424B2 1 v758513-1_424b2.htm 424B2

Calculation of Registration Fee

 

 

Title of Each Class of
Securities Offered		   Maximum Aggregate
Offering Price		   Amount of
Registration Fee(1)
Debt Securities   $421,000   $57.42

(1) Calculated in accordance with Rule 457 (r) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

 

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Registration No. 333-180289

PRICING SUPPLEMENT

October 12, 2012

(To Prospectus dated March 22, 2012

and Prospectus Supplement dated March 22, 2012)

 

Structured
Investments		   HSBC USA Inc.
$421,000
Knock-Out Buffer Notes Linked to the Performance of an Equally Weighted Basket of Four Currencies Relative to the U.S. Dollar due April 21, 2014

General

·Terms used in this pricing supplement 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 any return of principal, and you may lose up to 100% of your initial investment. The Notes will not bear interest.
·This pricing supplement 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 Notes.
·Senior unsecured debt obligations of HSBC USA Inc. maturing April 21, 2014.
·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.
·Any payment on the Notes is subject to the Issuer’s credit risk. The Issuer has not undertaken any independent review of, or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to, the publicly available information provided herein regarding the Basket Currencies.

Key Terms

Issuer: HSBC USA Inc.
Basket: The Notes are linked to an equally weighted basket consisting of four currencies (each a “Basket Currency,” and together, the “Basket Currencies”) that measures the performance of each Basket Currency relative to the U.S. Dollar.

  Basket Currency Fixing Source Initial Spot Rate Currency Weighting
  Indian Rupee (“USDINR”) INR at Reuters Page RBIB 52.70 1/4
  Indonesian Rupiah (“USDIDR”) IDR at Reuters Page ABSIRFIX01  9,620 1/4
  Korean Won (“USDKRW”) KRW at Reuters Page KFTC18  1,111.10 1/4
  Malaysian Ringgit (“USDMYR”) MYR at Reuters Page ABSIRFIX01 3.0598 1/4

Knock-Out Event: A Knock-Out Event occurs if on the Final Valuation Date the Basket has depreciated, compared to the Initial Basket Level, by a percentage that is more than the Knock-Out Buffer Amount.
Knock-Out Buffer Amount: 10.00%
Contingent Minimum Return: 10.40%
Principal Amount: $1,000 per Note.
Trade Date: October 12, 2012
Pricing Date: October 12, 2012
Original Issue Date: October 19, 2012
Final Valuation Date: April 11, 2014, subject to adjustment as described herein.
Maturity Date: 5 business days after the Final Valuation Date, and expected to be April 21, 2014.  The Maturity Date is subject to further adjustment as described under “Market Disruption Events” herein.
Basket The quotient, expressed as a percentage, calculated as follows:
Return: Final Basket Level – Initial Basket Level
  Initial Basket Level
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 Performances for the Basket?” herein.
Initial Basket Level: Set equal to 100 on the Pricing Date.
Final Basket Level: The level of the Basket on the Final Valuation Date, which will be calculated as follows:
  100 × (1 + (the sum of the Basket Components))
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
Basket Component: With respect to each Basket Currency, the product of (a) the Currency Performance of such Basket Currency times (b) its Currency Weighting
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 pricing supplement 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” herein.
Initial Spot Rate: 52.70, 9,620, 1,111.10 and 3.0598 for the USDINR exchange rate, USDIDR exchange rate, the USDKRW exchange rate and the USDMYR exchange rate, respectively, which was the Spot Rate of the respective Basket Currency on the Pricing Date.
Final Spot Rate: 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: 4042K16Z1/US4042K16Z19
Form of Notes: Book-Entry
Listing: The Notes will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or quotation system.

 

Investment in the Notes involves certain risks. You should refer to “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page 5 of this document and “Risk Factors” beginning on page
S-3 of the prospectus supplement.

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the Notes or determined that this pricing supplement, 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 this pricing supplement in market-making transactions in any Notes after their initial sale. Unless we or our agent informs you otherwise in the confirmation of sale, this pricing supplement will be used in a market-making transaction. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of ours, will purchase the Notes from us for distribution to the placement agent. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on the last page of this pricing supplement.

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 Fees and Commissions Proceeds to Issuer
Per Note $1,000.00 $12.50 $987.50
Total $421,000.00 $5,262.50 $415,737.50

 

 

The Notes:

 

Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value

 

JPMorgan

Placement Agent

October 12, 2012

 

 
 

 

Additional Terms Specific to the Notes

 

This pricing supplement 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. 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 March 22, 2012 and the prospectus supplement dated March 22, 2012. 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 pricing supplement shall control. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Selected Risk Considerations” beginning on page 5 of this pricing supplement and “Risk Factors” beginning 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 pricing supplement. 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/83246/000104746912003151/a2208335z424b2.htm

 

•The Prospectus at: www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000104746912003148/a2208395z424b2.htm

 

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Summary

 

The four charts below provide a summary of the Notes, including Note characteristics and risk considerations as well as an illustrative diagram and table reflecting hypothetical returns at maturity.  These charts should be reviewed together with the disclosure regarding the Notes contained in this pricing supplement as well as in the accompanying prospectus and prospectus supplement.

 

The following charts illustrate the hypothetical total return at maturity on the Notes. The “total return” as used in this pricing supplement is the number, expressed as a percentage, that results from comparing the Payment at Maturity per $1,000 Principal Amount of Notes to $1,000. The hypothetical total returns set forth below reflect the Initial Basket Level of 100, the Knock-Out Buffer Amount of 10.00%, and the Contingent Minimum Return on the Notes of 10.40%. 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.

 

 

 

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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 of 10.40%, or a minimum Payment at Maturity of $1,104.00 for every $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 Basket has depreciated 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 Basket has depreciated as compared to the Initial Basket Level. If a Knock-Out Event has occurred and the Basket 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 four currencies, which we refer to as the Basket Currencies, relative to the U.S. Dollar, from the Pricing Date to the Final Valuation Date. Accordingly, the level of the Basket increases if the Basket Currencies strengthen in value relative to the U.S. Dollar. The Basket derives its value from an equally weighted group of currencies consisting of the Indian Rupee, the Indonesian Rupiah, the Korean Won and the Malaysian Ringgit.
   
·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 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. 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, Morrison & Foerster LLP, it is reasonable to treat a Note as a pre-paid executory contract with respect to the Basket. Assuming this characterization is respected, upon a sale or exchange of a Note, you should recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or exchange and your tax basis in the Note, which should equal the amount you paid to acquire the Note. Your gain or loss should generally be exchange gain or loss that is taxable as ordinary income or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes, unless an election under Section 988 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) is available and made to treat such gain or loss as capital gain or loss (“Section 988 election”).  The Section 988 election is generally available for a forward contract, a futures contract, or option on foreign currencies as described in Section 988 of the Code.  Although not clear, a U.S. Holder (as defined in the accompanying prospectus supplement) may be entitled to make a Section 988 election with respect to the Notes.  If a Section 988 election is available in respect of the Notes, in order for the election to be valid, a U.S. Holder must: (A) make the Section 988 election by clearly identifying the investment in the Notes on its books and records on the date the holder acquires the Notes as being subject to the Section 988 election (although no specific language or account is necessary for identifying a transaction on the holder’s books and records, the method of identification must be consistently applied and must clearly identify the pertinent transaction as subject to the Section 988 election); and (B) verify the election by attaching a statement to the holder’s income tax return, which must include (i) a description and the date of the Section 988 election, (ii) a statement that the Section 988 election was made before the close of the date that the Notes were acquired, (iii) a description of the Notes and the maturity date of the Notes or, alternatively, the date on which the Notes were sold or exchanged, (iv) a statement that the Notes were never part of a “straddle” as defined in Section 1092 of the Code, and (v) a statement that all transactions subject to the Section 988 election are included on the statement attached to the holder’s income tax return. If a Section 988 election is available and validly made in respect of the Notes, gain or loss recognized upon the sale or exchange of the Notes should be treated as capital gain or loss.  Capital gain recognized by an individual U.S. Holder is generally taxed at preferential rates where the property is held for more than one year and is generally taxed at ordinary income rates where the property is held for one year or less.  The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the availability, applicable procedures and requirements, and consequences of making a Section 988 election in respect of the Notes.
   

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 “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


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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.

 

For a discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in a Note, please see the discussion under “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 pricing supplement. Neither HSBC nor any dealer participating in the offering makes any recommendation as to the suitability of the Notes for investment.
   
·YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES MAY RESULT IN A LOSS — The Notes do not guarantee any return of principal. The return on the Notes at maturity is linked to the performance of the Basket and will depend on whether a Knock-Out Event has occurred and whether, and the extent to which, the Basket appreciates or depreciates. If the Basket has depreciated, compared to the Initial Basket Level, by more than the Knock-Out Buffer Amount of 10%, 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.
   
·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.
   
·YOUR ABILITY TO RECEIVE THE CONTINGENT MINIMUM RETURN MAY TERMINATE ON THE FINAL VALUATION DATE — If, on the Final Valuation Date, the Basket has depreciated compared to the Initial Basket Level by more than the Knock-Out Buffer Amount of 10%, you will be fully exposed to the depreciation in the Basket 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% depreciation of the Basket as compared to the Initial Basket Level. As a result, you may lose some or all of your investment. Your return on the Notes may not reflect the return you would receive on a conventional fixed or floating rate debt instrument with a comparable term to maturity issued by HSBC or any other issuer with a similar credit rating.
   
·CHANGES IN THE VALUES OF THE BASKET CURRENCIES MAY OFFSET EACH OTHER — Movements in the value of each 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 appreciates in value relative to the U.S. Dollar, the other Basket Currencies may not appreciate as much or may even depreciate. Therefore, in calculating the Basket Return, appreciation in one or more of the Basket Currencies may be moderated, or more than offset, by lesser appreciation or depreciation in the other Basket Currencies.
   
·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 value of the Basket on 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 ANY BASKET CURRENCY 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 of a Basket Currency on the Final Valuation Date would likely have an adverse effect on the Final Basket Level for that Basket, and therefore, on the return of your Notes. Limited liquidity relating to the a Basket Currency may also result in HSBC USA Inc. or one of its affiliates, as Calculation Agent, being unable to determine the Currency Performance for that Basket Currency using its normal means. The resulting discretion by the Calculation Agent in determining the Currency Performance for that Basket Currency could, in turn, result in potential conflicts of interest.
   
·WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE EXCHANGE RATE BETWEEN EACH OF THE BASKET CURRENCIES AND THE U.S. DOLLAR — Foreign exchange rates can either float or be fixed by sovereign governments. Exchange

 

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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 each of 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 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, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea between each country and its major trading partners; and
   
·the extent of governmental surplus or deficit in the United States, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea.

 

Each of these factors, among others, are sensitive to the monetary, fiscal and trade policies pursued by the United States, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, 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, 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 respective 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 value 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 pricing supplement is based on the full Principal Amount of your Notes, the original issue price of the Notes includes the placement agent’s commission and the estimated cost of hedging our obligations under the Notes through one or more of our affiliates. As a result, the price, if any, at which HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will be willing to purchase Notes from you in secondary market transactions, if at all, will likely be lower than the original issue price, and any sale of Notes by you prior to the Maturity Date could result in a substantial loss to you. The Notes are not designed to be short-term trading instruments. Accordingly, you should be able and willing to hold your Notes to maturity.
   
·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. However, it 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 value of the Basket Currencies and the value of the Notes.

 

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·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 valuing the Basket Currencies or determining the Basket Return in the manner described herein, and calculating the amount that we are required to pay you upon a call or at 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 Basket Currencies. If the Calculation Agent, in its sole discretion, determines that any of these events occurs, the Calculation Agent will determine the Spot Rates of the Basket Currencies and the Basket Return in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, the Final Valuation Date and the Maturity Date, which may adversely affect the return on your Notes. For example, if the source for an exchange rate of a Basket Currency is not available on the Final Valuation Date, the Calculation Agent may determine the exchange rate for that Basket Currency 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 Rates 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 actual and expected exchange rates and volatility of the exchange rates between each Basket Currency and the U.S. Dollar;
   
·the interaction of the movements in each Basket Currency which may offset one another;
   
·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 the Basket Currencies and the U.S. Dollar;
   
·a variety of economic, financial, political, regulatory or judicial events; 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 pricing supplement, 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 10%, the Initial Basket Level of 100 and the Contingent Minimum Return on the Notes of 10.40%. The hypothetical total returns set forth below are for illustrative purposes only, and may not be the actual total returns applicable to a purchaser of the Notes. The numbers appearing in the following table and examples have been rounded for ease of analysis.

 

Hypothetical Final Basket
Level		 Hypothetical Basket Return Hypothetical Total Return
200.00 100.00% 100.00%
180.00 80.00% 80.00%
160.00 60.00% 60.00%
150.00 50.00% 50.00%
140.00 40.00% 40.00%
130.00 30.00% 30.00%
120.00 20.00% 20.00%
115.00 15.00% 15.00%
110.40 10.40% 10.40%
105.00 5.00% 10.40%
100.00 0.00% 10.40%
98.00 -2.00% 10.40%
95.00 -5.00% 10.40%
93.00 -7.00% 10.40%
90.00 -10.00% 10.40%
80.00 -20.00% -20.00%
70.00 -30.00% -30.00%
60.00 -40.00% -40.00%
50.00 -50.00% -50.00%
40.00 -60.00% -60.00%
20.00 -80.00% -80.00%
0.00 -100.00% -100.00%

 

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: A Knock-Out Event has not occurred and the Basket depreciates from the Initial Basket Level of 100 to a hypothetical Final Basket Level of 95. Because a Knock-Out Event has not occurred and the Basket Return of -5.00% is less than the Contingent Minimum Return of 10.40%, the investor benefits from the Contingent Minimum Return and receives a Payment at Maturity of $1,104.00 per $1,000 Principal Amount of Notes.

 

$1,000 + ($1,000 × 10.40%) = $1,104.00

 

Example 2: A Knock-Out Event has not occurred and the Basket appreciates from the Initial Basket Level of 100 to a hypothetical Final Basket Level of 120. Because a Knock-Out Event has not occurred and the Basket Return of 20.00% is greater than the Contingent Minimum Return of 10.40%, 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: A Knock-Out Event has occurred and the Basket depreciates from the Initial Basket Level of 100 to a hypothetical Final Basket Level of 60. Because a Knock-Out Event has occurred and the Basket Return of -40.00% is greater than the Knock-Out Buffer Amount, 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 four graphs set forth the historical performance of each Basket Currency based on exchange rates of the Basket Currency relative to the U.S. Dollar from October 12, 2007 through October 12, 2012. The USDINR exchange rate on October 12, 2012 was 52.70. The USDIDR exchange rate on October 12, 2012 was 9,620. The USDKRW exchange rate on October 12, 2012 was 1,111.10. The USDMYR exchange rate on October 12, 2012 was 3.0598. We obtained the exchange rates below from the Bloomberg Professional® service. We have not made any independent investigation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from the 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 hypothetical daily performance of the Basket from October 12, 2007 through October 12, 2012, assuming that the Basket level on October 12, 2007 was 100, that each Basket Currency had a 1/4 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 rate of any Basket Currency on the Valuation Date. We cannot give you assurance that the performance of the Basket will result in the return of any of your initial investment. The closing exchange rates in the graph below were the rates reported by the Bloomberg Professional® Service and may not be indicative of the Basket performance using the Spot Rates of the Basket Currencies that will be derived from the applicable Reuters page.

 

Bloomberg Professional® Service

 

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Bloomberg Professional® Service

 

Bloomberg Professional® Service

 

 

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Bloomberg Professional® Service

 

 

Bloomberg Professional® Service

 

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Spot Rates

 

The Spot Rate for the Indian Rupee (“USDINR”) on each date of calculation is the U.S. Dollar/Indian Rupee rate in the global spot foreign exchange market, expressed as the amount of Indian Rupee per one U.S. Dollar, as calculated, published by the Reserve Bank of India and reported by Reuters on Page “RBIB” (in the “MID” column) or any substitute page, at or after 1:00 p.m., Mumbai time, on such date of calculation.

 

The Spot Rate for the Indonesian Rupiah (“USDIDR”) on each date of calculation will be the U.S. Dollar/Indonesian Rupiah specified rate, expressed as the amount of Indonesian Rupiahs per one U.S. Dollar, for settlement in two business days, reported by the Association of Banks in Singapore, which appears, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Singapore time, on Reuters page “ABSIRFIX01”, to the right of the caption “Spot” under the column “IDR”, or any successor page, on such date of calculation.

 

The Spot Rate for the Korean Won (“USDKRW”) on each date of calculation is 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 such date of calculation. Four decimal figures shall be used for the determination of such USDKRW exchange rate.

 

The Spot Rate for the Malaysian Ringgit (“USDMYR”) on each date of calculation will be the U.S. Dollar/Malaysian Ringgit specified rate, expressed as the amount of Malaysian Ringgit per one U.S. Dollar, reported by the Association of Banks in Singapore, which appears, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Singapore time, on Reuters page “ABSIRFIX01”, to the right of the caption “Spot” under the column “MYR”, or any successor page, on such date of calculation. Four decimal figures shall be used for the determination of such USDMYR exchange rate.

 

If the Spot Rate for any Basket Currency is unavailable (including being published in error, as determined by the Calculation Agent in its sole discretion), the Spot Rate shall be selected by the Calculation Agent in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, or the Final Valuation Date may be postponed by the Calculation Agent, as described below in “Market Disruption Events.”

 

Market Disruption Events

 

The Calculation Agent may, in its sole discretion, determine that an event has occurred that prevents it from valuing any Basket Currency 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 any date of calculation, 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 value of that Basket Currency on such date using the formula for and method of determining such value which applied just prior to the market disruption event (or in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner) on such date.

 

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Events of Default and Acceleration

 

If the Notes have become immediately due and payable following an event of default (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) with respect to 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 pricing supplement. 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 Basket Return (including the Final Basket Level). The accelerated Maturity Date will be the fifth business day following the accelerated Final Valuation Date.

 

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 — Senior Debt Securities — Events of Default” 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, acting as placement agent, at the price indicated on the cover of this pricing supplement. The placement agents for the Notes 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 this pricing supplement in market-making transactions after the initial sale of the Notes, but is under no obligation to make a market in the Notes 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 prospectus supplement.

 

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 pricing supplement, which is 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.

 

Validity of the Notes

 

In the opinion of Morrison & Foerster LLP, as counsel to the Issuer, when the Notes offered by this pricing supplement have been executed and delivered by the Issuer and authenticated by the trustee pursuant to the Senior Indenture referred to in the prospectus supplement dated March 22, 2012, and issued and paid for as contemplated herein, such Notes will be valid, binding and enforceable obligations of the Issuer, entitled to the benefits of the Senior Indenture, 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). This opinion is given as of the date hereof and is limited to the laws of the State of New York, the Maryland General Corporation Law (including the statutory provisions, all applicable provisions of the Maryland Constitution and the reported judicial decisions interpreting the foregoing) and the federal laws of the United States of America. 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 to such counsel’s reliance on the Issuer and other sources as to certain factual matters, all as stated in the legal opinion dated July 27, 2012, which has been filed as Exhibit 5.1 to the Issuer’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 27, 2012.

 

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