Filed Pursuant to Rule 433

Registration No. 333-158385

March 19, 2012

FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS

(To Prospectus dated April 2, 2009

and Prospectus Supplement dated April 9, 2009)

 

Structured
Investments HSBC USA Inc.
$
Knock-Out Buffer Notes Linked to the Performance of an Equally Weighted Basket of Three Currencies due September 30, 2013

General

· Terms used in this free writing prospectus are described or defined herein, in the prospectus supplement and in the prospectus. The Notes offered will have the terms described herein and in the prospectus supplement and prospectus. The Notes do not guarantee return of principal, and you may lose up to 100.00% of your initial investment. The Notes will not bear interest.

· This free writing prospectus relates to a single note offering. The purchaser of a Note will acquire a security linked to the Basket described below.

· Although the offering relates to a Basket, you should not construe that fact as a recommendation as to the merits of acquiring an investment linked to the Basket or any Basket Currency or as to the suitability of an investment in the related Notes.

· Senior unsecured debt obligations of HSBC USA Inc. maturing September 30, 2013.

· Minimum denominations of $10,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

· If the terms of the Notes set forth below are inconsistent with those described in the prospectus supplement and prospectus, the terms set forth below will supersede.

Key Terms

Issuer:	HSBC USA Inc.
Issuer Rating:	A+ (S&P), A1 (Moody’s), AA (Fitch)*
Basket:	The Notes are linked to an equally weighted basket consisting of three currencies (each a “Basket Currency,” and together, the “Basket Currencies”) that measures the performance of such currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar.

Basket Currency	Fixing Source	Initial Spot Rate	Basket Currency Performance Weighting
Korean Won (“USDKRW”)	KRW at Reuters Page KFTC18		1/3
Mexican Peso (“USDMXN”)	USDMXN at Reuters Page WMRSPOT		1/3
Russian Ruble (“USDRUB”)	RUB CME-EMTA Reuters Page EMTA		1/3

Knock-Out Event:	A Knock-Out Event occurs if on the Final Valuation Date the Final Basket Level has decreased, as compared to the Initial Basket Level, by a percentage that is more than the Knock-Out Buffer Amount.
Knock-Out Buffer Amount:	15.00%
Contingent Minimum Return:	At least 13.75%, to be determined on the Pricing Date.
Principal Amount:	$1,000 per Note.
Trade Date:	March 23, 2012
Pricing Date:	March 23, 2012
Original Issue Date:	March 30, 2012
Final Valuation Date:	September 23, 2013, subject to adjustment as described herein.
Maturity Date:	5 business days after the Final Valuation Date and is expected to be September 30, 2013.  The Maturity Date is subject to further adjustment as described under “Market Disruption Events” herein.
Payment at Maturity:	If a Knock-Out Event has occurred, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date that will reflect the performance of the Basket. Under these circumstances, your Payment at Maturity per $1,000 Principal Amount of Notes will be calculated as follows:
	$1,000 + ($1,000 × Basket Return)
	If a Knock-Out Event has occurred you will lose some or all of your investment. This means that if the Basket Return is -100.00%, you will lose your entire investment.
	If a Knock-Out Event has not occurred, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date that will reflect the performance of the Basket, subject to the Contingent Minimum Return. If a Knock-Out Event has not occurred, your Payment at Maturity per $1,000 Principal Amount of Notes will equal $1,000 plus the product of (a) $1,000 multiplied by (b) the greater of (i) the Basket Return and (ii) the Contingent Minimum Return. For additional clarification, please see “What is the Total Return on the Notes at Maturity Assuming a Range of Performance for the Basket?” herein.
Basket Return:	The quotient, expressed as a percentage, calculated as follows:
	Final Basket Level – Initial Basket Level
	Initial Basket Level
Initial Basket Level:	100
Final Basket Level:	The Final Basket Level will be calculated as follows:
	100 × [1 + (USDKRW Return × 1/3) + (USDMXN Return × 1/3) + (USDRUB Return × 1/3)]
	The USDKRW Return, USDMXN Return, and USDRUB Return refer to the Currency Performance for the Korean Won, the Mexican Peso and the Russian Ruble, respectively, relative to the USD over the term of the Notes.
Currency Performance:	With respect to each Basket Currency, the performance of the relevant Basket Currency from the Initial Spot Rate to the Final Spot Rate, calculated as follows:
	Initial Spot Rate – Final Spot Rate
	Initial Spot Rate
	Because the Currency Performance is calculated pursuant to the formula above, the maximum possible Currency Performance, and therefore the maximum possible Basket Return, will equal 100%.  There is no comparable limit on the negative performance of the Currency Performance or the Basket Return.
Spot Rate:	For each Basket Currency, the spot exchange rate for such currency against the U.S. Dollar, as determined by the Calculation Agent by reference to the Spot Rate definitions set forth in this free writing prospectus under “Spot Rates.”  The Spot Rate for each Basket Currency is expressed as units of the respective currency per one U.S. Dollar.  The Spot Rates are subject to the provisions set forth under “Market Disruption Events” in this free writing prospectus.
Initial Spot Rate:	For each Basket Currency, the Spot Rate as determined by the Calculation Agent in its sole discretion on the Pricing Date.
Final Spot Rate:	For each Basket Currency, the Spot Rate as determined by the Calculation Agent in its sole discretion on the Final Valuation Date.
Calculation Agent:	HSBC or one of its affiliates
CUSIP/ISIN:	4042K1B44 /
Form of Notes:	Book-Entry
Listing:	The Notes will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or quotation system.

* A credit rating reflects the creditworthiness of HSBC USA Inc. and is not indicative of the market risk associated with the Notes or the Basket nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell or hold the Notes, and it may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization. The Notes themselves have not been independently rated. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

Investment in the Notes involves certain risks. You should refer to “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page 3 of this document and “Risk Factors” on page S-3 of the prospectus supplement.

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the Notes or determined that this free writing prospectus, or the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus, is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or another of our affiliates or agents may use the pricing supplement to which this free writing prospectus relates in market-making transactions in any Notes after their initial sale. Unless we or our agent informs you otherwise in the confirmation of sale, the pricing supplement to which this free writing prospectus relates will be used in a market-making transaction. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of ours, will purchase the Notes from us for distribution to the placement agent. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on the last page of this free writing prospectus.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and certain of its registered broker-dealer affiliates are purchasing the Notes for resale. JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. may purchase the Notes on behalf of certain fiduciary accounts. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, certain of its registered broker-dealer affiliates and JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. will not receive fees from us for sales to fiduciary accounts.

	Price to Public(1)	Fees and Commissions	Proceeds to Issuer
Per Note	$1,000	$12.50	$987.50
Total	$	$	$

⁽¹⁾ Certain fiduciary accounts purchasing the Notes will pay a purchase price of $987.50 per Note, and the placement agents with respect to sales made to such accounts will forgo any fees.

The Notes:

Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value

JPMorgan

Placement Agent

March 19, 2012

Additional Terms Specific to the Notes

This free writing prospectus relates to a single note offering linked to the Basket identified on the cover page. The purchaser of a Note will acquire a senior unsecured debt security linked to the Basket. We reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify any offering and to reject orders in whole or in part. Although the Note offering relates only to the Basket 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 Basket or any Basket Currency or as to the suitability of an investment in the Notes.

You should read this document together with the prospectus dated April 2, 2009 and the prospectus supplement dated April 9, 2009. If the terms of the Notes offered hereby are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying prospectus supplement or prospectus, the terms described in this free writing prospectus shall control. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page 3 of this free writing prospectus and “Risk Factors” on page S-3 of the prospectus supplement, as the Notes involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors before you invest in the Notes. As used herein, references to the “Issuer”, “HSBC”, “we”, “us” and “our” are to HSBC USA Inc.

HSBC has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus and a prospectus supplement) with the SEC for the offering to which this free writing prospectus relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and prospectus supplement in that registration statement and other documents HSBC has filed with the SEC for more complete information about HSBC and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the prospectus and prospectus supplement if you request them by calling toll-free 1-866-811-8049.

You may also obtain:

• the prospectus supplement at www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000114420409019785/v145824_424b2.htm

• the prospectus at www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000104746909003736/a2192100zs-3asr.htm

We are using this free writing prospectus to solicit from you an offer to purchase the Notes. You may revoke your offer to purchase the Notes at any time prior to the time at which we accept your offer by notifying HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. We reserve the right to change the terms of, or reject any offer to purchase, the Notes prior to their issuance. In the event of any material changes to the terms of the Notes, we will notify you.

Supplemental Information Relating to the Terms of the Notes

Notwithstanding anything contained in the accompanying prospectus 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. HSBC Bank USA, N.A. will act as paying agent with respect to the Notes pursuant to a Paying Agent and Securities Registrar Agreement dated June 1, 2009, between HSBC USA Inc. and HSBC Bank USA, N.A.

Selected Purchase Considerations

· APPRECIATION POTENTIAL — The Notes provide the opportunity to participate in the appreciation of the Basket at maturity. If a Knock-Out Event has not occurred, in addition to the Principal Amount, you will receive at maturity at least the Contingent Minimum Return on the Notes (which will be determined on the Pricing Date and will not be less than 13.75%), or a minimum Payment at Maturity of at least $1,137.50 for every $1,000 Principal Amount of Notes. Because the Basket consists of equally weighted Basket Currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar and the Currency Performance of each Basket Currency relative to the U.S. Dollar is calculated as set forth on the cover, the maximum Basket Return will equal 100%. Therefore, the return on the Notes is limited to 100% and the maximum Payment at Maturity on the Notes will be $2,000 per $1,000 Principal Amount of Notes. Because the Notes are our senior unsecured debt obligations, payment of any amount at maturity is subject to our ability to pay our obligations as they become due.

· THE CONTINGENT MINIMUM RETURN APPLIES ONLY IF A KNOCK-OUT EVENT HAS NOT OCCURRED — If a Knock-Out Event has not occurred, you will receive at least the Principal Amount and the Contingent Minimum Return at maturity even if the Final Basket Level has depreciated as compared to the Initial Basket Level. If a Knock-Out Event has occurred, you will lose 1.00% of your Principal Amount for every 1.00% that the Final Basket Level has decreased as compared to the Initial Basket Level. If the Basket Return is -100.00%, you will lose your entire investment.

· DIVERSIFICATION AMONG THE BASKET CURRENCIES — The return on the Notes is linked to the performance of an equally weighted basket of three currencies, which we refer to as the Basket Currencies, relative to the U.S. Dollar, and will enable you to participate in any appreciation of the Basket Currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar during the term of the Notes. Accordingly, the value of the Basket increases if the Basket Currencies appreciate in value relative to the U.S. Dollar. The Basket derives its value from an equally weighted group of currencies consisting of the Korean Won, the Mexican Peso and the Russian Ruble.

· TAX TREATMENT — There is no direct legal authority as to the proper tax treatment of the Notes, and therefore significant aspects of the tax treatment of the Notes are uncertain as to both the timing and character of any inclusion in income in respect of the Notes. Under one approach, a Note should be treated as a pre-paid forward or other executory contract with respect to the Basket. We intend to treat the Notes consistent with this approach. Pursuant to the terms of the Notes, you agree to treat the Notes under this approach for all U.S. federal income tax purposes. Notwithstanding any disclosure in the accompanying prospectus 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

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reasonable to treat a Note as a pre-paid forward or other executory contract with respect to the Basket. Assuming this characterization is respected, upon a sale or exchange of a Note (including redemption of the Notes at maturity), you should recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale, exchange or redemption and your tax basis in the Note, which should equal the amount you paid to acquire the Note. Your gain or loss will generally be ordinary income or loss (as the case may be) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, holders of certain forward contracts, futures contracts or option contracts generally are entitled to make an election under Section 988 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) to treat ordinary gain or loss realized with respect to such instruments as capital gain or loss (a “Section 988 Capital Treatment Election”). Although the matter is uncertain, we believe that it would be reasonable to treat the Section 988 Capital Treatment Election as being available to the Notes. Assuming that the Section 988 Capital Treatment Election is available, if you make this election before the close of the day on which you acquire a Note, all gain or loss you recognize upon a sale or exchange of that Note (including redemption of the Note at maturity) should be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, provided that you have held the Note for more than one year at such time for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A U.S. Holder (as defined in the accompanying prospectus supplement) must make the Section 988 Capital Treatment Election with respect to a Note by (a) clearly identifying the transaction on its books and records on the date the transaction is entered into as being subject to this election and either (b) filing the relevant statement verifying this election with the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax return or (c) otherwise obtaining independent verification as set forth in the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 988 of the Code. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the U.S. tax considerations with respect to an investment in the Notes, as well as the availability, mechanics and consequences of a Section 988 Capital Treatment Election.

Due to the absence of authorities that directly address the proper characterization of the Notes, no assurance can be given that the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) will accept, or that a court will uphold, this characterization and tax treatment of the Notes, in which case the timing and character of any income or loss on the notes could be significantly and adversely affected. For example, the Notes could be treated either as ”foreign currency contracts” within, the meaning of Section 1256 of the Code or as “contingent payment debt instruments”, as discussed in the section entitled “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

In 2007, the IRS released a revenue ruling holding that a financial instrument with some arguable similarity to the Notes is properly treated as a debt instrument denominated in a foreign currency. The Notes are distinguishable in meaningful respects from the instruments described in the revenue ruling. If, however, the reach of the revenue ruling were to be extended, it could materially and adversely affect the tax consequences of an investment in the Notes for U.S. Holders, possibly with retroactive effect.

On March 18, 2010, the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act (the “HIRE Act”) was signed into law. Under certain circumstances, the HIRE Act will impose a withholding tax of 30% on payments of U.S. source income on, and the gross proceeds from a disposition of, securities made to certain foreign entities unless various information reporting requirements are satisfied. These rules generally would apply to payments made after December 31, 2012. However, under the HIRE Act, the withholding and reporting requirements generally will not apply to payments made on, or gross proceeds from a disposition of, securities outstanding as of March 18, 2012 (the “Grandfather Date”).

Despite the December 31, 2012 date set forth in the HIRE Act, the IRS has issued preliminary guidance indicating that the withholding tax on U.S. source income will not be imposed with respect to payments made prior to January 1, 2014 and that the withholding tax on gross proceeds from a disposition of securities will not be imposed with respect to payments made prior to January 1, 2015. In addition, the IRS has released proposed regulations that would extend the Grandfather Date to January 1, 2013. These proposed regulations would be effective once finalized. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the HIRE Act.

For a discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in a Note, please see the discussion under “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

Selected Risk Considerations

An investment in the Notes involves significant risks. Investing in the Notes is not equivalent to investing directly in the Basket or any Basket Currency. These risks are explained in more detail in the “Risk Factors” sections of the accompanying prospectus supplement.

· SUITABILITY OF NOTES FOR INVESTMENT — You should only reach a decision to invest in the Notes after carefully considering, with your advisors, the suitability of the Notes in light of your investment objectives and the information set out in this free writing prospectus. Neither HSBC nor any dealer participating in the offering makes any recommendation as to the suitability of the Notes for investment.

· YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES MAY RESULT IN A LOSS — The Notes do not guarantee any return of principal. The return on the Notes at maturity is linked to the performance of the Basket Currencies and will depend on whether a Knock-Out Event has occurred and whether, and the extent to which, the Basket Currencies appreciate or depreciate. If the Final Basket Level decreases, as compared to the Initial Basket Level, by more than the Knock-Out Buffer Amount of 15.00%, a Knock-Out Event has occurred, and the benefit provided by the Knock-Out Buffer Amount will terminate. IF A KNOCK-OUT EVENT OCCURS, YOU MAY LOSE UP TO 100.00% OF YOUR INVESTMENT.

· Your Maximum Possible Return On The Notes Is Limited — Because the Currency Performance for each Basket Currency relative to the U.S. Dollar is calculated by dividing (i) the difference of the Initial Spot Rate minus the Final Spot Rate by (ii) the Initial Spot Rate, the maximum Currency Performance for each Basket Currency relative to the U.S. Dollar will equal 100%, resulting in a maximum Basket Return of 100%. Therefore, the return on the Notes at maturity is capped at 100%. In addition, because the Currency Performance is calculated in this manner, there is no comparable limit on the negative performance of a Basket Currency or resulting overall negative performance of the Basket Return. Consequently, even if two of the Basket Currencies were to appreciate significantly relative to the U.S. dollar, that positive performance could be offset by a severe depreciation of the third Basket Currency.

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· 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, except such obligations as may be preferred by operation of law. Any payment to be made on the Notes, including any return of principal at maturity, depends on the ability of HSBC to satisfy its obligations as they come due. As a result, the actual and perceived creditworthiness of HSBC may affect the market value of the Notes and, in the event HSBC were to default on its obligations, you may not receive the amounts owed to you under the terms of the Notes.

· CHANGES IN THE LEVELS OF THE BASKET CURRENCIES MAY OFFSET EACH OTHER — Movements in the level of the Basket Currencies, with respect to the U.S. Dollar, may not correlate with each other. At a time when one or more of the Basket Currencies, relative to the U.S. Dollar, appreciates, the level of the other Basket Currencies, relative to the U.S. Dollar, may not appreciate as much or may even depreciate. Therefore, in calculating the Basket Return, appreciation in the level of one or more of the Basket Currencies, relative to the U.S. Dollar, may be moderated, or more than offset, by lesser appreciation or depreciation in the level of the other Basket Currencies, relative to the U.S. Dollar.

· YOUR ABILITY TO RECEIVE THE CONTINGENT MINIMUM RETURN MAY TERMINATE ON THE FINAL VALUATION DATE — If on the Final Valuation Date the Final Basket Level has decreased as compared to the Initial Basket Level by more than the Knock-Out Buffer Amount of 15.00%, you will be fully exposed to any decline in the Basket Level and will not be entitled to receive the benefit provided by the Contingent Minimum Return on the Notes. Under these circumstances, you will lose 1.00% of the Principal Amount of your investment for every 1.00% decline of the Final Basket Level as compared to the Initial Basket Level. As a result, you will lose some or all of your investment. Your return on the Notes may not reflect the return you would receive on a conventional fixed or floating rate debt instrument with a comparable term to maturity issued by HSBC or any other issuer with a similar credit rating.

· INVESTING IN THE NOTES IS NOT EQUIVALENT TO INVESTING DIRECTLY IN THE BASKET CURRENCIES— You may receive a lower return than you would have received if you had invested directly in the Basket Currencies. The Basket Return is dependent solely on the formula set forth above and not on any other formula that could be used for calculating currency performances. As such, the Basket Return may be materially different from the return on a direct investment in the respective Basket Currencies.

· CURRENCY MARKETS MAY BE VOLATILE — Currency markets may be highly volatile. Significant changes, including changes in liquidity and prices, can occur in such markets within very short periods of time. Foreign currency rate risks include, but are not limited to, convertibility risk and market volatility and potential interference by foreign governments through regulation of local markets, foreign investment or particular transactions in foreign currency. These factors may affect the level of the Basket on the Pricing Date or the Final Valuation Date, and therefore, the value of your Notes.

· LEGAL AND REGULATORY RISKS — Legal and regulatory changes could adversely affect exchange rates. In addition, many governmental agencies and regulatory organizations are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of market emergencies. It is not possible to predict the effect of any future legal or regulatory action relating to exchange rates, but any such action could cause unexpected volatility and instability in currency markets with a substantial and adverse effect on the performance of the Basket Currencies and, consequently, the value of the Notes.

· IF THE LIQUIDITY OF THE BASKET CURRENCIES IS LIMITED, THE VALUE OF THE NOTES WOULD LIKELY BE IMPAIRED — Currencies and derivatives contracts on currencies may be difficult to buy or sell, particularly during adverse market conditions. Reduced liquidity on the Final Valuation Date would likely have an adverse effect on the Final Spot Rate for each Basket Currency, and therefore, on the return on your Notes. Limited liquidity relating to the Basket Currencies may also result in HSBC USA Inc. or one of its affiliates, as Calculation Agent, being unable to determine the Currency Performance for one or more of the Basket Currencies using its normal means. The resulting discretion by the Calculation Agent in determining the Basket Return could, in turn, result in potential conflicts of interest.

· WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE EXCHANGE RATE BETWEEN THE BASKET CURRENCIES AND THE U.S. DOLLAR — Foreign exchange rates can either float or be fixed by sovereign governments. Exchange rates of the currencies used by most economically developed nations are permitted to fluctuate in value relative to the U.S. Dollar and to each other. However, from time to time governments may use a variety of techniques, such as intervention by a central bank, the imposition of regulatory controls or taxes or changes in interest rates to influence the exchange rates of their currencies. Governments may also issue a new currency to replace an existing currency or alter the exchange rate or relative exchange characteristics by a devaluation or revaluation of a currency. These governmental actions could change or interfere with currency valuations and currency fluctuations that would otherwise occur in response to economic forces, as well as in response to the movement of currencies across borders. As a consequence, these government actions could adversely affect an investment in the Notes which are affected by the exchange rate between the Basket Currencies and the U.S. Dollar.

· THE PAYMENT FORMULA FOR THE NOTES WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ALL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BASKET CURRENCIES — Changes in the Basket Currencies during the term of the Notes before the Final Valuation Date may not be reflected in the calculation of the Payment at Maturity. The Basket Return will be calculated only as of the Final Valuation Date. As a result, the Basket Return may be less than zero even if the Basket Currencies had moved favorably at certain times during the term of the Notes before moving to an unfavorable level on the Final Valuation Date.

· THE NOTES ARE SUBJECT TO EMERGING MARKETS’ POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISKS — All the Basket Currencies are the currencies of emerging market countries. Emerging market countries are more exposed to the risk of swift political change and economic downturns than their industrialized counterparts. In recent years, emerging markets have undergone significant political, economic and social change. Such far-reaching political changes have resulted in constitutional and social tensions, and, in some cases, instability and reaction against market reforms

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have occurred. With respect to any emerging or developing nation, there is the possibility of nationalization, expropriation or confiscation, political changes, government regulation and social instability. There can be no assurance that future political changes will not adversely affect the economic conditions of an emerging or developing-market nation. Political or economic instability is likely to have an adverse effect on the performance of these Basket Currencies, and, consequently, the return on the Notes. 

· THE NOTES ARE SUBJECT TO CURRENCY EXCHANGE RISK — Foreign currency exchange rates vary over time, and may vary considerably during the term of the Notes. The relative values of the U.S. Dollar and the Basket Currencies are at any moment a result of the supply and demand for such currencies. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates result over time from the interaction of many factors directly or indirectly affecting economic and political developments in other relevant countries. Of particular importance to currency exchange risk are:

· existing and expected rates of inflation;

· existing and expected interest rate levels;

· the balance of payments in the United States, South Korea, Mexico and the Russian Federation between each country and its major trading partners; and

· the extent of governmental surplus or deficit in the United States, South Korea, Mexico and the Russian Federation.

Each of these factors, among others, are sensitive to the monetary, fiscal and trade policies pursued by the United States, South Korea, Mexico, the Russian Federation and those of other countries important to international trade and finance.

· NO INTEREST PAYMENTS — As a holder of the Notes, you will not receive interest payments.

· PRICE PRIOR TO MATURITY — The market price of your Notes will be influenced by many factors including volatilities, the time remaining to maturity of the Notes, interest rates, geopolitical conditions, the exchange rate or volatility of the exchange rate between the Basket Currencies and the U.S. Dollar, economic, political, financial and regulatory or judicial events, and the creditworthiness of HSBC.

· Potentially Inconsistent Research, Opinions or Recommendations by HSBC and JPMorgan — HSBC, JPMorgan, or their affiliates may publish research, express opinions or provide recommendations that are inconsistent with investing in or holding the Notes and which may be revised at any time. Any such research, opinions or recommendations could affect the price of the Basket Currencies, and therefore, the market value of the Notes.

· CERTAIN BUILT-IN COSTS ARE LIKELY TO ADVERSELY AFFECT THE VALUE OF THE NOTES PRIOR TO MATURITY — While the Payment at Maturity described in this free writing prospectus is based on the full Principal Amount of your Notes, the original issue price of the Notes includes the placement agent’s commission and the estimated cost of hedging our obligations under the Notes through one or more of our affiliates. As a result, the price, if any, at which HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will be willing to purchase Notes from you in secondary market transactions, if at all, will likely be lower than the original issue price, and any sale of Notes by you prior to the Maturity Date could result in a substantial loss to you. The Notes are not designed to be short-term trading instruments. Accordingly, you should be able and willing to hold your Notes to maturity.

· THE NOTES LACK LIQUIDITY — The Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. may offer to purchase the Notes in the secondary market but is not required to do so and may cease making such offers at any time if at all. Because other dealers are not likely to make a secondary market for the Notes, the price at which you may be able to trade your Notes is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. is willing to buy the Notes. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the Notes easily.

· POTENTIAL CONFLICTS — HSBC and its affiliates play a variety of roles in connection with the issuance of the Notes, including acting as calculation agent and hedging its obligations under the Notes. In performing these duties, the economic interests of the calculation agent and other affiliates of HSBC are potentially adverse to your interests as an investor in the Notes. HSBC will not have any obligation to consider your interests as a holder of the Notes in taking any corporate action that might affect the Basket Currencies and the value of the Notes.

· The Notes are Not Insured by any Governmental Agency of the United States or any Other Jurisdiction — The Notes are not deposit liabilities or other obligations of a bank and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency or program of the United States or any other jurisdiction. An investment in the Notes is subject to the credit risk of HSBC, and in the event that HSBC is unable to pay its obligations as they become due, you may not receive the full Payment at Maturity of the Notes.

· HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE OF THE BASKET CURRENCIES SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN AS AN INDICATION OF THE FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF THE BASKET CURRENCIES DURING THE TERM OF THE NOTES — It is impossible to predict whether any of the Spot Rates for the Basket Currencies will rise or fall. The Basket Currencies will be influenced by complex and interrelated political, economic, financial and other factors.

· MARKET DISRUPTIONS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT YOUR RETURN — The Calculation Agent may, in its sole discretion, determine that the markets have been affected in a manner that prevents it from determining the Basket Return in the manner described herein, and calculating the amount that we are required to pay you upon maturity, or from properly hedging its obligations under the Notes. These events may include disruptions or suspensions of trading in the markets as a whole or general inconvertibility or non-transferability of one or more currencies. If the Calculation Agent, in its sole discretion, determines that any of these events prevents us or any of our affiliates from properly hedging our obligations under the Notes or prevents the Calculation Agent from determining the Basket Return or Payment at Maturity in the ordinary manner, the Calculation Agent will determine the Basket Return or Payment at Maturity in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, and it is possible that the Final Valuation

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 Date and the Maturity Date will be postponed, which may adversely affect the return on your Notes. For example, if the source for an exchange rate is not available on the Final Valuation Date, the Calculation Agent may determine the exchange rate for such date, and such determination may adversely affect the return on your Notes.

· MANY ECONOMIC AND MARKET FACTORS WILL IMPACT THE VALUE OF THE NOTES — In addition to the Spot Rate of the Basket Currencies on any day, the value of the Notes will be affected by a number of economic and market factors that may either offset or magnify each other, including:

· the expected volatility of the Basket Currencies and the U.S. Dollar;

· the time to maturity of the Notes;

· whether a Knock-Out Event has occurred;

· interest and yield rates in the market generally and in the markets of Basket Currencies and the U.S. Dollar;

· a variety of economic, financial, political, regulatory or judicial events;

· the exchange rates and volatility of the exchange rates between the Basket Currencies and the U.S. Dollar; and

· our creditworthiness, including actual or anticipated downgrades in our credit ratings.

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What Is the Total Return on the Notes at Maturity Assuming a Range of Performances for the Basket?

The following table illustrates the hypothetical total return at maturity on the Notes. The “total return” as used in this free writing prospectus is the number, expressed as a percentage, that results from comparing the Payment at Maturity, per $1,000 Principal Amount of Notes, to $1,000. The hypothetical total returns set forth below reflect the Knock-Out Buffer Amount of 15.00% and the Initial Basket Level of 100, and assume a Contingent Minimum Return on the Notes of 13.75%. The actual Contingent Minimum Return will be determined on the Pricing Date and will not be less than 13.75%. The hypothetical total returns set forth below are for illustrative purposes only and may not be the actual total returns applicable to a purchaser of the Notes. The numbers appearing in the following table and examples have been rounded for ease of analysis.

Hypothetical Basket Return	Hypothetical Total Return
	Knock Out Event Has Not Occurred(1)	Knock Out Event Has Occurred(2)
100.00%	100.00%	N/A
80.00%	80.00%	N/A
60.00%	60.00%	N/A
50.00%	50.00%	N/A
40.00%	40.00%	N/A
30.00%	30.00%	N/A
25.00%	25.00%	N/A
20.00%	20.00%	N/A
15.00%	15.00%	N/A
13.75%	13.75%	N/A
10.00%	13.75%	N/A
5.00%	13.75%	N/A
1.00%	13.75%	N/A
0.00%	13.75%	N/A
-5.00%	13.75%	N/A
-10.00%	13.75%	N/A
-15.00%	13.75%	N/A
-20.00%	N/A	-20.00%
-25.00%	N/A	-25.00%
-30.00%	N/A	-30.00%
-40.00%	N/A	-40.00%
-50.00%	N/A	-50.00%
-60.00%	N/A	-60.00%
-80.00%	N/A	-80.00%
-100.00%	N/A	-100.00%

(1) The Final Basket Level has not depreciated, as compared to the Initial Basket Level, by more than 15.00%.

(2) The Final Basket Level has depreciated, as compared to the Initial Basket Level, by more than 15.00%.

Hypothetical Examples of Amounts Payable at Maturity

The following examples illustrate how the total returns set forth in the table above are calculated.

Example 1: The level of the Basket has decreased from the Initial Basket Level of 100 to a Final Basket Level of 90. Because a Knock-Out Event has not occurred and the Basket Return of -10.00% is less than the hypothetical Contingent Minimum Return of 13.75%, the investor benefits from the hypothetical Contingent Minimum Return and receives a Payment at Maturity of $1,137.50 per $1,000 Principal Amount of Notes.

Example 2: The level of the Basket increases from the Initial Basket Level of 100 to a Final Basket Level of 120. Because a Knock-Out Event has not occurred and the Basket Return of 20.00% is greater than the hypothetical Contingent Minimum Return of 13.75%, the investor receives a Payment at Maturity of $1,200.00 per $1,000 Principal Amount of Notes, calculated as follows:

$1,000 + ($1,000 × 20.00%) = $1,200.00

Example 3: The level of the Basket has decreased from the Initial Basket Level of 100 to a Final Basket Level of 60. Because a Knock-Out Event has occurred and the Basket Return is -40.00%, the investor is exposed to the negative performance of the Basket and receives a Payment at Maturity of $600.00 per $1,000 Principal Amount of Notes, calculated as follows:

$1,000 + ($1,000 × -40.00%) = $600.00

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Historical Performance of the Basket Currencies

The following first three graphs set forth the historical performance of each Basket Currency based on exchange rates of such Basket Currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar from March 18, 2002 through March 16, 2012. The USDKRW exchange rate on March 16, 2012 was 1,125.78. The USDMXN exchange rate on March 16, 2012 was 12.6692. The USDRUB exchange rate on March 16, 2012 was 29.2496. We obtained the exchange rates 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 exchange rates displayed in the graphs below are for illustrative purposes only and do not form part of the calculation of the Basket Return.

The last graph below shows the daily performance of the Basket from March 18, 2002 through March 16, 2012, assuming that the Basket closing level on March 18, 2002 was 100, that each Basket Currency had a 1/3 weight in the Basket on that date and that the historical exchange rates of each Basket Currency on the relevant dates were the Spot Rates on such dates.

The historical exchange rates should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the exchange rates on the Final Valuation Date. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of the Basket Currencies will result in the return of any of your initial investment. The closing exchange rates in the graphs below were the rates reported by Bloomberg Professional Service and may not be indicative of the Spot Rates of the Basket Currencies that would be derived from the applicable Reuters page.

 

 

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Spot Rate

The Spot Rate for the Korean Won (“USDKRW”) on each date of calculation will be the U.S. Dollar/Korean Won rate in the global spot foreign exchange market, expressed as the amount of Korean Won per one U.S. Dollar, as published by Korea Financial Telecommunications & Clearings Corporation and reported by Reuters on Page “KFTC18” (in the MID column) or any substitute page, at or after 3:30 p.m. (Seoul time) on any relevant date. The Spot Rate is subject to the provisions set forth under “Market Disruption Events” in this free writing prospectus. Four decimal figures shall be used for the determination of such USDKRW exchange rate.

The Spot Rate for the Mexican Peso (“USDMXN”) on each date of calculation will be the U.S. Dollar/Mexican Peso rate, expressed as the amount of Mexican Pesos per one U.S. Dollar, for settlement on the same day, as reported on Reuters page “WMRSPOT”, or any successor page, at approximately 4:00 p.m. in London on such date of calculation. The Spot Rate is subject to the provisions set forth under “Market Disruption Events” in this free writing prospectus. Four decimal figures shall be used for the determination of such USDMXN exchange rate.

The Spot Rate for the Russian Ruble (“USDRUB”) on each date of calculation will be the U.S. Dollar/Russian Ruble rate, expressed as units of the Russian Ruble per one U.S. Dollar, for settlement in one business day, calculated by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) and as published on CME’s website, which appears on the Reuters Screen EMTA Page, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Moscow time, on such date of calculation. The Spot Rate shall be calculated by the CME pursuant to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange/EMTA, Inc. Daily Russian Ruble Per U.S. Dollar Reference Rate Methodology (which means a methodology, effective as of June 16, 2005, as amended from time to time, for a centralized industrywide survey of financial institutions in Russia that are active participants in the USD/RUB spot market for the purpose of determining the RUB/CME-EMTA Rate).

A higher Spot Rate indicates a weakening of the underlying Basket Currency against the U.S. Dollar, while a lower Spot Rate indicates a strengthening of the underlying Basket Currency against the U.S. Dollar. The Spot Rate is subject to the provisions set forth under “Market Disruption Events” in the accompanying product supplement.

If any of the foregoing Spot Rates is unavailable (including being published in error, as determined by the Calculation Agent in its sole discretion), the Spot Rate for such Basket Currency shall be selected by the Calculation Agent in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner.

Market Disruption Events

The Calculation Agent may, in its sole discretion, determine that an event has occurred that prevents it from valuing one or more of the Basket Currencies or the Payment at Maturity in the manner initially provided for herein. These events may include disruptions or suspensions of trading in the markets as a whole or general inconvertibility or non-transferability of one or more of the Basket Currencies. If the Calculation Agent, in its sole discretion, determines that any of these events prevents us or our affiliates from properly hedging our obligations under the Notes or prevents the Calculation Agent from determining such value or amount in the ordinary manner on such date, the Calculation Agent may determine such value or amount in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner on such date or, in the discretion of the Calculation Agent, the Final Valuation Date and Maturity Date may be postponed for up to five scheduled trading days, each of which may adversely affect the return on your Notes. If the Final Valuation Date has been postponed for five consecutive scheduled trading days, then that fifth scheduled trading day will be the Final Valuation Date and the Calculation Agent will determine the level of such Basket Currency or Basket Currencies using the formula for and method of determining such level which applied just prior to the market disruption event (or in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner) on such date.

Events of Default and Acceleration

If the Notes have become immediately due and payable following an event of default (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) with respect to the Notes, the Calculation Agent will determine the accelerated Payment at Maturity due and payable in the same general manner as described in “Key Terms” in this free writing prospectus. In that case, the business day preceding the date of acceleration will be used as the Final Valuation Date for purposes of determining the accelerated Final Basket Level (including each Final Spot Rate). The accelerated Maturity Date will be the fifth business day following the accelerated Final Valuation Date (including each Final Spot Rate).

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 accompanying prospectus.

Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)

Pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of HSBC, will purchase the Notes from HSBC for distribution to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and certain of its registered broker-dealer affiliates, at the price indicated on the cover of the pricing supplement, the document that will be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) containing the final pricing terms of the Notes. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and certain of its registered broker-dealer affiliates will act as placement agent for the Notes and will receive a fee that will not exceed $12.50 per $1,000 Principal Amount of Notes.

In addition, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or another of its affiliates or agents may use the pricing supplement to which this free writing prospectus relates in market-making transactions after the initial sale of the Notes, but is under no obligation to do so and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice.

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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.

We expect that delivery of the Notes will be made against payment for the Notes on or about the Original Issue Date set forth on the cover page of this document, which is expected to be the fifth business day following the Trade Date of the Notes.  Under Rule 15c6-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to that trade expressly agree otherwise.  Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade Notes on the Trade Date and the following business day thereafter will be required to specify an alternate settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement and should consult their own advisors.

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