Subject to Completion
Preliminary Term Sheet dated December 23, 2015 Filed Pursuant to Rule 433
Registration Statement No. 333-202524
(To Prospectus dated March 5, 2015,
Prospectus Supplement dated March 5, 2015 and
Product Supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1 dated April 23, 2015)

Units $10 principal amount per unit CUSIP No.	Pricing Date* Settlement Date* Maturity Date*	January  , 2016 February  , 2016 January  , 2019
	*Subject to change based on the actual date the notes are priced for initial sale to the public (the “pricing date”)

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index

§ Maturity of approximately three years, if not called prior to maturity

§ Automatic call of the notes per unit at $10 plus the applicable Call Premium ([$0.95 to $1.05] on the first Observation Date, and [$1.90 to $2.10] on the second Observation Date) if the Index is flat or increases above 100% of the Starting Value on the relevant Observation Date

§ The Observation Dates will occur approximately one year and two years after the pricing date

§ If the notes are not called, at maturity:

§ a return of 30% if the Index is flat or increases up to the Step Up Value

§ a return equal to the percentage increase in the Index if the Index increases above the Step Up Value

§ 1-to-1 downside exposure to decreases in the Index, with up to 100% of the principal amount at risk

§ All payments are subject to the credit risk of HSBC USA Inc.

§ No interest payments

§ No listing on any securities exchange

 

The notes are being issued by HSBC USA Inc. (“HSBC”). Investing in the notes involves a number of risks. There are important differences between the notes and a conventional debt security, including different investment risks and costs. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-7 of this term sheet and beginning on page PS-7 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.

The estimated initial value of the notes on the pricing date is expected to be between $9.45 and $9.75 per unit, which will be less than the public offering price listed below. The market value of the notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy. See “Summary” on page TS-2 and “Risk Factors” beginning on page TS-7 of this term sheet for additional information.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the notes or passed upon the accuracy or the adequacy of this document, the accompanying product supplement, prospectus or prospectus supplement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

	Per Unit	Total
Public offering price(1)(2)	$ 10.00	$
Underwriting discount(1)(2)	$   0.20	$
Proceeds, before expenses, to HSBC	$   9.80	$

(1) For any purchase of 500,000 units or more in a single transaction by an individual investor or in combined transactions with the investor's household in this offering, the public offering price and the underwriting discount will be $9.95 per unit and $0.15 per unit, respectively. See “Supplement to the Plan of Distribution” below.

(2) For any purchase by certain fee-based trusts and discretionary accounts managed by U.S. Trust operating through Bank of America, N.A., the public offering price and underwriting discount will be $9.80 per unit and $0.00 per unit, respectively. See as well “Supplement to the Plan of Distribution.”

The notes:

Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value

Merrill Lynch & Co.

January , 2016

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due January   , 2019

Summary

The Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due January   , 2019 (the “notes”) are our senior unsecured debt securities and are not a direct or indirect obligation of any third party. The notes are not deposit liabilities or other obligations of a bank and are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency of the United States or any other jurisdiction. The notes will rank equally with all of our other senior unsecured debt. Any payments due on the notes, including any repayment of principal, depends on the credit risk of HSBC and its ability to satisfy its obligations as they come due. The notes will be automatically called at the applicable Call Amount if the Observation Level of the Index, which is the Nikkei Stock Average Index (the “Index”), is equal to or greater than the Call Level on the relevant Observation Date. If not called, at maturity, the notes provide you with a Step Up Payment if the Ending Value of the Index is equal to or greater than the Starting Value, but is not greater than the Step Up Value. If the Ending Value is greater than the Step Up Value, you will participate on a 1-for-1 basis in the increase in the level of the Index above the Starting Value. If the Ending Value is less than the Starting Value, you will lose all or a portion of the principal amount of your notes. Payments on the notes, including the amount you receive at maturity or upon an automatic call, will be calculated based on the $10 principal amount per unit and will depend on the performance of the Index, subject to our credit risk. See “Terms of the Notes” below.

The estimated initial value of the notes will be less than the price you pay to purchase the notes. The estimated initial value is determined by reference to our or our affiliates’ internal pricing models and reflects our internal funding rate, which is the borrowing rate we pay to issue market-linked notes, and the market prices for hedging arrangements related to the notes (which may include call options, put options or other derivatives). This internal funding rate is typically lower than the rate we would use when we issue conventional fixed or floating rate debt securities. The difference in the borrowing rate, as well as the underwriting discount and the costs associated with hedging the notes, including the hedging related charge described below, will reduce the economic terms of the notes (including the Call Premiums and Call Amounts). The notes are subject to an automatic call, and the initial estimated value is based on an assumed tenor of the notes. The estimated initial value will be calculated on the pricing date and will be set forth in the pricing supplement to which this term sheet relates.

Terms of the Notes
Issuer:	HSBC USA Inc. (“HSBC”)	Call Settlement Dates:	Approximately the fifth business day following the applicable Observation Date, subject to postponement if the related Observation Date is postponed, as described on page PS-20 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
Principal Amount:	$10.00 per unit	Call Premiums:	[$0.95 to $1.05] per unit if called on February   , 2017 (which represents a return of [9.50% to 10.50%] over the principal amount), and [$1.90 to $2.10] per unit if called on January   , 2018 (which represents a return of [19.00% to 21.00%] over the principal amount). The actual Call Premiums will be determined on the pricing date.
Term:	Approximately three years, if not called	Ending Value:	The closing level of the Index on the scheduled calculation day. The calculation day is subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described beginning on page PS-18 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.
Market Measure:	Nikkei Stock Average Index (Bloomberg symbol: “NKY”), a price return index.	Step Up Value:	130% of the Starting Value.
Starting Value:	The closing level of the Index on the pricing date	Step Up Payment:	$3 per unit, which represents a return of 30% over the principal amount.
Observation Level:	The closing level of the Index on the applicable Observation Date.	Threshold Value:	100% of the Starting Value.
Observation Dates:	February  , 2017 and January  , 2018, subject to postponement in the event of Market Disruption Events, as described on page PS-20 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.	Calculation Day:	Approximately the fifth scheduled Market Measure Business Day immediately preceding the maturity date.
Call Level:	100% of the Starting Value	Fees Charged:	The public offering price of the notes includes the underwriting discount of $0.20 per unit as listed on the cover page and an additional charge of $0.075 per unit more fully described on page TS-11.
Call Amounts (per Unit):	[$10.95 to $11.05] if called on February , 2017, and [$11.90 to $12.10] if called on January , 2018. The actual Call Amounts will be determined on the pricing date.	Calculation Agent:	Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”) and HSBC, acting jointly.

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes  TS-2

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due January   , 2019

Determining Payment on the Notes

Automatic Call Provision

The notes will be called automatically on an Observation Date if the Observation Level on that Observation Date is equal to or greater than the Call Level. If the notes are called, you will receive $10 per unit plus the applicable Call Premium.

Redemption Amount Determination

If the notes are not automatically called, on the maturity date, you will receive a cash payment per unit determined as follows:

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes  TS-3

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due January   , 2019

The terms and risks of the notes are contained in this term sheet and the documents listed below (together, the “Note Prospectus”). The documents have been filed as part of a registration statement with the SEC, which may, without cost, be accessed on the SEC website as indicated below or obtained from MLPF&S by calling 1-800-294-1322:

§ Product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1 dated April 23, 2015:
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000114420415024586/v408139_424b2.htm

§ Prospectus supplement dated March 5, 2015:
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000114420415014311/v403645_424b2.htm

§ Prospectus dated March 5, 2015:
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000119312515078931/d884345d424b3.htm

Our Central Index Key, or CIK, on the SEC Website is 83246. Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, for information about us and this offering. Any prior or contemporaneous oral statements and any other written materials you may have received are superseded by the Note Prospectus. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth under “Risk Factors” in the section indicated on the cover of this term sheet. The notes involve risks not associated with conventional debt securities. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this term sheet have the meanings set forth in product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1. Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this document to “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references are to HSBC.

Investor Considerations

You may wish to consider an investment in the notes if:

The notes may not be an appropriate investment for you if:

§You are willing to receive a return on your investment capped at the return represented by the applicable Call Premium if the relevant Observation Level is equal to or greater than the Call Level. §You anticipate that the notes will be automatically called or the Index will increase from the Starting Value to the Ending Value. §You are willing to risk a loss of principal and return if the notes are not automatically called and the Index decreases from the Starting Value to the Ending Value. §You are willing to forgo the interest payments that are paid on traditional interest bearing debt securities. §You are willing to forgo dividends or other benefits of owning the stocks included in the Index. §You are willing to accept that a secondary market is not expected to develop for the notes, and understand that the market prices for the notes, if any, may be less than the principal amount and will be affected by various factors, including our actual and perceived creditworthiness, our internal funding rate and the fees charged, as described on page TS-2. §You are willing to assume our credit risk, as issuer of the notes, for all payments under the notes, including the Redemption Amount.

§You want to hold your notes for the full term. §You believe that the notes will not be automatically called and the Index will decrease from the Starting Value to the Ending Value. §You seek principal repayment or preservation of capital. §You seek interest payments or other current income on your investment. §You want to receive dividends or other distributions paid on the stocks included in the Index. §You seek an investment for which there will be a liquid secondary market. §You are unwilling or are unable to take market risk on the notes or to take our credit risk as issuer of the notes.

We urge you to consult your investment, legal, tax, accounting, and other advisors before you invest in the notes.

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes  TS-4

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due January   , 2019

Hypothetical Payout Profile at Maturity

The below graph is based on hypothetical numbers and values. These hypothetical values show a payout profile at maturity, which would only apply if the notes are not called on any Observation Date.

Market-Linked Step Up Notes This graph reflects the returns on the notes based on a Threshold Value of 100% of the Starting Value, the Step Up Payment of $3 per unit and the Step Up Value of 130% of the Starting Value. The green line reflects the returns on the notes, while the dotted gray line reflects the returns of a direct investment in the stocks included in the Index, excluding dividends.   This graph has been prepared for purposes of illustration only.

Hypothetical Payments at Maturity

The following table and examples are for purposes of illustration only. They are based on hypothetical values and show hypothetical returns on the notes, assuming the notes are not called on any Observation Date. The actual amount you receive and the resulting total rate of return will depend on the actual Starting Value, Threshold Value, Ending Value, Step Up Value, whether the notes are called on an Observation Date, and term of your investment.

The following table is based on a Starting Value of 100, a Threshold Value of 100, a Step Up Value of 130 and the Step Up Payment of $3 per unit. It illustrates the effect of a range of Ending Values on the Redemption Amount per unit of the notes and the total rate of return to holders of the notes. The following examples do not take into account any tax consequences from investing in the notes.

Ending Value	Percentage Change from the Starting Value to the Ending Value	Redemption Amount per Unit	Total Rate of Return on the Notes
0.00	-100.00%	$0.00	-100.00%
50.00	-50.00%	$5.00	-50.00%
80.00	-20.00%	$8.00	-20.00%
90.00	-10.00%	$9.00	-10.00%
94.00	-6.00%	$9.40	-6.00%
97.00	-3.00%	$9.70	-3.00%
100.00(1)(2)	0.00%	$13.00(3)	30.00%
102.00	2.00%	$13.00	30.00%
105.00	5.00%	$13.00	30.00%
110.00	10.00%	$13.00	30.00%
120.00	20.00%	$13.00	30.00%
130.00(4)	30.00%	$13.00	30.00%
140.00	40.00%	$14.00	40.00%
143.00	43.00%	$14.30	43.00%
150.00	50.00%	$15.00	50.00%
160.00	60.00%	$16.00	60.00%

(1) The hypothetical Starting Value of 100 used in these examples has been chosen for illustrative purposes only, and does not represent a likely actual Starting Value for the Index.

(2) This is the hypothetical Threshold Value.

(3) This amount represents the sum of the principal amount and the Step Up Payment of $3.

(4) This is the hypothetical Step Up Value.

For recent actual levels of the Index, see “The Index” section below. The Index is a price return index and as such the Ending Value will not include any income generated by dividends paid on the stocks included in the Index, which you would otherwise be entitled to receive if you invested in those stocks directly. In addition, all payments on the notes are subject to issuer credit risk.

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes  TS-5

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due January   , 2019

Redemption Amount Calculation Examples

Example 1
The Ending Value is 90.00, or 90.00% of the Starting Value:
Starting Value: 100.00
Threshold Value: 100.00
Ending Value: 90.00
	Redemption Amount per unit

Example 2
The Ending Value is 110.00, or 110.00% of the Starting Value:
Starting Value: 100.00
Step Up Value: 130.00
Ending Value: 110.00
	Redemption Amount per unit, the principal amount plus the Step Up Payment, since the Ending Value is equal to or greater than the Starting Value, but less than the Step Up Value.

Example 3
The Ending Value is 143.00, or 143.00% of the Starting Value:
Starting Value: 100.00
Step Up Value: 130.00
Ending Value: 143.00
	Redemption Amount per unit

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes  TS-6

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due January   , 2019

Risk Factors

We urge you to read the section “Risk Factors” in the product supplement and in the accompanying prospectus supplement. Investing in the notes is not equivalent to investing directly in the stocks included in the Index. You should understand the risks of investing in the notes and should reach an investment decision only after careful consideration, with your advisers, with respect to the notes in light of your particular financial and other circumstances and the information set forth in this term sheet and the accompanying product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus.

In addition to the risks in the product supplement identified below, you should review “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus supplement, including the explanation of risks relating to the notes described in the section “— Risks Relating to All Note Issuances.”

§ If the notes are not automatically called, depending on the performance of the Index as measured shortly before the maturity date, your investment may result in a loss; there is no guaranteed return of principal.

§ Your return on the notes may be less than the yield you could earn by owning a conventional fixed or floating rate debt security of comparable maturity.

§ Payments on the notes are subject to our credit risk, and actual or perceived changes in our creditworthiness are expected to affect the value of the notes. If we become insolvent or are unable to pay our obligations, you may lose your entire investment.

§ If the notes are called, your investment return is limited to the return represented by the applicable Call Premium.

§ Your investment return may be less than a comparable investment directly in the stocks included in the Index.

§ The estimated initial value of the notes will be less than the public offering price and may differ from the market value of the notes in the secondary market, if any. We will determine the estimated initial value by reference to our or our affiliates’ internal pricing models. These pricing models consider certain assumptions and variables, which can include volatility and interest rates. These pricing models rely in part on certain forecasts about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. Different pricing models and assumptions could provide valuations for the notes that are different from our estimated initial value. The estimated initial value will reflect our internal funding rate we use to issue market-linked notes, as well as the mid-market value of the hedging arrangements related to the notes (which may include call options, put options or other derivatives).

§ Our internal funding rate for the issuance of these notes is lower than the rate we would use when we issue conventional fixed or floating rate debt securities. This is one of the factors that may result in the market value of the notes being less than their estimated initial value. As a result of the difference between our internal funding rate and the rate we would use when we issue conventional fixed or floating rate debt securities, the estimated initial value of the notes may be lower if it were based on the levels at which our fixed or floating rate debt securities trade in the secondary market. In addition, if we were to use the rate we use for our conventional fixed or floating rate debt issuances, we would expect the economic terms of the notes to be more favorable to you.

§ The price of your notes in the secondary market, if any, immediately after the pricing date will be less than the public offering price. The public offering price takes into account certain costs, principally the underwriting discount, the hedging costs described on page TS-11 and the costs associated with issuing the notes. The costs associated with issuing the notes will be used or retained by us or one of our affiliates. If you were to sell your notes in the secondary market, if any, the price you would receive for your notes may be less than the price you paid for them.

§ The estimated initial value does not represent a minimum price at which we, MLPF&S or any of our respective affiliates would be willing to purchase your notes in the secondary market (if any exists) at any time. The price of your notes in the secondary market, if any, at any time after issuance will vary based on many factors, including the level of the Index and changes in market conditions, and cannot be predicted with accuracy. The notes are not designed to be short-term trading instruments, and you should, therefore, be able and willing to hold the notes to maturity. Any sale of the notes prior to maturity could result in a loss to you.

§ A trading market is not expected to develop for the notes. Neither we nor MLPF&S is obligated to make a market for, or to repurchase, the notes. There is no assurance that any party will be willing to purchase your notes at any price in any secondary market.

§ Our business, hedging and trading activities, and those of MLPF&S and our respective affiliates (including trades in shares of companies included in the Index), and any hedging and trading activities we, MLPF&S or our respective affiliates engage in for our clients’ accounts, may affect the market value and return of the notes and may create conflicts of interest with you.

§ The Index sponsor may adjust the Index in a way that affects its level, and has no obligation to consider your interests.

§ You will have no rights as a security holder, you will have no rights to receive any of the securities represented by the Index and you will not be entitled to receive dividends or other distributions by issuers of these securities.

§ Your return on the notes may be affected by factors affecting the international securities markets, specifically changes in Japan. In addition, you will not obtain the benefit of any increase in the value of the yen against the U.S. dollar which you would have received if you had owned the securities in the Index during the term of your notes, although the level of the Index may be adversely affected by general exchange rate movements in the market.

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes  TS-7

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due January   , 2019

§ While we, MLPF&S or our respective affiliates may from time to time own securities of companies included in the Index, we, MLPF&S and our respective affiliates do not control any company included in the Index and are not responsible for any disclosure made by any other company.

§ There may be potential conflicts of interest involving the calculation agent. We have the right to appoint and remove the calculation agent.

§ The U.S. federal income tax consequences of the notes are uncertain, and may be adverse to a holder of the notes. See “Summary Tax Consequences” below and “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary” beginning on page PS-32 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.

Other Terms of the Notes

The provisions of this section supersede and replace the definition of “Market Measure Business Day” set forth in product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.

Market Measure Business Day

A “Market Measure Business Day” means a day on which:

(A) the Tokyo Stock Exchange (or any successor) is open for trading; and

(B) the Index or any successor thereto is calculated and published.

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes  TS-8

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due January   , 2019

The Index

We have derived all information contained in this term sheet regarding the Index, including, without limitation, its make-up, method of calculation and changes in its components, from publicly available sources. That information reflects the policies of, and is subject to change by, Nikkei Inc. (“Nikkei” or the “Index sponsor”). Nikkei is under no obligation to continue to publish, and may discontinue or suspend the publication of the Index at any time. The consequences of Nikkei discontinuing publication of the Index are discussed in the section entitled “Description of the Notes—Discontinuance of an Index” beginning on page PS-22 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1. None of us, the calculation agent, or MLPF&S accepts any responsibility for the calculation, maintenance or publication of the Index or any successor index.

The Index is a stock index that measures the composite price performance of selected Japanese stocks. The Index is also knowns as the Nikkei 225 Index. The Index is based on 225 underlying stocks (the “Nikkei Underlying Stocks”) trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (“TSE”), representing a broad cross-section of Japanese industries. All 225 Nikkei Underlying Stocks are stocks listed in the First Section of the TSE. Stocks listed in the First Section of the TSE are among the most actively traded stocks on the TSE. Nikkei’s rules require that the 75 most liquid issues (one-third of the component count of the Index) be included in the Index. Nikkei first calculated and published the Index in 1970; prior to 1970, the TSE calculated the Index. The Index is reported by Bloomberg under the ticker symbol “NKY.”

The 225 companies included in the Index are divided into six sector categories: Technology, Financials, Consumer Goods, Materials, Capital Goods/Others and Transportation and Utilities. These six sector categories are further divided into 36 industrial classifications as follows:

§	Technology — Pharmaceuticals, Electrical Machinery, Automobiles, Precision Machinery, Telecommunications;
§	Financials — Banks, Miscellaneous Finance, Securities, Insurance;
§	Consumer Goods — Marine Products, Food, Retail, Services;
§	Materials — Mining, Textiles, Paper and Pulp, Chemicals, Oil, Rubber, Ceramics, Steel, Nonferrous Metals, Trading Houses;
§	Capital Goods/Others — Construction, Machinery, Shipbuilding, Transportation Equipment, Miscellaneous Manufacturing, Real Estate; and
§	Transportation and Utilities — Railroads and Buses, Trucking, Shipping, Airlines, Warehousing, Electric Power, Gas.

Calculation of the Index

The Index is a modified, price-weighted index (i.e., a Nikkei Underlying Stock’s weight in the Index is based on its price per share rather than the total market capitalization of the issuer) which is calculated by (i) multiplying the per share price of each Nikkei Underlying Stock by the corresponding weighting factor for such Nikkei Underlying Stock (a “Weight Factor”), (ii) calculating the sum of all these products and (iii) dividing such sum by a divisor (the “Divisor”). The Divisor was initially set at 225 for the date of May 16, 1949 (the date on which the TSE was reopened after World War II) using historical numbers from that date. The Divisor is subject to periodic adjustments as set forth below. Each Weight Factor is computed by dividing ¥50 by the presumed par value of the relevant Nikkei Underlying Stock, so that the share price of each Nikkei Underlying Stock when multiplied by its Weight Factor corresponds to a share price based on a uniform par value of ¥50. The stock prices used in the calculation of the Index are those reported by a primary market for the Nikkei Underlying Stocks (currently the TSE). The level of the Index is calculated once every 15 seconds during TSE trading hours.

In order to maintain continuity in the Index in the event of certain changes due to non-market factors affecting the Nikkei Underlying Stocks, such as the addition or deletion of stocks, substitution of stocks, stock splits or distributions of assets to stockholders, the Divisor used in calculating the Index is adjusted in a manner designed to prevent any instantaneous change or discontinuity in the level of the Index. Thereafter, the Divisor remains at the new value until a further adjustment is necessary as the result of another change. As a result of such change affecting any Nikkei Underlying Stock, the Divisor is adjusted in such a way that the sum of all share prices immediately after the change multiplied by the applicable Weight Factor and divided by the new Divisor (i.e., the level of the Index immediately after such change) will equal the level of the Index immediately prior to the change.

Standards for Listing and Maintenance

A Nikkei Underlying Stock may be deleted or added by Nikkei. Any stock becoming ineligible for listing in the First Section of the TSE due to any of the following reasons will be deleted from the Nikkei Underlying Stocks: (i) bankruptcy of the issuer, (ii) merger of the issuer with, or acquisition of the issuer by, another company, (iii) delisting of such stock, (iv) transfer of such stock to the “Seiri-Post” because of excess debt of the issuer or because of any other reason or (v) transfer of such stock to the Second Section. In addition, a component stock transferred to the “Kanri-Post” (posts for stocks under supervision) becomes a candidate for deletion. Nikkei Underlying Stocks with relatively low liquidity, based on trading value and rate of price fluctuation over the past five years, may be deleted by Nikkei. Upon deletion of a stock from the Nikkei Underlying Stocks, Nikkei will select a replacement for such deleted Nikkei Underlying Stock in accordance with certain criteria. In an exceptional case, a newly listed stock in the First Section of the TSE that is recognized by Nikkei to be representative of a market may be added to the Nikkei Underlying Stocks. In such a case, an existing Nikkei

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes  TS-9

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due January   , 2019

Underlying Stock with low trading volume and deemed not to be representative of a market will be deleted by Nikkei.

A list of the issuers of the Nikkei Underlying Stocks constituting the Index is published by Nikkei. Nikkei may delete, add or substitute any stock underlying the Index.

The following graph shows the daily historical performance of the Index in the period from January 1, 2008 through December 17, 2015. We obtained this historical data from Bloomberg L.P. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from Bloomberg L.P. On December 17, 2015, the closing level of the Index was 19,353.56.

Historical Performance of the Index

This historical data on the Index is not necessarily indicative of the future performance of the Index or what the value of the notes may be. Any historical upward or downward trend in the level of the Index during any period set forth above is not an indication that the level of the Index is more or less likely to increase or decrease at any time over the term of the notes.

Before investing in the notes, you should consult publicly available sources for the levels of the Index.

License Agreement

We will enter into an agreement with Nikkei providing us with a non-exclusive license with the right to use the Index in exchange for a fee. The Index is the intellectual property of Nikkei. “Nikkei,” “Nikkei Stock Average,” and “Nikkei 225” are the service marks of Nikkei. Nikkei reserves all the rights, including copyright, to the Index. Nikkei Digital Media, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nikkei, calculates and disseminates the Index under exclusive agreement with Nikkei.

The notes are not in any way sponsored, endorsed or promoted by Nikkei. Nikkei does not make any warranty or representation whatsoever, express or implied, either as to the results to be obtained as to the use of the Index or the figure as which the Index stands at any particular day or otherwise. The Index is compiled and calculated solely by Nikkei. However, Nikkei shall not be liable to any person for any error in the Index and Nikkei shall not be under any obligation to advise any person, including a purchaser or seller of the notes, of any error therein.

In addition, Nikkei gives no assurance regarding any modification or change in any methodology used in calculating the Index and is under no obligation to continue the calculation, publication and dissemination of the Index.

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes  TS-10

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due January   , 2019

Supplement to the Plan of Distribution

We may deliver the notes against payment therefor in New York, New York on a date that is greater than three business days following the pricing date. Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, if the initial settlement of the notes occurs more than three business days from the pricing date, purchasers who wish to trade the notes more than three business days prior to the original issue date will be required to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. In the original offering of the notes, the notes will be sold in minimum investment amounts of 100 units. If you place an order to purchase the notes, you are consenting to MLPF&S acting as a principal in effecting the transaction for your account.

MLPF&S will not receive an underwriting discount for notes sold to certain fee-based trusts and fee-based discretionary accounts managed by U.S. Trust operating through Bank of America, N.A.

MLPF&S may repurchase and resell the notes, with repurchases and resales being made at prices related to then-prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices, and these will include MLPF&S’s trading commissions and mark-ups. MLPF&S may act as principal or agent in these market-making transactions; however, it is not obligated to engage in any such transactions. At MLPF&S’s discretion, for a short, undetermined initial period after the issuance of the notes, MLPF&S may offer to buy the notes in the secondary market at a price that may exceed the estimated initial value of the notes. Any price offered by MLPF&S for the notes will be based on then-prevailing market conditions and other considerations, including the performance of the Index, the remaining term of the notes, and the issuer’s creditworthiness. However, neither we nor any of our affiliates is obligated to purchase your notes at any price, or at any time, and we cannot assure you that we, MLPF&S or any of our respective affiliates will purchase your notes at a price that equals or exceeds the estimated initial value of the notes.

The value of the notes shown on your account statement provided by MLPF&S will be based on their estimate of the value of the notes if MLPF&S or one of its affiliates were to make a market in the notes, which it is not obligated to do. This estimate will be based upon the price that MLPF&S may pay for the notes in light of then-prevailing market conditions, and other considerations, as mentioned above, and will include transaction costs. At certain times, this price may be higher than or lower than the estimated initial value of the notes.

The distribution of the Note Prospectus in connection with these offers or sales will be solely for the purpose of providing investors with the description of the terms of the notes that was made available to investors in connection with their initial offering. Secondary market investors should not, and will not be authorized to, rely on the Note Prospectus for information regarding HSBC or for any purpose other than that described in the immediately preceding sentence.

An investor’s household, as referenced on the cover of this term sheet, will generally include accounts held by any of the following, as determined by MLPF&S in its discretion and acting in good faith based upon information then available to MLPF&S:

· the investor’s spouse (including a domestic partner), siblings, parents, grandparents, spouse’s parents, children and grandchildren, but excluding accounts held by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews or any other family relationship not directly above or below the individual investor;

· a family investment vehicle, including foundations, limited partnerships and personal holding companies, but only if the beneficial owners of the vehicle consist solely of the investor or members of the investor’s household as described above;

· a trust where the grantors and/or beneficiaries of the trust consist solely of the investor or members of the investor’s household as described above; provided that, purchases of the notes by a trust generally cannot be aggregated together with any purchases made by a trustee’s personal account.

Purchases in retirement accounts will not be considered part of the same household as an individual investor’s personal or other non-retirement account, except for individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”), simplified employee pension plans (“SEPs”), savings incentive match plan for employees (“SIMPLEs”), and single-participant or owners only accounts (i.e., retirement accounts held by self-employed individuals, business owners or partners with no employees other than their spouses).

Please contact your Merrill Lynch financial advisor if you have any questions about the application of these provisions to your specific circumstances or think you are eligible.

Role of MLPF&S

MLPF&S will participate as selling agent in the distribution of the notes. Under our distribution agreement with MLPF&S, MLPF&S will purchase the notes from us as principal at the public offering price indicated on the cover of this term sheet, less the indicated underwriting discount.

Payments on the notes, including the amount you receive at maturity or upon an automatic call, will be calculated based on the performance of the Index and the $10 per unit principal amount. In order to meet these payment obligations, at the time we issue the notes, we may choose to enter into certain hedging arrangements (which may include call options, put options or other derivatives) with MLPF&S or one of its affiliates. The terms of these hedging arrangements are determined by MLPF&S seeking bids from market participants, which could include one of our affiliates and MLPF&S and its affiliates. These hedging arrangements take into account a

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes  TS-11

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes Linked to the Nikkei Stock Average Index, due January   , 2019

number of factors, including the issuer’s creditworthiness, interest rate movements, the volatility of the Index, the tenor of the notes and the tenor of the hedging arrangements. The economic terms of the notes depend in part on the terms of the hedging arrangements.

MLPF&S has advised us that the hedging arrangements will include a hedging related charge of approximately $0.075 per unit, reflecting an estimated profit to be credited to MLPF&S from these transactions. Since hedging entails risk and may be influenced by unpredictable market forces, additional profits and losses from these hedging arrangements may be realized by MLPF&S or any third party hedge providers.

For further information, see “Risk Factors—General Risks Relating to the Notes” beginning on page PS-7 and “Use of Proceeds” on page PS-17 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.

Summary Tax Consequences

You should consider the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes, including the following:

§ There is no statutory, judicial, or administrative authority directly addressing the characterization of the notes.

§ You agree with us (in the absence of an administrative determination, or judicial ruling to the contrary) to characterize and treat the notes for all tax purposes as pre-paid executory contracts with respect to the Index.

§ Under this characterization and tax treatment of the notes, a U.S. holder (as defined in the prospectus supplement) generally will recognize capital gain or loss upon maturity or upon a sale or exchange of the notes prior to maturity. This capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if you held the notes for more than one year.

§ No assurance can be given that the IRS or any court will agree with this characterization and tax treatment.

§ The IRS has announced that withholding under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (as discussed in the prospectus supplement) on payments of gross proceeds from a sale or redemption of the notes will only apply to payments made after December 31, 2018.

You should consult your own tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of acquiring, owning, and disposing of the notes, as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local, foreign, or other tax jurisdiction and the possible effects of changes in U.S. federal or other tax laws. You should review carefully the discussion under the section entitled “U.S. Federal Income Tax Summary” beginning on page PS-32 of product supplement EQUITY INDICES SUN-1.

Where You Can Find More Information

We have filed a registration statement (including a product supplement, a prospectus supplement, and a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this term sheet relates. Before you invest, you should read the Note Prospectus, including this term sheet, and the other documents that we have filed with the SEC, for more complete information about us and this offering. You may get these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, we, any agent, or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you these documents if you so request by calling MLPF&S toll-free at 1-800-294-1322.

Market-Linked Investments Classification

MLPF&S classifies certain market-linked investments (the “Market-Linked Investments”) into categories, each with different investment characteristics. The following description is meant solely for informational purposes and is not intended to represent any particular Enhanced Return Market-Linked Investment or guarantee any performance.

Enhanced Return Market-Linked Investments are short- to medium-term investments that offer you a way to enhance exposure to a particular market view without taking on a similarly enhanced level of market downside risk. They can be especially effective in a flat to moderately positive market (or, in the case of bearish investments, a flat to moderately negative market). In exchange for the potential to receive better-than market returns on the linked asset, you must generally accept market downside risk and capped upside potential. As these investments are not market downside protected, and do not assure full repayment of principal at maturity, you need to be prepared for the possibility that you may lose all or part of your investment.

Autocallable Market-Linked Step Up Notes  TS-12