing investors with the description of the terms of the notes that were made available to investors in connection with the initial distribution of the notes. Secondary market investors should not, and will not be authorized to rely on these documents for information regarding HSBC or for any purpose other than that described in the immediately preceding sentence.

In the ordinary course of their business activities, MLPF&S and its affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. These investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. MLPF&S or its affiliates that have a lending relationship with us routinely hedge their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, MLFP&S and its affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the notes. Any such short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the notes. MLPF&S may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

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U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX SUMMARY

The following discussion summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, beneficial ownership and disposition of the notes.

For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of the notes that is:

(i)

an individual who is a citizen or a resident of the United States, for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

(ii)

a corporation (or other entity that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any State thereof (including the District of Columbia);

(iii)

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

(iv)

a trust if (1) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration, and one or more United States persons (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) such trust was in existence on August 20, 1996 and such trust has a valid election in effect under the applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.

For purposes of this summary, a “non-U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of the notes (other than an entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. holder.

An alien individual may, subject to certain exceptions, be deemed to be a resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes by reason of being present in the United States for at least 31 days in the current calendar year and for an aggregate of at least 183 days during a three year period ending in the current calendar year (counting for such purposes all of the days present in the current year, one third of the days present in the immediately preceding year, and one sixth of the days present in the second preceding year).

This summary is based on interpretations of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury regulations issued thereunder, and rulings and decisions currently in effect (or in some cases proposed), all of which are subject to change. Any such change may be applied retroactively and may adversely affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences described herein. This summary addresses only holders that purchase the notes at initial issuance, and own the notes as capital assets (as defined in Section 1221 of the Code) and not as part of a “straddle,” “hedge,” “synthetic security,” or a “conversion transaction” for U.S. federal income tax purposes or as part of some other integrated investment. This summary does not discuss all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to particular investors or to investors subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws (such as banks, thrifts or other financial institutions; insurance companies; securities dealers or brokers, or traders in securities electing mark-to-market treatment; regulated investment companies or real estate investment trusts; small business investment companies; S corporations; investors that hold their notes through a partnership or other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income purposes; U.S. holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; certain former citizens or residents of the United States; persons subject to the alternative minimum tax; retirement plans or other tax-exempt entities, or persons holding the notes in tax-deferred or tax-advantaged accounts; or “controlled foreign corporations” or “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFIC”), both as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes). This summary also does not address the tax consequences to shareholders, or

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other equity holders in, or beneficiaries of, a holder of a note. If a partnership (including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is the beneficial owner of a note, the treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of such partner and the activities of the partnership. In addition, this summary does not address any state, local or foreign tax consequences of the purchase, beneficial ownership or disposition of the notes. Persons considering the purchase of notes should consult their own tax advisors concerning the application of U.S. federal income tax laws to their particular situations as well as any consequences of the purchase, beneficial ownership and disposition of the notes arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

The applicable pricing supplement may contain a further discussion of the special U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to certain notes. The summary of the U.S. federal income tax considerations contained in the applicable pricing supplement supersedes the following summary to the extent it is inconsistent therewith.

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE NOTES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE PURCHASE, BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE NOTES.

General

There are no Treasury regulations, published rulings or judicial decisions addressing the treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes of securities with terms that are substantially the same as the notes. Accordingly, the proper U.S. federal income tax treatment of the notes is uncertain. Under one approach, the notes would be treated as income bearing pre-paid forward contracts or executory contracts with respect to the Underlying Stock. We intend to treat each note consistent with this approach, and pursuant to the terms of the notes, each holder agrees to such treatment for all U.S. federal income tax purposes. Except for the possible alternative treatments described below, the balance of this summary assumes that the notes are so treated.

Tax Treatment of U.S. Holders

The proper U.S. federal income tax treatment of the stated periodic interest payments on the notes is uncertain. We intend to treat the stated periodic interest payments on the notes as taxable ordinary income to a U.S. holder at the time received or accrued in accordance with the U.S. holder’s regular method of tax accounting.

A U.S. holder’s tax basis in a note generally will equal the U.S. holder’s cost for the note. Upon receipt of the Redemption Amount or upon the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of a note, a U.S. holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized (other than amounts representing accrued periodic interest payments, which would be taxed as described above) at maturity or on the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition and the U.S. holder’s tax basis in the note. Any such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the note was held for more than one year. Long-term capital gain of non-corporate taxpayers may be eligible for preferrential rates of taxation. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations.

Although we intend to treat each note as an income bearing pre-paid forward contract or executory contract with respect to the Underlying Stock as described above, there are no Treasury regulations, published rulings or judicial decisions addressing the characterization of securities with terms that are substantially the same as the notes, and therefore the notes could be subject to some other characterization or treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For example, the notes could be treated as “contingent payment debt instruments” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In this case, in general, U.S. holders should be treated

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as described under “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—U.S. Federal Income Tax Treatment of the Notes as Indebtedness for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes—Contingent Payment Debt Instruments” in the accompanying prospectus supplement. Alternatively, the notes could be treated as consisting of a cash-settled put option and a deposit for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In this case, in general, U.S. holders should be treated as described under “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—U.S. Federal Income Tax Treatment of the Notes as Indebtedness for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes—Certain Notes Treated as a Put Option and a Deposit” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

In addition, certain proposed Treasury regulations require the accrual of income on a current basis for contingent payments made under certain “notional principal contracts.” The preamble to the proposed Treasury regulations states that the “wait and see” method of accounting does not properly reflect the economic accrual of income on those contracts, and requires current accrual of income for some contracts already in existence. While the proposed Treasury regulations do not apply to forward contracts, the preamble to the proposed Treasury regulations indicates that similar timing issues exist in the case of pre-paid forward contracts. If the IRS or the U.S. Treasury Department publishes future guidance requiring current economic accrual for contingent payments on pre-paid forward contracts, it is possible that a U.S. holder could be required to accrue income over the term of the notes.

Other alternative U.S. federal income tax characterizations or treatments of the notes are possible, and if applied could also affect the timing and the character of the income, gain or loss with respect to the notes.

We will not attempt to ascertain whether the issuer of the Underlying Stock would be treated as a PFIC. If the issuer of the Underlying Stock 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 issuer of the Underlying Stock and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you if the issuer of the Underlying Stock is or becomes a PFIC.

Prospective investors in the notes should consult their tax advisors as to the tax consequences to them of purchasing the notes, including any alternative characterizations and treatments.

Tax Treatment of Non-U.S. Holders

Because the U.S. federal income tax treatment (including the applicability of withholding) of the stated periodic interest payments on the notes is uncertain, we will withhold U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate (or at a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on the entire amount of stated periodic interest payments made. We will not pay any additional amounts in respect of such withholding. To claim benefits under an income tax treaty, a non-U.S. holder must obtain a taxpayer identification number and certify as to the Non-U.S. Holder’s eligibility under the appropriate treaty’s limitations on benefits article, if applicable. In addition, special rules may apply to claims for treaty benefits made by non-U.S. holders that are entities rather than individuals. The availability of a lower rate of withholding under an applicable income tax treaty will depend on, in part, whether such rate applies to the characterization of the payments under U.S. federal income tax laws. A non-U.S. holder that is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. federal withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

In general, gain realized (other than amounts representing accrued periodic interest payments, which would be taxed as described above) at maturity or on the sale, exchange,

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retirement or other disposition of the notes by a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax, unless:

(i)

the gain with respect to the notes is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the non-U.S. holder in the United States, or

(ii)

the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who holds the notes as a capital asset and is present in the United States for more than 182 days in the taxable year of the sale and certain other conditions are satisfied.

If the gain realized at maturity or on the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of the notes by the non-U.S. holder is described in either of the two preceding bullet points, the non-U.S. holder may be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to the gain except to the extent that an income tax treaty reduces or eliminates the tax and the appropriate documentation is provided.

We will not attempt to ascertain whether the issuer of the Underlying Stock would be treated as a United States real property holding corporation (a “USRPHC”). If the issuer of the Underlying Stock 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 issuer of the Underlying Stock and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you if the issuer of the Underlying Stock is or becomes a USRPHC.

Other alternative U.S. federal income tax characterizations or treatments of the notes are possible, and if applied could also affect the timing and the character of the income or loss with respect to the notes. Prospective non-U.S. investors in the notes should consult their tax advisors as to the tax consequences to them of purchasing the notes, including any alternative characterizations and treatments.

U.S. Federal Estate Tax

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, a note is 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 a note.

Notice 2008-2

In Notice 2008-2, the IRS and the Treasury Department requested comments as to whether the purchaser of an exchange traded note or pre-paid forward contract (which may include the notes) should be required to accrue income during its term under a mark-to-market, accrual or other methodology, whether income and gain on such a note or contract should be ordinary or capital, and whether foreign holders should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accrual. Accordingly, it is possible that Treasury regulations or other guidance could provide that a U.S. holder of such a note is required to accrue income in respect of the note prior to the receipt of payments under the note or its earlier sale. Moreover, it is possible that any such Treasury regulations or other guidance could treat all income and gain of a U.S. holder in respect of a note as ordinary income (including gain on a sale). Finally, it is possible that a non-U.S. holder of the notes could be subject to U.S. withholding tax in respect of the notes. It is unclear whether any Treasury regulations or other guidance would apply to the notes (possibly on a retroactive basis). Prospective investors are urged to consult with their tax

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advisors regarding Notice 2008-2 and the possible effect to them of the issuance of Treasury regulations or other guidance that affects the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the notes.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Distributions made on the notes and proceeds from the sale of the notes to or through certain brokers may be subject to a backup withholding on “reportable payments” unless, in general, the holder complies with certain procedures or is an exempt recipient. Any amounts so withheld from distributions on the notes generally will be refunded by the IRS or allowed as a credit against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax, provided the holder makes a timely filing of an appropriate tax return or refund claim. Reports will be made to the IRS and to holders that are not excepted from the reporting requirements.

THE PRECEDING DISCUSSION IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN OF THE TAX IMPLICATIONS OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS PRIOR TO INVESTING TO DETERMINE THE TAX IMPLICATIONS OF SUCH INVESTMENT IN LIGHT OF EACH SUCH INVESTOR’S PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.

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ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

Each fiduciary of a pension, profit-sharing, or other employee benefit plan subject to ERISA (a “Plan”), should consider the fiduciary standards of ERISA in the context of the Plan’s particular circumstances before authorizing an investment in the notes. Accordingly, among other factors, the fiduciary should consider whether the investment would satisfy the prudence and diversification requirements of ERISA and would be consistent with the documents and instruments governing the Plan.

In addition, we, the agents, and certain of our respective subsidiaries and affiliates may be each considered a party in interest within the meaning of ERISA, or a disqualified person (within the meaning of the Code), with respect to many Plans, as well as many individual retirement accounts and Keogh plans (also “Plans”). Prohibited transactions within the meaning of ERISA or the Code would likely arise, for example, if the notes are acquired by or with the assets of a Plan with respect to which we or any of our affiliates is a party in interest, unless the notes are acquired under an exemption from the prohibited transaction rules. A violation of these prohibited transaction rules could result in an excise tax or other liabilities under ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Code for such persons, unless exemptive relief is available under an applicable statutory or administrative exemption.

Under ERISA and various PTCEs issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, exemptive relief may be available for direct or indirect prohibited transactions resulting from the purchase, holding, or disposition of the notes. Those exemptions are PTCE 96-23 (for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), PTCE 95-60 (for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTCE 91-38 (for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds), PTCE 90-1 (for certain transactions involving insurance company separate accounts), PTCE 84-14 (for certain transactions determined by independent qualified asset managers), and the exemption under Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Code for certain arm’s-length transactions with a person that is a party in interest solely by reason of providing services to Plans or being an affiliate of such a service provider (the “Service Provider Exemption”).

Because we may be considered a party in interest with respect to many Plans, the notes may not be purchased, held, or disposed of by any Plan, any entity whose underlying assets include plan assets by reason of any Plan’s investment in the entity (a “Plan Asset Entity”) or any person investing plan assets of any Plan, unless such purchase, holding, or disposition is eligible for exemptive relief, including relief available under PTCE 96-23, 95-60, 91-38, 90-1, or 84-14 or the Service Provider Exemption, or such purchase, holding, or disposition is otherwise not prohibited. Any purchaser, including any fiduciary purchasing on behalf of a Plan, transferee or holder of the notes will be deemed to have represented, in its corporate and its fiduciary capacity, by its purchase and holding of the notes that either (a) it is not a Plan or a Plan Asset Entity and is not purchasing such notes on behalf of or with plan assets of any Plan or with any assets of a governmental, church, or foreign plan that is subject to any federal, state, local, or foreign law that is substantially similar to the provisions of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or (b) its purchase, holding, and disposition are eligible for exemptive relief or such purchase, holding, and disposition are not prohibited by ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (or in the case of a governmental, church, or foreign plan, any substantially similar federal, state, local, or foreign law).

Further, any person acquiring or holding the securities on behalf of any plan or with any plan assets shall be deemed to represent on behalf of itself and such plan that (x) the plan is paying no more than, and is receiving no less than, adequate consideration within the meaning of Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA in connection with the transaction or any redemption of the securities, (y) none of HSBC, MLPF&S, or any other agent, or any of their affiliates

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directly or indirectly exercises any discretionary authority or control or renders investment advice (as defined above) or otherwise acts in a fiduciary capacity with respect to the assets of the plan within the meaning of ERISA and (z) in making the foregoing representations and warranties, such person has applied sound business principles in determining whether fair market value will be paid, and has made such determination acting in good faith.

The fiduciary investment considerations summarized above generally apply to employee benefit plans maintained by private-sector employers and to individual retirement accounts and other arrangements subject to Section 4975 of the Code, but generally do not apply to governmental plans (as defined in Section 3(32) of ERISA), certain church plans (as defined in Section 3(33) of ERISA), and foreign plans (as described in Section 4(b)(4) of ERISA). However, these other plans may be subject to similar provisions under applicable federal, state, local, foreign, or other regulations, rules, or laws (“similar laws”). The fiduciaries of plans subject to similar laws should also consider the foregoing issues in general terms as well as any further issues arising under the applicable similar laws.

Purchasers of the notes have exclusive responsibility for ensuring that their purchase, holding, and disposition of the notes do not violate the prohibited transaction rules of ERISA or the Code or any similar regulations applicable to governmental or church plans, as described above.

This discussion is a general summary of some of the rules which apply to benefit plans and their related investment vehicles. This summary does not include all of the investment considerations relevant to Plans and other benefit plan investors such as governmental, church, and foreign plans and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion. Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed upon persons involved in non-exempt prohibited transactions, it is particularly important that fiduciaries or other persons considering purchasing the notes on behalf of or with “plan assets” of any Plan or other benefit plan investor consult with their legal counsel prior to directing any such purchase.

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