FWP 1 v241324_fwp.htm FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS Unassociated Document
 
Filed Pursuant to Rule 433
Registration No. 333-158385
November 29, 2011
FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS
 (To Prospectus dated April 2, 2009,
Prospectus Supplement dated April 9, 2009,
Product Supplement dated April 9, 2009, and
Underlying Supplement no. 3 dated October 22, 2010)

HSBC USA Inc.
Buffered Performance Plus Securities
Linked to the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM
 
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Buffered Performance Plus Securities linked to the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM
 
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Uncapped participation in gains of the reference asset
 
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Minimum payment at maturity if the return is zero or positive, subject to the credit risk of HSBC USA Inc.
 
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Protection from the first 10% of any losses in the reference asset, subject to the credit risk of HSBC USA Inc.
 
The Buffered Performance Plus Securities (each a “security” and collectively the “securities") offered hereunder are not deposit liabilities or other obligations of a bank and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the United States or any other jurisdiction and include investment risks including possible loss of the Principal Amount invested due to the credit risk of HSBC USA Inc.
 
The securities will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or automated quotation system.
 
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ( the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities or passed upon the accuracy or the adequacy of this document, the accompanying underlying supplement, product supplement, prospectus or prospectus supplement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.  We have appointed HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of ours, as the agent for the sale of the securities.  HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will purchase the securities from us for distribution to other registered broker dealers or will offer the securities directly to investors.  In addition, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or another of its affiliates or agents may use the pricing supplement to which to this free writing prospectus relates in market-making transactions in any securities after their initial sale.  Unless we or our agent informs you otherwise in the confirmation of sale, the pricing supplement to which this free writing prospectus relates is being used in a market-making transaction.  See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on page FWP-12 of this free writing prospectus.
 
Investment in the securities involves certain risks. You should refer to “Risk Factors” beginning on page FWP-8 of this document, page PS-4 of the accompanying product supplement, page S-3 of the accompanying prospectus supplement, and page US3-1 of the accompanying underlying supplement no. 3.
 
 
Price to Public
Fees and Commissions1
Proceeds to Issuer
Per security
$1,000
    
Total
      
 
1 HSBC USA Inc. or one of our affiliates may pay varying discounts and commissions of up to 1.20% per $1,000 Principal Amount of securities in connection with the distribution of the securities, which may consist of a combination of selling concessions of up to 0.50% and referral fees of up to 1.20%.  See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on page FWP-12 of this free writing prospectus.
 

 
 
 
 
 
HSBC USA Inc.
 
Buffered Performance Plus Securities
Linked to the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM

Indicative Terms*
 
Principal Amount
$1,000 per security
Reference Asset
The Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM (“INDU”) (Ticker: INDU)
Minimum Upside Return
27.00% to 31.00% (to be determined on the Pricing Date)
Buffer Level
-10%
Payment at Maturity per security
If the Reference Return is greater than or equal to zero, you will receive the greater of:
a) $1,000 + ($1,000 × Reference Return); and
b) $1,000 + ($1,000 × Minimum Upside Return).
 
If the Reference Return is less than zero but greater than or equal to the Buffer Level:
$1,000 (zero return).
 
If the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Level:
$1,000 + [$1,000 × (Reference Return + 10%)].
 
For example, if the Reference Return is -30%, you will suffer a 20% loss and receive 80% of the Principal Amount. If the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Level, you may lose up to 90% of your investment.
Reference Return
Final Level – Initial Level
         Initial Level
Initial Level
See page FWP-4
Final Level
See page FWP-4
Pricing Date
December 21, 2011
Trade Date
December 21, 2011
Settlement Date
December 27, 2011
Final Valuation Date†
December 22, 2014
Maturity Date†
December 26, 2014
CUSIP
4042K1TK9
 
* As more fully described beginning on page FWP-4.
† Subject to adjustment as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes” in the accompanying underlying supplement.

The Securities
 
These Buffered Performance Plus Securities may be suitable for investors who believe that the Reference Asset will appreciate over the term of the securities. So long as the Reference Return is below the Minimum Upside Return at maturity, the securities will outperform the Reference Return.
 
If the Reference Return is greater than or equal to zero, you will realize at least the Minimum Upside Return at maturity (subject to the credit risk of HSBC).  Should the Reference Asset decline, you will lose 1% of your investment for every 1% decline in the Reference Asset beyond the -10% Buffer Level.
 
The offering period for the securities is through December 21, 2011
 
 
 
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Payoff Example
  
   
The table at right shows the hypothetical payout profile of an investment in the securities reflecting a hypothetical Minimum Upside Return of 27.00%.  The actual Minimum Upside Return will be determined on the Pricing Date and will not be less than 27.00% or greater than 31.00%.
 
Information about the Reference Asset
 
Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM
  
The INDU is a price-weighted index compromised of 30 blue chip stocks considered to be the leaders in their industry.  It is intended to be a measure of the entire U.S. market, except the transportation and utilities industries, covering a diverse set of industries such as financial services, technology, retail, entertainment and consumer goods.


The graph above illustrates the daily 5-yr performance of the Reference Asset through November 29, 2011. The closing levels in the graph above were obtained from Bloomberg Professional® Service. Past performance is not necessarily an indication of future results.  For further information on the Reference Asset please see “The Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM” on page FWP-12 and in the accompanying underlying supplement no. 3.  We have derived all disclosure regarding the Reference Asset from publicly available information.  Neither HSBC USA Inc. or any of its affiliates assumes any responsibilities for the adequacy or accuracy of information about the Reference Asset.
 
 
FWP-3
 

 
HSBC USA Inc.
Buffered Performance Plus Securities
 
Linked to the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM

All references to “Enhanced Market Participation Notes” in the accompanying product supplement shall refer to these Buffered Performance Plus Securities. The offering of securities will have the terms described in this free writing prospectus and the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement, prospectus and underlying supplement.  If the terms of the securities offered hereby are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement, prospectus or underlying supplement, the terms described in this free writing prospectus shall control.  You should be willing to forgo interest and dividend payments during the term of the securities and, if the Reference Return is negative, lose up to 90% of your principal.
 
This free writing prospectus relates to an offering of securities linked to the performance of the Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM (the “Reference Asset”).  The purchaser of a security will acquire a senior unsecured debt security of HSBC USA Inc. linked to the Reference Asset as described below.  The following key terms relate to the offering of securities:
 
Issuer:
HSBC USA Inc.
   
Issuer Rating:
A+ (S&P), A1 (Moody’s), AA (Fitch)†
   
Principal Amount:
$1,000 per security
   
Reference Asset:
The Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM (Ticker: INDU)
   
Trade Date:
December 21, 2011
   
Pricing Date:
December 21, 2011
   
Original Issue Date:
December 27, 2011
   
Final Valuation Date:
December 22, 2014. The Final Valuation Date is subject to adjustment as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes” in the accompanying underlying supplement.
   
Maturity Date:
3 business days after the Final Valuation Date, which is expected to be  December 26, 2014. The Maturity Date is subject to adjustment as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes” in the accompanying underlying supplement.
   
Minimum Upside Return:
27.00% to 31.00% (to be determined on the Pricing Date)
   
Payment at Maturity:
On the Maturity Date, for each security, we will pay you the Final Settlement Value.
   
Final Settlement Value:
If the Reference Return is greater than or equal to zero, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date, per $1,000 Principal Amount of securities, equal to the greater of:
(a) $1,000 + ($1,000 × Reference Return); and
(b) $1,000 + ($1,000 × Minimum Upside Return).
 
If the Reference Return is less than zero but greater than or equal to the Buffer Level, you will receive $1,000 per $1,000 Principal Amount of securities (zero return).
 
If the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Level, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date, per $1,000 Principal Amount of securities, calculated as follows:
$1,000 + [$1,000 × (Reference Return + 10%)].
 
Under these circumstances, you will lose 1% of the Principal Amount of your securities for each percentage point that the Reference Return is below the Buffer Level.  For example, because the buffer protects the first 10% of loss, subject to the credit risk of HSBC, if the Reference Return is -30%, you will suffer a 20% loss and receive 80% of the Principal Amount.  If the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Level, you may lose up to 90% of your investment.
   
Reference Return:
The quotient, expressed as a percentage, calculated as follows:
   
 
Final Level – Initial Level
          Initial Level
   
Buffer Level:
-10%
   
Initial Level:
The Official Closing Level of the Reference Asset on the Pricing Date.
   
Final Level:
The Official Closing Level of the Reference Asset on the Final Valuation Date.
   
Official Closing Level:
The closing level of the Reference Asset on any scheduled trading day as determined by the calculation agent based upon the level displayed on Bloomberg Professional® service page “INDU<INDEX>”, or on any successor page on Bloomberg
 
 
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Professional® service or any successor service, as applicable.
   
Form of securities:
Book-Entry
   
Listing:
The securities will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or quotation system.
   
CUSIP / ISIN:
4042K1TK9 /

 
† A credit rating reflects the creditworthiness of HSBC USA Inc. and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and it may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization. The securities themselves have not been independently rated. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

 
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GENERAL
 
This free writing prospectus relates to an offering of securities linked to the Reference Asset identified on the cover page.  The purchaser of a security will acquire a senior unsecured debt security of HSBC USA Inc. linked to a single Reference Asset.  We reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify any offering and to reject orders in whole or in part.  Although the offering of securities relates to the Reference Asset identified on the cover page, you should not construe that fact as a recommendation as to the merits of acquiring an investment linked to the Reference Asset or any component security included in the Reference Asset or as to the suitability of an investment in the securities.
 
You should read this document together with the prospectus dated April 2, 2009, the prospectus supplement dated April 9, 2009, the product supplement dated April 9, 2009, and the underlying supplement no. 3 dated October 22, 2010.  All references to “Enhanced Market Participation Notes” in the accompanying product supplement shall refer to these Accelerated Market Participation Securities. If the terms of the securities offered hereby are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement, prospectus, or underlying supplement, the terms described in this free writing prospectus shall control.  You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” beginning on page FWP-8 of this free writing prospectus, page PS-4 of the product supplement, page S-3 of the prospectus supplement and page US3-1 of underlying supplement no. 3, as the securities involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors before you invest in the securities.  As used herein, references to the “Issuer”, “HSBC”, “we”, “us” and “our” are to HSBC USA Inc.
 
HSBC has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, a prospectus supplement, a product supplement and underlying supplement no. 3) with the SEC for the offering to which this free writing prospectus relates.  Before you invest, you should read the prospectus, prospectus supplement and underlying supplement no. 3 in that registration statement and other documents HSBC has filed with the SEC for more complete information about HSBC and this offering.  You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov.  Alternatively, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the prospectus, prospectus supplement, product supplement and underlying supplement if you request them by calling toll-free 1-866-811-8049.
 
You may also obtain:
 
 
 
 
 
We are using this free writing prospectus to solicit from you an offer to purchase the securities.  You may revoke your offer to purchase the securities at any time prior to the time at which we accept your offer by notifying HSBC Securities (USA) Inc.  We reserve the right to change the terms of, or reject any offer to purchase, the securities prior to their issuance.  In the event of any material changes to the terms of the securities, we will notify you.
 
PAYMENT AT MATURITY
 
On the Maturity Date, for each security you hold, we will pay you the Final Settlement Value, which is an amount in cash, as described below:
 
If the Reference Return is greater than or equal to zero, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date, per $1,000 Principal Amount of securities, equal to the greater of:
 
(a)   $1,000 + ($1,000 × Reference Return); and
 
(b)   $1,000 + ($1,000 × Minimum Upside Return).
 
If the Reference Return is less than zero but greater than or equal to the Buffer Level, you will receive $1,000 per $1,000 Principal Amount of securities (zero return).
 
If the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Level, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date, per $1,000 Principal Amount of securities, calculated as follows:
 
$1,000 + [$1,000 × (Reference Return + 10%)].
 
Under these circumstances, you will lose 1% of the Principal Amount of your securities for each percentage point that the Reference Return is below the Buffer Level.  For example, because the buffer protects the first 10% loss, subject to the credit risk of HSBC, if the Reference Return is -30%, you will suffer a 20% loss and receive 80% of the Principal Amount.  You should be aware that if the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Level, you may lose up to 90% of your investment.
 
Interest
The securities will not pay periodic interest.
 
 
FWP-6
 
 
Calculation Agent
We or one of our affiliates will act as calculation agent with respect to the securities.
 
Trustee
Notwithstanding anything contained in the accompanying prospectus supplement or product supplement to the contrary, the securities 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.
 
Paying Agent
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 securities pursuant to a Paying Agent and Securities Registrar Agreement dated June 1, 2009, between HSBC USA Inc. and HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
 
Reference Sponsor
The Dow Jones & Company, Inc. is the reference sponsor.
 
INVESTOR SUITABILITY
 
The securities may be suitable for you if:
 
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You seek an investment with a return linked to the potential positive performance of the Reference Asset and you believe the level of the Reference Asset will not change or will increase over the term of the securities.
 
}
You are willing to make an investment that is exposed to the negative Reference Return on a 1-to-1 basis for each percentage point that the Reference Return is less than -10%.
 
}
You are willing to forgo dividends or other distributions paid to holders of stocks comprising the Reference Asset.
 
}
You do not seek current income from your investment.
 
}
You do not seek an investment for which there is an active secondary market.
 
}
You are willing to hold the securities to maturity.
 
}
You are comfortable with the creditworthiness of HSBC, as issuer of the securities.

The securities may not be suitable for you if:
 
}
You believe the Reference Return will be negative or that the Reference Return will not be sufficiently positive to provide you with your desired return.
 
}
You are unwilling to make an investment that is exposed to the negative Reference Return on a 1-to-1 basis for each percentage point that the Reference Return is below -10%.
 
}
You seek an investment that provides a full return of principal.
 
}
You prefer the lower risk, and therefore accept the potentially lower returns, of conventional debt securities with comparable maturities issued by HSBC or another issuer with a similar credit rating.
 
}
You prefer to receive the dividends or other distributions paid on any stocks comprising the Reference Asset.
 
}
You seek current income from your investment.
 
}
You seek an investment for which there will be an active secondary market.
 
}
You are unable or unwilling to hold the securities to maturity.
 
}
You are not willing or are unable to assume the credit risk associated with HSBC, as issuer of the securities.
 
 
FWP-7
 
 
RISK FACTORS
 
We urge you to read the section “Risk Factors” on page S-3 in the accompanying prospectus supplement, on page PS-4 of the accompanying product supplement and on page US3-1 of underlying supplement no. 3.  Investing in the securities is not equivalent to investing directly in any of the stocks comprising the Reference Asset.  You should understand the risks of investing in the securities and should reach an investment decision only after careful consideration, with your advisors, of the suitability of the securities in light of your particular financial circumstances and the information set forth in this free writing prospectus and the accompanying underlying supplement, product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus.
 
In addition to the risks discussed below, you should review “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus supplement, product supplement and underlying supplement including the explanation of risks relating to the securities described in the following sections:
 
}
“— Risks Relating to All Note Issuances” in the prospectus supplement; and
 
}
“— Additional Risks Relating to Notes with an Equity Security or Equity Index as the Reference Asset” in the prospectus supplement.
 
You will be subject to significant risks not associated with conventional fixed-rate or floating-rate debt securities.
 
Your investment in the securities may result in a loss.
 
You will be exposed to the decline in the Final Level from the Initial Level beyond the Buffer Level of -10%.  Accordingly, if the Reference Return is less than -10%, your Payment at Maturity will be less than the Principal Amount of your securities.  You may lose up to 90% of your investment at maturity if the Reference Return is negative.
 
Credit risk of HSBC USA Inc.
 
The securities 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 securities will rank on par with all of the other unsecured and unsubordinated debt obligations of HSBC, except such obligations as may be preferred by operation of law. Any payment to be made on the securities, 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 securities 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 securities.
 
The securities will not bear interest.
 
As a holder of the securities, you will not receive periodic interest payments.
 
Changes that affect the Reference Asset will affect the market value of the securities and the amount you will receive at maturity.
 
The policies of the reference sponsor concerning additions, deletions and substitutions of the constituents comprising the Reference Asset and the manner in which the reference sponsor takes account of certain changes affecting those constituents included in the Reference Asset may affect the level of the Reference Asset.  The policies of the reference sponsor with respect to the calculation of the Reference Asset could also affect the level of the Reference Asset.  The reference sponsor may discontinue or suspend calculation or dissemination of the Reference Asset. Any such actions could affect the value of the securities.
 
Please read and pay particular attention to the section “Additional Risks Relating to Notes with an Equity Security or Equity Index as the Reference Asset” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
 
The securities are not insured by any governmental agency of the United States or any other jurisdiction.
 
The securities 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 securities is subject to the credit risk of HSBC, and in the event that HSBC is unable to pay its obligations as they become due, you may not receive the full Payment at Maturity of the securities.
 
Certain built-in costs are likely to adversely affect the value of the securities prior to maturity.
 
While the Payment at Maturity described in this free writing prospectus is based on the full Principal Amount of your securities, the original issue price of the securities includes the placement agent’s commission and the estimated cost of HSBC hedging its obligations under the securities. As a result, the price, if any, at which HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will be willing to purchase securities from you in secondary market transactions, if at all, will likely be lower than the original issue price, and any sale prior to the Maturity Date could result in a substantial loss to you. The securities are not designed to be short-term trading instruments. Accordingly, you should be able and willing to hold your securities to maturity.
 
The securities lack liquidity.
 
The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. is not required to offer to purchase the securities in the secondary market, if any exists. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the securities easily. Because other dealers are not likely to make a secondary market for the securities, the price at which
 
 
FWP-8
 
 
you may be able to trade your securities is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. is willing to buy the securities.
 
Potential conflicts.
 
HSBC and its affiliates play a variety of roles in connection with the issuance of the securities, including acting as calculation agent and hedging our obligations under the securities.  In performing these duties, the economic interests of the calculation agent and other affiliates of ours are potentially adverse to your interests as an investor in the securities. We will not have any obligation to consider your interests as a holder of the securities in taking any action that might affect the value of your securities.
 
Uncertain tax treatment.
 
For a discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in a security, please see the discussion under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” herein, the discussion under “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying product supplement and the discussion under “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
 
 
FWP-9
 
 
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES
 
The following table and examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are hypothetical. They do not purport to be representative of every possible scenario concerning increases or decreases in the level of the Reference Asset relative to its Initial Level.  We cannot predict the Final Level.  The assumptions we have made in connection with the illustrations set forth below may not reflect actual events, and the hypothetical Initial Level used in the table and examples below is not the actual Initial Level of the Reference Asset.  You should not take this illustration or these examples as an indication or assurance of the expected performance of the Reference Asset or the return on your securities.  With respect to the securities, the Final Settlement Value may be less than the amount that you would have received from a conventional debt security with the same stated maturity, including those issued by HSBC. The numbers appearing in the table below and following examples have been rounded for ease of analysis.
 
The table below illustrates the Payment at Maturity on a $1,000 investment in the securities for a hypothetical range of performance for the Reference Return from -100% to +100%. The following results are based solely on the assumptions outlined below.  The “Hypothetical Return on the Security” as used below is the number, expressed as a percentage, that results from comparing the Payment at Maturity per $1,000 Principal Amount of securities to $1,000.  The potential returns described here assume that your securities are held to maturity. You should consider carefully whether the securities are suitable to your investment goals.  The following table and examples assume the following:
 
}
Principal Amount:
$1,000
 
}
Hypothetical Initial Level:
11,555.63
 
}
Hypothetical Minimum
 
Upside Return:
27.00% (The actual Minimum Upside Return will be determined on the Pricing Date and will not be less than 27.00% or greater than 31.00%)

The actual Initial Level will be determined on the Pricing Date.
 
Hypothetical
Final Level
Hypothetical Reference Return
Hypothetical
Payment at Maturity
Hypothetical
Return on the Security
23,111.26
100.00%
$2,000.00
100.00%
20,800.13
80.00%
$1,800.00
80.00%
18,489.01
60.00%
$1,600.00
60.00%
16,177.88
40.00%
$1,400.00
40.00%
15,022.32
30.00%
$1,300.00
30.00%
14,675.65
27.00%
$1,270.00
27.00%
13,866.76
20.00%
$1,270.00
27.00%
13,288.97
15.00%
$1,270.00
27.00%
12,711.19
10.00%
$1,270.00
27.00%
12,133.41
5.00%
$1,270.00
27.00%
11,786.74
2.00%
$1,270.00
27.00%
11,671.19
1.00%
$1,270.00
27.00%
11,555.63
0.00%
$1,270.00
27.00%
11,440.07
-1.00%
$1,000.00
0.00%
11,324.52
-2.00%
$1,000.00
0.00%
10,977.85
-5.00%
$1,000.00
0.00%
10,400.07
-10.00%
$1,000.00
0.00%
9,822.29
-15.00%
$950.00
-5.00%
9,244.50
-20.00%
$900.00
-10.00%
8,088.94
-30.00%
$800.00
-20.00%
6,933.38
-40.00%
$700.00
-30.00%
4,622.25
-60.00%
$500.00
-50.00%
2,311.13
-80.00%
$300.00
-70.00%
0.00
-100.00%
$100.00
-90.00%
 
 
FWP-10
 
 
The following examples indicate how the Final Settlement Value would be calculated with respect to a hypothetical $1,000 investment in the securities.
 
Example 1: The level of the Reference Asset increases from the Initial Level of 11,555.63 to a Final Level of 12,133.41.
 
   
Reference Return:
5.00%
Final Settlement Value:
$1,270.00

Because the Reference Return is positive, and such Reference Return is less than the hypothetical Minimum Upside Return, the investor receives the Minimum Upside Return and the Final Settlement Value would be $1,270.00 per $1,000 Principal Amount of securities, calculated as follows:
 
$1,000 + ($1,000 × Minimum Upside Return)
 
= $1,000 + ($1,000 × 27.00%)
 
= $1,270.00
 
Example 1 shows that you will benefit from the Minimum Upside Return at maturity when the Reference Return is positive but less than the Minimum Upside Return.
 
Example 2: The level of the Reference Asset increases from the Initial Level of 11,555.63 to a Final Level of 16,177.88.
 
   
Reference Return:
40.00%
Final Settlement Value:
$1,400.00

Because the Reference Return is positive, and such Reference Return is greater than the Minimum Upside Return, the Final Settlement Value would be $1,400.00 per $1,000 Principal Amount of securities, calculated as follows:
 
$1,000 + ($1,000 × Reference Return)
 
= $1,000 + ($1,000 × 40.00%)
 
= $1,400.00
 
Example 2 shows that you will receive the return of your principal investment plus a return equal to the Reference Return at maturity when the Reference Return is positive and greater than the Minimum Upside Return.
 
Example 3: The level of the Reference Asset decreases from the Initial Level of 11,555.63 to a Final Level of 10,977.85.
 
   
Reference Return:
-5.00%
Final Settlement Value:
$1,000.00
 
Because the Reference Return is less than zero but greater than the Buffer Level, the Final Settlement Value would be $1,000.00 per $1,000 Principal Amount of securities (a zero return).
 
Example 4: The level of the Reference Asset decreases from the Initial Level of 11,555.63 to a Final Level of 6,933.38.
 
   
Reference Return:
-40.00%
Final Settlement Value:
$700.00
 
Here, the Reference Return is -40.00%.  Because the Reference Return is less than the Buffer Level of -10%, the Final Settlement Value would be $700.00 per $1,000 Principal Amount of securities, calculated as follows:
 
$1,000 + [$1,000 × (Reference Return + 10%)]
 
= $1,000 + [$1,000 × (-40.00% + 10%)]
 
= $700.00
 
Example 4 shows that you are exposed on a 1-to-1 basis to declines in the level of the Reference Asset beyond the Buffer Level of -10%.  YOU MAY LOSE UP TO 90% OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF YOUR SECURITIES.
 
 
FWP-11
 
 
THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGESM

Description of the INDU
 
The INDU is a price-weighted index compromised of 30 blue chip stocks considered to be the leaders in their industry.  It is intended to be a measure of the entire U.S. market, except the transportation and utilities industries, covering a diverse set of industries such as financial services, technology, retail, entertainment and consumer goods.
 
For more information about the INDU, see “The Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM” on page US3-11 of the accompanying underlying supplement no. 3.
  
Historical Performance of the INDU
 
The following graph sets forth the historical performance of the INDU based on the daily historical closing levels from November 29, 2006 through November 29, 2011.  The closing level for the INDU on November 29, 2011 was 11,555.63. We obtained the closing levels below from Bloomberg Professional® service. We make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg Professional® service.
 

The historical levels of the INDU should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the Official Closing Level of the INDU on the Final Valuation Date.

SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)
 
We have appointed HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of HSBC, as the agent for the sale of the securities.  Pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will purchase the securities from HSBC for distribution to other registered broker  dealers or will offer the securities directly to investors.  HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. proposes to offer the securities at the offering price set forth on the cover page of this free writing prospectus and will receive underwriting discounts and commissions of up to 1.20%, or $12.00, per $1,000 Principal Amount of securities.  HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. may allow selling concessions on sales of such securities by other brokers or dealers of up to 0.50%, or $5.00, and may pay referral fees to other broker-dealers of up to 1.20%, or $12.00, per $1,000 Principal Amount of securities.
 
In addition, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or another of its affiliates or agents may use the pricing supplement to which this free writing prospectus relates in market-making transactions after the initial sale of the securities, but is under no obligation to do so and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice.
 
See ‘Supplemental Plan of Distribution’ on page S-52 in the prospectus supplement. All references to NASD Rule 2720 in the prospectus supplement shall be to FINRA Rule 5121.
 
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
There is no direct legal authority as to the proper tax treatment of the securities, and therefore significant aspects of the tax treatment of the securities are uncertain as to both the timing and character of any inclusion in income in respect of the securities. Under one approach, a security should be treated as a pre-paid forward or other executory contract with respect to the Reference Asset. We intend to treat the securities consistent with this approach. Pursuant to the terms of the securities, you agree to treat the securities under this approach for all U.S. federal income tax purposes.  Notwithstanding any disclosure in the accompanying product supplement to the contrary, our special U.S. tax counsel in this transaction is Sidley Austin llp. Subject to the limitations described therein, and based on certain factual representations received from us, in the opinion of our special  U.S. tax counsel, Sidley Austin llp, it is reasonable to treat a security as a pre-paid forward or other executory contract with respect to the Reference Asset.  Pursuant to this approach, we do not intend to report any income or gain with respect to the securities prior to their maturity or an earlier sale or exchange and we intend to treat any gain or loss upon maturity or an earlier sale or exchange as long-term capital gain or loss, provided that you have held the security for more than one year at such time for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  For a discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in a security, please see the discussion under “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying product supplement and the discussion under “Certain U.S Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
 
 
FWP-12
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
  
You should only rely on the information contained in this free writing prospectus, any accompanying underlying supplement, product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus.  We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information or to make any representation to you that is not contained in this free writing prospectus, the accompanying underlying supplement, product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus.  If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it.  This free writing prospectus, the accompanying underlying supplement, product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities, and these documents are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities, in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.  You should not, under any circumstances, assume that the information in this free writing prospectus, the accompanying underlying supplement, product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus is correct on any date after their respective dates.
 
 
 
HSBC USA Inc.
 
 
$   Buffered Performance Plus
Securities linked to the
 Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
November 29, 2011
 
 
 
FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS
     
Free Writing Prospectus
  
General
FWP-6
  
Payment at Maturity
FWP-6
  
Investor Suitability
FWP-7
  
Risk Factors
FWP-8
  
Illustrative Examples
FWP-10
  
The Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM
FWP-12
  
Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)
FWP-12
  
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
FWP-12
  
Underlying Supplement no. 3
  
Risk Factors
US3-1
  
The S&P 500® Index
US3-4
  
The Russell 2000® Index
US3-8
  
The Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM
US3-11
  
The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index®
US3-13
  
The Hang Seng® Index
US3-15
  
The Korea Stock Price Index 200
US3-17
  
MSCI Indices
US3-20
  
The Dow Jones EURO STOXX 50® Index
US3-24
  
The PHLX Housing SectorSM Index
US3-26
  
The TOPIX® Index
US3-30
  
The NASDAQ-100 Index®
US3-33
  
S&P BRIC 40 Index
US3-37
  
The Nikkei 225 Index
US3-40
  
The FTSE™ 100 Index
US3-42
  
Other Components
US3-44
  
Additional Terms of the Notes
US3-44
  
Product Supplement
  
Notice to Investors
PS-1
  
Product Supplement Summary
PS-1
  
Risk Factors
PS-4
  
Pricing Supplement Overview
PS-7
  
Valuation of the Notes
PS-7
  
Hypothetical Examples
PS-10
  
Specific Terms of the Notes
PS-19
  
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
PS-24
  
Events of Default and Acceleration
PS-25
  
Information Regarding the Reference Asset and Reference
Issuers
PS-25
  
Certain ERISA Considerations
PS-25
  
Validity of the Notes
PS-25
  
Prospectus Supplement
  
Risk Factors
S-3
  
Pricing Supplement
S-16
  
Description of Notes
S-16
  
Sponsors or Issuers and Reference Asset
S-37
  
Use of Proceeds and Hedging
S-37
  
Certain ERISA
S-38
  
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
S-39
  
Supplemental Plan of Distribution
S-52
  
Prospectus
  
About this Prospectus
2
  
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
2
  
HSBC USA Inc.
3
  
Use of Proceeds
3
  
Description of Debt Securities
4
  
Description of Preferred Stock
16
  
Description of Warrants
22
  
Description of Purchase Contracts
26
  
Description of Units
29
  
Book-Entry Procedures
32
  
Limitations on Issuances in Bearer Form
36
  
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations Relating to
Debt Securities
37
  
Plan of Distribution
52
  
Notice to Canadian Investors
54
  
Certain ERISA Matters
58
  
Where You Can Find More Information
59
  
Legal Opinions
59
  
Experts
 59