CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
|
Title
of Each Class of |
Maximum
Aggregate |
Amount
of |
| HSBC USA Inc. Contingent Return Optimization Securities Linked to the S&P 500® Index due June 30, 2014 |
$8,026,660 | $919.86 |
(1) Calculated in accordance with Rule 457 (r) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
|
PRICING SUPPLEMENT Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) Registration Statement No. 333-180289 Dated June 26, 2012 |
 |
HSBC USA Inc. Contingent Return Optimization Securities
$8,026,660 Linked to the S&P 500® Index due June 30, 2014
| Investment Description |
These Contingent Return Optimization Securities (the “Securities”) are senior unsecured debt securities issued by HSBC USA Inc. (“HSBC”) with returns linked to the performance of the S&P 500® Index (the “Index”). The Securities will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt obligations. The amount HSBC will pay you at maturity is based on the Index Return and on whether the Final Level is below the Trigger Level, which will be 75% of the Initial Level, on the Final Valuation Date. If the Final Level is equal to or greater than the Trigger Level, at maturity HSBC will pay you the full Principal Amount plus a return equal to the greater of the 8.00% Contingent Return and the Index Return, up to the Maximum Gain of 27.00%. If the Final Level is below the Trigger Level, at maturity HSBC will pay you less than the full Principal Amount, if anything, resulting in a loss on the Principal Amount that is proportionate to the full decline in the level of the Index from the Trade Date to the Final Valuation Date. Investing in the Securities involves significant risks. You will not receive interest or dividend payments during the term of the Securities. You may lose some or all of your Principal Amount. The contingent repayment of principal applies only if you hold the Securities to maturity. Any payment on the Securities, including any repayment of principal at maturity, is subject to the creditworthiness of HSBC. If HSBC were to default on its payment obligations, you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the Securities and you could lose your entire investment.
| Features |
| q | Contingent Return with Participation Up to a Maximum Gain: At maturity, HSBC will pay you the Principal Amount plus a minimum return of 8.00% as long as the Index does not close below the Trigger Level on the Final Valuation Date (a decline of more than 25.00%) with participation in any positive Index Returns above the Contingent Return up to a Maximum Gain on the Securities of 27.00%. If the Index closes below the Trigger Level on the Final Valuation Date, investors will be exposed to the full negative return of the Index over the term of the Securities. |
| q | Contingent Repayment of Principal at Maturity: The contingent return feature also includes the contingent repayment of principal at maturity. If the Index Return is negative, but the Index does not close below the Trigger Level on the Final Valuation Date, HSBC will pay you the full Principal Amount of the Securities plus the Contingent Return. If the Index closes below the Trigger Level on the Final Valuation Date, HSBC will pay you less than the full Principal Amount, if anything, resulting in a loss on the Principal Amount that is proportionate to the negative Index Return. The contingent repayment of principal only applies if you hold the Securities until maturity. Any payment on the Securities, including any repayment of principal, is subject to the creditworthiness of HSBC. |
| Key Dates |
| Trade Date | June 26, 2012 |
| Settlement Date | June 29, 2012 |
| Final Valuation Date1 | June 24, 2014 |
| Maturity Date1 | June 30, 2014 |
1 See page 3 for additional details.
The Securities are significantly riskier than conventional debt INSTRUMENTS. the terms of the securities may not obligate HSBC TO REPAY THE FULL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF THE SECURITIES. the Securities CAN have downside MARKET risk SIMILAR TO the INDEX, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF SOME OR ALL OF the principal amount at maturity. This MARKET risk is in addition to the CREDIT risk INHERENT IN PURCHASING a DEBT OBLIGATION OF hsbc. You should not PURCHASE the Securities if you do not understand or are not comfortable with the significant risks INVOLVED in INVESTING IN the Securities.
YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE RISKS DESCRIBED UNDER ‘‘KEY RISKS’’ BEGINNING ON PAGE 5 OF THIS PRICING SUPPLEMENT AND THE MORE DETAILED ‘‘RISK FACTORS’’ BEGINNING ON PAGE S-1 OF THE ACCOMPANYING EQUITY INDEX UNDERLYING SUPPLEMENT AND BEGINNING ON PAGE S-3 OF THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT BEFORE PURCHASING ANY SECURITIES. EVENTS RELATING TO ANY OF THOSE RISKS, OR OTHER RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, COULD ADVERSELY EFFECT THE MARKET VALUE OF, AND THE RETURN ON, YOUR SECURITIES.
| Security Offering |
| HSBC is offering Contingent Return Optimization Securities linked to the S&P 500® Index. The return on the Securities is subject to, and limited by, the predetermined Maximum Gain. The Securities are offered at a minimum investment of 100 Securities of the price to public described below. |
| Index | Contingent Return | Maximum Gain | Maximum Payment at Maturity (per $10 Security) |
Initial Level | Trigger Level | CUSIP/ISIN |
| S&P 500® Index | 8.00% | 27.00% | $12.70 | 1,319.99 | 989.99, which is 75.00% of the Initial Level | 40433M633 / US40433M6333 |
See “Additional Information about HSBC USA Inc. and the Securities” on page 2 of this pricing supplement. The Securities offered will have the terms specified in the accompanying prospectus dated March 22, 2012, the accompanying prospectus supplement dated March 22, 2012, the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement dated March 22, 2012 and the terms set forth herein.
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or 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 Equity Index Underlying Supplement, prospectus or prospectus supplement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. 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 of the United States or any other jurisdiction.
The Securities will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or quotation system. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of HSBC USA Inc., will purchase the Securities from HSBC USA Inc. for distribution to UBS Financial Services Inc, acting as agent. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on the last page of this pricing supplement for the distribution arrangement.
| Price to Public | Underwriting Discount(1) | Proceeds to Issuer | |
| Per Security | $10.00 | $0.20 | $9.80 |
| Total | $8,026,660 | $160,533.20 | $7,866,126.80 |
(1) UBS Financial Services Inc. will act as placement agent for sales to certain advisory accounts at a purchase price to such accounts of $9.80 per Security, and will not receive a sales commission with respect to such sales. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on page 10 of this pricing supplement.
The Securities:
| Are Not FDIC Insured | Are Not Bank Guaranteed | May Lose Value |
| UBS Financial Services Inc. | HSBC USA Inc. |
| Additional Information about HSBC USA Inc. and the Securities |
This pricing supplement relates to the offering of Securities linked to the Index identified on the cover page. As a purchaser of a Security, you will acquire a senior unsecured debt instrument linked to the Index that will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt obligations. Although the offering of Securities relates to the Index identified on the cover page, you should not construe that fact as a recommendation of the merits of acquiring an investment linked to the Index, or as to the suitability of an investment in the Securities.
You should read this document together with the prospectus dated March 22, 2012, the prospectus supplement dated March 22, 2012 and the Equity Index Underlying Supplement dated March 22, 2012. If the terms of the Securities offered hereby are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement or prospectus, the terms described in this pricing supplement shall control. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Key Risks” beginning on page 5 of this pricing supplement and in “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-1 of the Equity Index Underlying Supplement and beginning on page S-3 of the prospectus supplement, as the Securities involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. You are urged to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors before you invest in the Securities.
HSBC USA Inc. has filed a registration statement (including the Equity Index Underlying Supplement, prospectus and prospectus supplement) with the SEC for the offering to which this pricing supplement relates. Before you invest, you should read the Equity Index Underlying Supplement, prospectus and prospectus supplement in that registration statement and other documents HSBC USA Inc. has filed with the SEC for more complete information about HSBC USA Inc. 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 Equity Index Underlying Supplement, prospectus and prospectus supplement if you request them by calling toll-free 1-866-811-8049.
You may access these documents on the SEC web site at www.sec.gov as follows:
¨ Equity Index Underlying Supplement dated March 22, 2012: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000114420412016693/v306691_424b2.htm ¨ Prospectus supplement dated March 22, 2012: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000104746912003151/a2208335z424b2.htm ¨ Prospectus dated March 22, 2012: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000104746912003148/a2208395z424b2.htm |
As used herein, references to the “Issuer,” “HSBC”, “we,” “us” and “our” are to HSBC USA Inc. References to the “prospectus supplement” mean the prospectus supplement dated March 22, 2012, references to “accompanying prospectus” mean the HSBC USA Inc. prospectus, dated March 22, 2012 and references to the “Equity Index Underlying Supplement” mean the Equity Index Underlying Supplement dated March 22, 2012.
| Investor Suitability |
|
The Securities may be suitable for you if:
¨ You fully understand the risks inherent in an investment in the Securities, including the risk of loss of your entire initial investment. ¨ You can tolerate a loss of all or a substantial portion of your investment and are willing to make an investment that may have downside market risk similar to the Index. ¨ You seek an investment with a return linked to the performance of the Index and believe the Index will appreciate over the term of the Securities, but that any such appreciation will not exceed the Maximum Gain of 27.00%. ¨ You are willing to invest in the Securities based on the Contingent Return of 8.00%. ¨ You understand that your return is limited by the Maximum Gain and you are willing to invest in the Securities based on the Maximum Gain of 27.00%. ¨ You are willing to hold the Securities to maturity, a term of two years, and accept that there may be little or no secondary market for the Securities. ¨ You do not seek current income from your investment and are willing to forego dividends paid on the stocks included in the Index. ¨ You are willing to assume the credit risk of HSBC, as Issuer of the Securities, and understand that if HSBC defaults on its obligations you may not receive any amounts due to you including any repayment of principal.
|
The Securities may not be suitable for you if:
¨ You do not fully understand the risks inherent in an investment in the Securities, including the risk of loss of your entire initial investment. ¨ You cannot tolerate a loss of all or a substantial portion of your investment, and you are not willing to make an investment that may have downside market risk similar to the Index. ¨ You believe the Index will depreciate by more than the Trigger Level over the term of the Securities, or you believe the Index will appreciate over the term of the Securities by a percentage that exceeds the Maximum Gain of 27.00%. ¨ You require an investment designed to provide full return of principal at maturity. ¨ You are unwilling to invest in the Securities based on the Contingent Return of 8.00%. ¨ You are unwilling to invest in the Securities based on the Maximum Gain of 27.00%. ¨ You seek an investment that has unlimited return potential without a cap on appreciation. ¨ 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 seek current income from your investment or prefer to receive the dividends paid on the stocks included in the Index. ¨ You are unable or unwilling to hold the Securities to maturity, a term of two years, or you seek an investment for which there will be an active secondary market. ¨ You are not willing or are unable to assume the credit risk associated with HSBC, as Issuer of the Securities, for any payment on the Securities, including any repayment of principal. |
The suitability considerations identified above are not exhaustive. Whether or not the Securities are a suitable investment for you will depend on your individual circumstances, and you should reach an investment decision only after you and your investment, legal, tax, accounting and other advisors have carefully considered the suitability of an investment in the Securities in light of your particular circumstances. You should also review “Key Risks” beginning on page 5 of this pricing supplement and “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-1 of the Equity Index Underlying Supplement and beginning on page S-3 of the prospectus supplement.
Investing in the
Securities involves significant risks. You may lose some or all of your principal amount. Any payment on the Securities,
including any repayment of principal AT MATURITY, is subject to the creditworthiness of HSBC. If HSBC were to default on
its payment obligations, you may not receive any amounts owed to you under the Securities and you could lose your entire investment. 1
Payment at maturity and any repayment of principal is provided by HSBC USA Inc., and therefore, is dependent on the ability of
HSBC USA Inc. to satisfy its obligations when they come due. You should carefully consider, among other
things, the matters set forth in the section “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the prospectus supplement.
The following discussion summarizes the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, beneficial ownership, and disposition
of each of the Securities. This summary supplements the section “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the prospectus
supplement and supersedes it to the extent inconsistent therewith. There are no statutory provisions, regulations,
published rulings or judicial decisions addressing the characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes of securities with
terms that are substantially the same as those of the Securities. Under one reasonable approach, the Securities should be treated
as pre-paid forward or other executory contracts with respect to the Index. HSBC intends to treat the Securities consistent with
this approach and pursuant to the terms of the Securities, you agree to treat the Securities under this approach for all U.S. federal
income tax purposes. Subject to certain limitations described in the prospectus supplement, and based on certain factual representations
received from HSBC, in the opinion of HSBC’s special U.S. tax counsel, Sidley Austin llp,
it is reasonable to treat the Securities in accordance with this approach. Pursuant to this approach, HSBC does not intend to report
any income or gain with respect to the Securities prior to their maturity or an earlier sale or exchange and HSBC intends 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. See "U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
— Certain Equity-Linked Notes — Certain Notes Treated as Forward Contracts or Executory Contracts" in the prospectus
supplement for the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to Securities that are treated as pre-paid cash-settled forward
or other executory contracts. Because there are no statutory provisions,
regulations, published rulings or judicial decisions addressing the characterization for U.S. federal income tax purposes of securities
with terms that are substantially the same as those of the Securities, other characterizations and treatments are possible and
the timing and character of income in respect of the Securities might differ from the treatment described above. For example, the
Securities could be treated as debt instruments that are “contingent payment debt instruments” for U.S. federal income
tax purposes, subject to the treatment described under the heading “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — U.S. Federal
Income Tax Treatment of Notes as Indebtedness for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes — Contingent Payment Debt Instruments”
in the prospectus supplement. In Notice 2008-2, the Internal Revenue
Service ("IRS") and the Treasury Department requested comments as to whether the purchaser of an exchange traded note
or prepaid forward contract (which may include the Securities) 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 regulations or other
guidance could provide that a U.S. holder (as defined in the prospectus supplement) of the Securities is required to accrue income
in respect of the Securities prior to the receipt of payments with respect to the Securities or their earlier sale. Moreover, it
is possible that any such regulations or other guidance could treat all income and gain of a U.S. holder in respect of the Securities
as ordinary income (including gain on a sale). Finally, it is possible that a non-U.S. holder (as defined in the prospectus supplement)
of the Securities could be subject to U.S. withholding tax in respect of the Securities. It is unclear whether any regulations
or other guidance would apply to the Securities (possibly on a retroactive basis). Prospective investors are urged to consult with
their tax advisors regarding Notice 2008-2 and the possible effect to them of the issuance of regulations or other guidance that
affects the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the Securities. PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF SECURITIES SHOULD
CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP
AND DISPOSITION OF SECURITIES. An investment in the Securities involves significant risks.
Some of the risks that apply to the Securities are summarized here, but you are urged to read the more detailed explanation of
risks relating to the Securities generally in the “Risk Factors” section of the accompanying Equity Index Underlying
Supplement and the accompanying prospectus supplement. You are also urged to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting and
other advisors before you invest in the Securities. In Notice 2008-2, the Internal Revenue
Service (“IRS”) and the Treasury Department requested comments as to whether the purchaser of an exchange traded note
or prepaid forward contract (which may include the Securities) 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 regulations or other
guidance could provide that a U.S. holder (as defined in the prospectus supplement) of the Securities is required to accrue income
in respect of the Securities prior to the receipt of payments with respect to the Securities or their earlier sale. Moreover, it
is possible that any such regulations or other guidance could treat all income and gain of a U.S. holder in respect of the Securities
as ordinary income (including gain on a sale). Finally, it is possible that a non-U.S. holder (as defined in the prospectus supplement)
of the Securities could be subject to U.S. withholding tax in respect of the Securities. It is unclear whether any regulations
or other guidance would apply to the Securities (possibly on a retroactive basis). Prospective investors are urged to consult with
their tax advisors regarding Notice 2008-2 and the possible effect to them of the issuance of regulations or other guidance that
affects the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the Securities. For a more complete 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” in the prospectus supplement. The below scenario analysis 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 Index relative to the Initial Level. We cannot predict the Final Level. You should not take the scenario
analysis and these examples as an indication or assurance of the expected performance of the Index. The numbers appearing in the
examples below have been rounded for ease of analysis. The following scenario analysis and examples illustrate the Payment at Maturity
for a $10.00 Security, providing different hypothetical returns depending on the purchase price of the Securities, reflecting the
following: Example 1— The level of the
Index increases from an Initial Level of 1,319.99 to a Final Level of 1,847.99. Because the Index did not close below
the Trigger Level on the Final Valuation Date and the Index Return of 40.00% is greater than the Contingent Return but also greater
than the Maximum Gain, HSBC will pay a Payment at Maturity calculated as follows per $10 Security: $10 + ($10 × Maximum
Gain) $10 + ($10 × 27.00%)
= $12.70 The Payment at Maturity of $12.70 per $10 Security,
which is the maximum payment on the Securities, represents a return on the Principal Amount equal to the Maximum Gain of 27.00%,
which corresponds to a total return on the Securities of 27.00% for brokerage accounts and 29.59% for advisory accounts. Example 2— The level of the
Index increases from an Initial Level of 1,319.99 to a Final Level of 1,583.99. Because the Index did not close below
the Trigger Level on the Final Valuation Date and the Index Return of 20.00% is greater than the Contingent Return but less than
the Maximum Gain, HSBC will pay a Payment at Maturity calculated as follows per $10 Security: $10 + ($10 × Index
Return) $10 + ($10 × 20.00%)
= $12.00 The Payment at Maturity of $12.00 per $10 Security
represents a return on the Principal Amount equal to 20.00%, which corresponds to a total return on the Securities of 20.00% for
brokerage accounts and 22.45% for advisory accounts. Example 3— The level of the
Index increases from an Initial Level of 1,319.99 to a Final Level of 1,385.99. Because the Index did not close below
the Trigger Level on the Final Valuation Date and the Index Return of 5.00% is less than the Contingent Return, HSBC will pay a
Payment at Maturity calculated as follows per $10 Security: $10 + ($10 × Contingent
Return) $10 + ($10 × 8.00%)
= $10.80 The Payment at Maturity of $10.80 per $10 Security
represents a return on the Principal Amount equal to the Contingent Return of 8.00%, which corresponds to a total return on the
Securities of 8.00% for brokerage accounts and 10.20% for advisory accounts. Example 4— The level of the
Index decreases from an Initial Level of 1,319.99 to a Final Level of 1,187.99. Because the Index did not close below
the Trigger Level on the Final Valuation Date and the Index Return of -10.00% is less than the Contingent Return, HSBC will pay
a Payment at Maturity calculated as follows per $10 Security: $10 + ($10 × Contingent
Return) $10 + ($10 × 8.00%)
= $10.80 The Payment at Maturity of $10.80 per $10 Security
represents a return on the Principal Amount equal to the Contingent Return of 8.00%, which corresponds to a total return on the
Securities of 8.00% for brokerage accounts and 10.20% for advisory accounts. Example 5— The level of the
Index decreases from an Initial Level of 1,319.99 to a Final Level of 660.00. Because the Index closes below the Trigger
Level on the Final Valuation Date, HSBC will pay a Payment at Maturity calculated as follows per $10 Security: $10 + ($10 × Index
Return) $10 + ($10 × -50.00%)
= $5.00 The Payment at Maturity of $5.00 per $10 Security
represents a loss on the Principal Amount equal to the Index Return of -50.00%, which corresponds to a total loss on the Securities
of 50.00% for brokerage accounts and 48.98% for advisory accounts. If the Final Level is below the Trigger
Level on the Final Valuation Date, the Securities will be fully exposed to any decline in the Index, and you will lose some or
all of your Principal Amount at maturity. Scenario Analysis – hypothetical
Payment at Maturity for each $10.00 Principal Amount of Securities. Final
Level Index
Return Payment
at Maturity Hypothetical
Return Hypothetical
Return *. The Index excludes cash dividend
payments of stocks included in the Index. (1) This “Hypothetical Return on Securities”
is the number, expressed as a percentage, that results from comparing the Payment at Maturity per $10 Principal Amount Security
to the purchase price of $10 per Security for all brokerage account holders. (2) This “Hypothetical Return on Securities” is the number, expressed as a percentage, that
results from comparing the Payment at Maturity per $10 Principal Amount Security to the purchase price of $9.80 per Security, which
is the purchase price for investors in advisory accounts. See "Supplemental
Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)" on page 10 of this pricing supplement. Description of the Index The SPX is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 U.S. stocks. It is designed to measure performance of
the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. The top 5 industry groups by market capitalization as of June 26, 2012 were: Information Technology, Financials,
Health Care, Consumer Staples and Consumer Discretionary. For more information about the Index, see “The
S&P 500Ò
Index” on page S-6 of the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement. Historical Performance of the Index The following graph sets forth the historical performance of the Index based on the daily historical closing
levels from June 26, 2007 to June 26, 2012 as reported on Bloomberg Professional® service. We have not undertaken
any independent review of, or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to, the information obtained from Bloomberg Professional®
service. The historical levels of the Index should not be taken as an indication of future performance. The Official Closing Level of the Index on June 26, 2012 was 1,319.99. If the Securities have become immediately
due and payable following an event of default (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) with respect to the Securities, the Calculation
Agent will determine the accelerated payment due and payable at maturity in the same general manner as described in “Final
Terms” in this pricing supplement. In that case, the scheduled trading day preceding the date of acceleration will be used
as the Final Valuation Date for purposes of determining the Index Return. If a Market Disruption Event exists with respect to the
Index on that scheduled trading day, then the accelerated Final Valuation Date for the Index will be postponed for up to five scheduled
trading days (in the same manner used for postponing the originally scheduled Final Valuation Date). The accelerated Maturity Date
will also be postponed by an equal number of business days. If the Securities have become immediately
due and payable following an event of default, you will not be entitled to any additional payments with respect to the Securities.
For more information, see “Description of Debt Securities — Senior Debt Securities — Events of Default”
in the accompanying prospectus. Pursuant to the terms of a distribution
agreement, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of HSBC, will purchase the Securities from HSBC for distribution to UBS Financial
Services Inc. (the “Agent”). HSBC has agreed to sell to the Agent, and the Agent has agreed to purchase, all of the
Securities at the price indicated on the cover of this pricing supplement. HSBC has agreed to indemnify the Agent against liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or to contribute to payments that the Agent may be required
to make relating to these liabilities as described in the prospectus supplement and the prospectus. The Agent may allow a concession
not in excess of the underwriting discount set forth on the cover of this pricing supplement to its affiliates for
distribution of the Securities to brokerage accounts. The Agent will act as placement agent for sales to certain advisory accounts
at a purchase price to such accounts of $9.80 per Security, and will not receive a sales commission with respect to such sales. Subject to regulatory constraints, HSBC USA
Inc. (or an affiliate thereof) intends to offer to purchase the Securities in the secondary market, but is not required to do so
and may cease making such offers at any time. HSBC or its affiliate will enter into swap agreements or related hedge transactions
with one of its other affiliates or unaffiliated counterparties, which may include the Agent, in connection with the sale of the
Securities and the Agent and/or an affiliate may earn additional income as a result of payments pursuant to the swap or related
hedge transactions. In addition, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or another
of its affiliates or agents may use this pricing supplement in market-making transactions after the initial sale of the Securities,
but is under no obligation to make a market in the Securities and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without
notice. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution
(Conflicts of Interest)” on page S-49 in the accompanying prospectus supplement. In the opinion of Sidley Austin llp,
as counsel to the Issuer, when the securities offered by this pricing supplement have been executed and issued by the Issuer and
authenticated by the trustee pursuant to the Senior Indenture referred to in the prospectus supplement dated March 22, 2012, and
delivered against payment as contemplated herein, such securities will be valid and binding obligations of the Issuer, enforceable
in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights
generally, concepts of reasonableness and equitable principles of general applicability (including, without limitation, concepts
of good faith, fair dealing and the lack of bad faith), provided that such counsel expresses no opinion as to the effect of fraudulent
conveyance, fraudulent transfer or similar provision of applicable law on the conclusions expressed above. This opinion is given
as of the date hereof and is limited to the Federal laws of the United States, the laws of the State of New York and the Maryland
General Corporation Law as in effect on the date hereof. In addition, this opinion is subject to customary assumptions about the
trustee’s authorization, execution and delivery of the Senior Indenture and the genuineness of signatures and certain factual
matters, all as stated in the letter of such counsel dated March 22, 2012, which has been filed as Exhibit 5.3 to the Issuer’s
registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2012. 2
Final Terms
Issuer
HSBC USA Inc.
Issue Price
$10.00 per Security for brokerage accounts;
$9.80 per Security for advisory accounts
Principal Amount
$10 per Security. The Payment at Maturity will be based on the Principal Amount.
Term
2 years
Trade Date
June 26, 2012
Settlement Date
June 29, 2012
Final Valuation Date
June 24, 2014, subject to adjustment as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes” in the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement.
Maturity Date
June 30, 2014, subject to adjustment as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes” in the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement.
Index
S&P 500® Index (Ticker: SPX)
Trigger Level
989.99, which is 75% of the Initial Level.
Contingent Return
8.00%
Maximum Gain
27.00%
Payment at Maturity
(per $10 Security)1If the Final Level is equal to or greater than the Trigger Level on the Final Valuation Date, HSBC will repay the Principal Amount plus pay the greater of the Contingent Return and the Index Return, but no more than the Maximum Gain, calculated as follows:
$10 + [$10 × the greater of (a) Contingent Return and (b) Index Return, subject to the Maximum Gain]
If the Final Level is less than the Trigger Level on the Final Valuation Date, HSBC will pay you a cash payment at maturity less than the Principal Amount of $10 per Security, if anything, resulting in a loss of principal that is proportionate to the negative Index Return, equal to:
$10 + ($10 × Index Return)
Index Return
Final Level – Initial Level
Initial Level
Initial Level
1,319.99, which was the Official Closing Level of the Index on the Trade Date.
Final Level
The Official Closing Level of the Index on the Final Valuation Date.
Official Closing Level
The Official Closing Level on any scheduled trading day will be the closing level of the Index as determined by the calculation agent and based on the value displayed on Bloomberg Professional® service page “SPX <INDEX>”, or on any successor page on Bloomberg Professional® service or any successor service, as applicable.
Calculation Agent
HSBC USA Inc. or one of its affiliates
CUSIP / ISIN
40433M633 / US40433M6333
Investment Timeline 
3
What are the tax consequences of the Securities? 4
Key Risks
¨ Risk of Loss at Maturity – The Securities differ from ordinary debt securities in that HSBC will not necessarily
pay the full Principal Amount of the Securities at maturity. The return on the Securities at maturity is linked to the performance
of the Index and will depend on whether, and to the extent which, the Index Return is positive or negative and if the Index Return
is negative, whether the Final Level is less than the Trigger Level. If the Final Level is less than the Trigger Level, you will
be fully exposed to any negative Index Return and HSBC will pay you less than the Principal Amount, if anything, resulting in a
loss of principal that is proportionate to the decline in the Final Level as compared to the Initial Level. Under these circumstances,
you will lose a significant portion, and could lose all, of your initial investment.
¨ Your Maximum Return on the Securities Is Limited by the Maximum Gain—If the Final Level is greater than the Initial
Level, for each $10 Security, HSBC will pay you at maturity $10 plus an additional amount that will not exceed a predetermined
percentage of the Principal Amount, regardless of the appreciation in the Index, which may be significant. We refer to this percentage
as the Maximum Gain, which is 27.00%. You will not receive a return on the Principal Amount greater than the Maximum Gain. As a
result, your return on the Securities may be less than the return on a hypothetical direct investment in the Index.
¨ Contingent Repayment of Principal and the Contingent Return Apply Only if You Hold the Securities to Maturity –
You should be willing to hold your Securities to maturity. If you are able to sell your Securities prior to maturity in the secondary
market, you may have to sell your Securities at a loss even if the level of the Index at such time is above the Trigger Level.
Additionally, the return you realize from a secondary market sale may not reflect the full economic value of the Contingent Return
or the Securities themselves, and such return may be less than the return of the Index at the time of sale even if such return
is positive and does not exceed the Maximum Gain. You can only receive the full benefit of the contingent repayment of principal
and the Contingent Return and earn the potential Maximum Gain from HSBC if you hold the Securities to maturity, subject to HSBC's
creditworthiness.
¨ Certain Built-in Costs are Likely to Adversely Affect the Value of the Securities Prior to Maturity – You should
be willing to hold your Securities to maturity. The Securities are not designed to be short-term trading instruments. The price
at which you will be able to sell your Securities to HSBC, its affiliates or any party in the secondary market prior to maturity,
if at all, may be at a substantial discount from the Principal Amount of the Securities, even in cases where the Index has appreciated
since the Trade Date.
¨ No Interest – HSBC will not make any interest payments with respect to the Securities.
¨ Credit of Issuer – 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
repayment 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 any amounts owed to you under the terms of the Securities and could lose your entire investment.
¨ Owning the Securities is Not the Same as Owning the Stocks Comprising the Index – The return on your Securities
may not reflect the return you would realize if you actually owned the stocks included in the Index. As a holder of the Securities,
you will not have voting rights or rights to receive dividends or other distributions or other rights that holders of stocks included
in the Index would have.
¨ 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 HSBC is unable to pay its obligations when due, you may not receive any amounts
owed to you under the Securities and you could lose your entire investment.
¨ Lack of Liquidity – The Securities will not be listed on any securities exchange or quotation system. One of our
affiliates may offer to repurchase the Securities in the secondary market but is not required to do so and may cease any such market-making
activities at any time without notice. Because other dealers are not likely to make a secondary market for the Securities, the
price at which you may be able to trade your Securities is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which one of our affiliates
is willing to buy the Securities. This price, if any, will exclude any fees or commissions paid by brokerage account holders when
the Securities were purchased and therefore will generally be lower than such purchase price.
¨ Impact of Fees on Secondary Market Prices – Generally, the price of the Securities in the secondary market, if
any, is likely to be lower than the initial offering price since the issue price includes, and the secondary market prices are
likely to exclude, hedging costs or, for brokerage account holders, commissions and other compensation paid with respect to the
Securities.
¨ No Dividend Payments or Voting Rights – Owning the Securities is not the same as owning the component stocks
underlying the Index. As a holder of the Securities, you will not have voting rights or rights to receive dividends or other
distributions or other rights that holders of the component stocks underlying the Index would have.
¨ Changes Affecting the Index – The policies of the reference sponsor concerning additions, deletions and substitutions
of the stocks included in the Index and the manner in which the reference sponsor takes account of certain changes affecting those
stocks included in the Index may adversely affect the level of the Index. The policies of the reference sponsor with respect to
the calculation of the Index could also adversely affect the level of the Index. The reference sponsor may discontinue or suspend
calculation or dissemination of the Index. Any such actions could have an adverse effect the value of the Securities.
¨ The Index Reflects Price Return, Not Total Return — The return on your Securities is based on the performance
of the Index, which reflects the changes in the market prices of the component stocks underlying the Index. It is not, however,
linked to a ‘total return’ index or strategy, which, in addition to reflecting those price returns, would also reflect
dividends paid on the component stocks. The return on your Securities will not include such a total return feature or dividend
component. 5
¨ Potential Conflict of Interest – HSBC and its affiliates may engage in business with the issuers of the stocks
comprising the Index, which could affect the price of such stocks or the level of the Index and thus, may present a conflict between
the obligations of HSBC and you, as a holder of the Securities. Additionally, potential conflicts of interest may exist between
the Calculation Agent, which may be HSBC or any of its affiliates, and you with respect to certain determinations and judgments
that the Calculation Agent must make, which include determining the Payment at Maturity based on the observed Final Level as well
as whether to postpone the determination of the Final Level and the Maturity Date if a Market Disruption Event occurs and is continuing
on the Final Valuation Date.
¨ Potentially Inconsistent Research, Opinions or Recommendations by HSBC, UBS or Their Respective Affiliates – HSBC,
UBS Financial Services Inc., or their respective affiliates may publish research, express opinions or provide recommendations that
are inconsistent with investing in or holding any offering of the Securities and which may be revised at any time. Any such research,
opinions or recommendations could affect the level of the Index or the price of the stocks included in the Index, and therefore,
the market value of the Securities.
¨ Market Price Prior to Maturity – The market price of the Securities will be influenced by many unpredictable and
interrelated factors, including the level of the Index; the volatility of the Index; dividends; the time remaining to the maturity
of the Securities; interest rates in the markets in general; geopolitical conditions and economic, financial, political, regulatory,
judicial or other events; and the creditworthiness of HSBC.
¨ Potential HSBC Impact on Price – Trading or transactions by HSBC or any of its affiliates in the stocks comprising
the Index or in futures, options, exchange-traded funds or other derivative products on stocks comprising the Index, may adversely
affect the market value of the stocks comprising the Index, the level of the Index, and, therefore, the market value of your Securities.
¨ Uncertain Tax Treatment – 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 reasonable approach, the Securities should be treated as pre-paid
forward or other executory contracts with respect to the Index. HSBC intends to treat the Securities consistent with this approach
and pursuant to the terms of the Securities, you agree to treat the Securities under this approach for all U.S. federal income
tax purposes. See “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — Certain Equity-Linked Notes — Certain Notes Treated
as Forward Contracts or Executory Contracts” in the prospectus supplement for the U.S. federal income tax considerations
applicable to Securities that are treated as pre-paid cash-settled forward or other executory contracts. Because of the uncertainty
regarding the tax treatment of the Securities, we urge you to consult your tax advisor as to the tax consequences of your investment
in a Security. 6
Scenario Analysis and Examples at Maturity
Investment term:
2 years
Initial Level:
1,319.99
Trigger Level:
989.99 (75% of the Initial Level)
Maximum Gain:
27.00%
Contingent Return:
8.00% 7
on Securities
Purchased at $10.00
(1)
on Securities
Purchased at $9.80
by Advisory
Accounts (2)
2,639.98
100.00%
$12.70
27.00%
29.59%
2,507.98
90.00%
$12.70
27.00%
29.59%
2,375.98
80.00%
$12.70
27.00%
29.59%
2,243.98
70.00%
$12.70
27.00%
29.59%
2,111.98
60.00%
$12.70
27.00%
29.59%
1,979.99
50.00%
$12.70
27.00%
29.59%
1,847.99
40.00%
$12.70
27.00%
29.59%
1,715.99
30.00%
$12.70
27.00%
29.59%
1,676.39
27.00%
$12.70
27.00%
29.59%
1,583.99
20.00%
$12.00
20.00%
22.45%
1,517.99
15.00%
$11.50
15.00%
17.35%
1,425.59
8.00%
$10.80
8.00%
10.20%
1,385.99
5.00%
$10.80
8.00%
10.20%
1,319.99
0.00%
$10.80
8.00%
10.20%
1,187.99
-10.00%
$10.80
8.00%
10.20%
1,121.99
-15.00%
$10.80
8.00%
10.20%
1,055.99
-20.00%
$10.80
8.00%
10.20%
989.99
-25.00%
$10.80
8.00%
10.20%
923.99
-30.00%
$7.00
-30.00%
-28.57%
791.99
-40.00%
$6.00
-40.00%
-38.78%
660.00
-50.00%
$5.00
-50.00%
-48.98%
528.00
-60.00%
$4.00
-60.00%
-59.18%
396.00
-70.00%
$3.00
-70.00%
-69.39%
264.00
-80.00%
$2.00
-80.00%
-79.59%
132.00
-90.00%
$1.00
-90.00%
-89.80%
0.00
-100.00%
$0.00
-100.00%
-100.00% 8
The S&P 500® Index
9
Events of Default and Acceleration
Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)
Validity of the Securities 10