FWP 1 v468258_fwp.htm FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS

 

Filed Pursuant to Rule 433

Registration No. 333-202524

June 2, 2017

FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS

(To Prospectus dated March 5, 2015,

Prospectus Supplement dated March 5, 2015,

Equity Index Underlying Supplement dated March 5, 2015 and

ETF Underlying Supplement dated March 5, 2015)

 

HSBC USA Inc.
Barrier Digital Return Notes

Linked to the Least Performing of

the S&P 500® Index and

the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

 

4Barrier Digital Return Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the S&P 500® Index and the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF
413-month maturity
4Digital return of at least 7.40% (to be determined on the pricing date) at maturity if a trigger event does not occur
4If a trigger event occurs, repayment of principal at maturity only if the final value of each underlying is greater than or equal to its initial value
4If a trigger event occurs and the final value of either underlying is less than its initial value, you will lose 1% of the principal amount for each 1% that the reference return of the least performing underlying is less than zero, with up to 100% of your principal amount at risk
4A trigger event occurs if the official closing value of either underlying is less than 65% of its initial value on any scheduled trading day during the observation period
4All payments on the Notes are subject to the credit risk of HSBC USA Inc.

 

The Barrier Digital Return Notes (each a “Note” and collectively the “Notes”) offered hereunder will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or automated quotation system.

 

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

 

We have appointed HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of ours, as the agent for the sale of the Notes. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will purchase the Notes from us for distribution to other registered broker-dealers or will offer the Notes directly to investors. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or another of its affiliates or agents may use the pricing supplement to which this free writing prospectus relates in market-making transactions in any Notes after their initial sale. Unless we or our agent informs you otherwise in the confirmation of sale, the pricing supplement to which this free writing prospectus relates is being used in a market-making transaction. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on page FWP-15 of this free writing prospectus.

 

Investment in the Notes involves certain risks. You should refer to “Risk Factors” beginning on page FWP-7 of this document, page S-1 of the accompanying prospectus supplement, page S-2 of the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement and page S-1 of the accompanying ETF Underlying Supplement.

 

The Estimated Initial Value of the Notes on the Pricing Date is expected to be between $970 and $990 per Note, which will be less than the price to public. The market value of the Notes at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy. See “Estimated Initial Value” on page FWP-3 and “Risk Factors” beginning on page FWP-7 of this document for additional information.

 

  Price to Public Underwriting Discount1 Proceeds to Issuer
Per Note $1,000    
Total      

 

1 HSBC USA Inc. or one of our affiliates will not pay any underwriting discount, but may pay referral fees of up to 0.46% per $1,000 Principal Amount in connection with the distribution of the Notes to other registered broker-dealers. See “Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” on page FWP-15 of this free writing prospectus.

 

The Notes:

 

Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

HSBC USA Inc.

 

Barrier Digital Return Notes

Linked to the Least Performing of the S&P 500® Index and the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

 

The Notes will have the terms described in this free writing prospectus and the accompanying prospectus, prospectus supplement, Equity Index Underlying Supplement and ETF Underlying Supplement. If the terms of the Notes offered hereby are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying prospectus, prospectus supplement, Equity Index Underlying Supplement or ETF Underlying Supplement, the terms described in this free writing prospectus shall control. You should be willing to forgo interest and dividend payments during the term of the Notes and, if a Trigger Event occurs and the Final Value of either Underlying is less than its Initial Value, lose up to 100% of your principal at maturity.

 

Issuer: HSBC USA Inc.
Principal Amount: $1,000 per Note
Reference Asset: The S&P 500® Index (“SPX”) and the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (“EEM”) (each, an “Underlying,” and together the “Underlyings”).
Trade Date: June 14, 2017
Pricing Date: June 14, 2017
Original Issue Date: June 19, 2017
Final Valuation Date: August 15, 2018. The Final Valuation Date is subject to postponement as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes—Valuation Dates” in the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement and ETF Underlying Supplement.
Maturity Date: 3 business days after the Final Valuation Date, and is expected to be August 20, 2018. The Maturity Date is subject to postponement as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes—Coupon Payment Dates, Call Payment Dates and Maturity Date” in the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement and ETF Underlying Supplement.
Interest Payments: None
Payment at Maturity: On the Maturity Date, for each $1,000 in Principal Amount, we will pay you the Final Settlement Value.
Final Settlement Value:

If a Trigger Event does not occur, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date, per $1,000 in Principal Amount, calculated as follows:

 

$1,000 + ($1,000 × Digital Return)

 

If a Trigger Event occurs and:

 

·      the Final Value of each Underlying is greater than or equal to its Initial Value, you will receive $1,000 per $1,000 in Principal Amount.

 

·      the Final Value of either Underlying is less than its Initial Value, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date, per $1,000 in Principal Amount, calculated as follows:

 

$1,000 + ($1,000 × Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying).

 

In this case, you will lose 1% of the Principal Amount for each 1% decline in the Least Performing Underlying. If a Trigger Event occurs and the Final Value of the Least Performing Underlying is less than its Initial Value, you will lose some or all of your investment, regardless of the performance of the other Underlying.

 

For example, if a Trigger Event occurs and the Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying is -30%, you will suffer a 30% loss and receive 70% of the Principal Amount, subject to the credit risk of the Issuer.

Trigger Event: A Trigger Event occurs if the Official Closing Value of either Underlying is less than its Barrier Value on any scheduled

 

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  trading day during the Observation Period.
Barrier Value: With respect to each Underlying, 65% of its Initial Value.
Observation Period: The period from but excluding the Pricing Date to and including the Final Valuation Date, subject to adjustment as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes―Observation Periods” in the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement and ETF Underlying Supplement.
Digital Return: At least 7.40%, to be determined on the Pricing Date.
Least Performing Underlying: The Underlying with the lowest Reference Return.
Reference Return: With respect to each Underlying, the quotient, expressed as a percentage, calculated as follows:
 

Final Value – Initial Value

Initial Value

Initial Value: The Official Closing Value of the relevant Underlying on the Pricing Date.
Final Value: The Official Closing Value of the relevant Underlying on the Final Valuation Date.
Official Closing Value: The closing level or closing price, as applicable, of the relevant Underlying on any scheduled trading day as determined by the calculation agent based upon the value displayed on the relevant Bloomberg Professional® service page (with respect to the SPX, “SPX <INDEX>” and with respect to the EEM, “EEM UP <EQUITY>”) or, for each Underlying, any successor page on the Bloomberg Professional® service or any successor service, as applicable. With respect to the EEM, its Official Closing Value is subject to adjustment as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes—Antidilution and Reorganization Adjustments” in the accompanying ETF Underlying Supplement.
Form of Notes: Book-Entry
Listing: The Notes will not be listed on any U.S. securities exchange or quotation system.
CUSIP / ISIN:

40433U7D2 / US40433U7D28

Estimated Initial Value: The Estimated Initial Value of the Notes will be less than the price you pay to purchase the Notes. The Estimated Initial Value does not represent a minimum price at which we or any of our affiliates would be willing to purchase your Notes in the secondary market, if any, at any time. The Estimated Initial Value will be calculated on the Pricing Date and will be set forth in the pricing supplement to which this free writing prospectus relates. See “Risk Factors — The Estimated Initial Value of the Notes, which will be determined by us on the Pricing Date, will be less than the price to public and may differ from the market value of the Notes in the secondary market, if any.”

 

The Trade Date, the Pricing Date and the other dates set forth above are subject to change, and will be set forth in the final pricing supplement relating to the Notes.

 

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GENERAL

 

This free writing prospectus relates to an offering of Notes. The purchaser of a Note will acquire a senior unsecured debt security of HSBC USA Inc. We reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify the offering and to reject orders in whole or in part. Although the offering of Notes relates to the Underlyings, you should not construe that fact as a recommendation as to the merits of acquiring an investment in either Underlying or any component security included in either Underlying or as to the suitability of an investment in the Notes.

 

You should read this document together with the prospectus dated March 5, 2015, the prospectus supplement dated March 5, 2015, the Equity Index Underlying Supplement dated March 5, 2015 and the ETF Underlying Supplement dated March 5, 2015. If the terms of the Notes offered hereby are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying prospectus, prospectus supplement, Equity Index Underlying Supplement or ETF Underlying Supplement, the terms described in this free writing prospectus shall control. You should carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” beginning on page FWP-7 of this free writing prospectus, beginning on page S-1 of the prospectus supplement, page S-2 of the Equity Index Underlying Supplement and page S-1 of the ETF Underlying 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, prospectus supplement, Equity Index Underlying Supplement and ETF Underlying Supplement) with the SEC for the offering to which this free writing prospectus relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus, prospectus supplement, Equity Index Underlying Supplement and ETF Underlying 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, prospectus supplement, Equity Index Underlying Supplement and ETF Underlying Supplement if you request them by calling toll-free 1-866-811-8049.

 

You may also obtain:

 

4The Equity Index Underlying Supplement at: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000114420415014327/v403626_424b2.htm

 

4The ETF Underlying Supplement at: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000114420415014329/v403640_424b2.htm

 

4The prospectus supplement at: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000114420415014311/v403645_424b2.htm

 

4The prospectus at: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000119312515078931/d884345d424b3.htm

 

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

 

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PAYMENT ON THE NOTES

 

Payment at Maturity

 

On the Maturity Date, for each Note you hold, we will pay you the Final Settlement Value. The Final Settlement Value, which is an amount in cash, will be determined as follows:

 

4If a Trigger Event does not occur, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date, per $1,000 in Principal Amount, calculated as follows:

 

$1,000 + ($1,000 × Digital Return)

 

4If a Trigger Event occurs and:

 

the Final Value of each Underlying is greater than or equal to its Initial Value, you will receive $1,000 per $1,000 in Principal Amount.

 

the Final Value of either Underlying is less than its Initial Value, you will receive a cash payment on the Maturity Date, per $1,000 in Principal Amount, calculated as follows:

 

$1,000 + ($1,000 × Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying).

 

In this case, you will lose 1% of the Principal Amount for each 1% decline in the Least Performing Underlying. If a Trigger Event occurs and the Final Value of the Least Performing Underlying is less than its Initial Value, you will lose some or all of your investment, regardless of the performance of the other Underlying.

 

For example, if a Trigger Event occurs and the Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying is -30%, you will suffer a 30% loss and receive 70% of the Principal Amount, subject to the credit risk of the Issuer.

 

Calculation Agent

 

We or one of our affiliates will act as calculation agent with respect to the Notes.

 

Reference Sponsor and Reference Issuer

 

With respect to the SPX, S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global, is the reference sponsor. With respect to the EEM, iShares, Inc. is the reference issuer.

 

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INVESTOR SUITABILITY

 

The Notes may be suitable for you if:

 

4You believe that the Official Closing Value of each Underlying will be greater than or equal to its Barrier Value on each scheduled trading day during the Observation Period.

 

4You are willing to make an investment that is exposed to the negative Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying on a 1-to-1 basis for each percentage point that its Reference Return is less than zero if a Trigger Event occurs.

 

4You are willing to invest in the Notes based on the fact that your maximum potential return is the Digital Return.

 

4You are willing to forgo dividends or other distributions paid on the EEM or the securities included in or held by the Underlyings.

 

4You are willing to accept the risk and return profile of the Notes versus conventional debt securities with comparable maturities issued by HSBC or another issuer with a similar credit rating.

 

4You do not seek current income from this investment.

 

4You do not seek an investment for which there is an active secondary market.

 

4You are willing to hold the Notes to maturity.

 

4You are comfortable with the creditworthiness of HSBC, as Issuer of the Notes.

 

The Notes may not be suitable for you if:

 

4You believe that the Official Closing Value of either Underlying will be less than its Barrier Value on at least one scheduled trading day during the Observation Period.

 

4You are unwilling to make an investment that is exposed to the negative Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying on a 1-to-1 basis for each percentage point that its Reference Return is less than zero if a Trigger Event occurs.

 

4You are unwilling to invest in the Notes based on the fact that your maximum potential return is the Digital Return.

 

4You seek an investment that provides a full return of principal.

 

4You prefer a product that provides upside participation in one or both Underlyings, as opposed to the Digital Return.

 

4You seek an investment with current income.

 

4You prefer to receive the dividends or other distributions paid on the EEM or the securities included in or held by the Underlyings.

 

4You prefer the lower risk, and therefore accept the potentially lower returns, of conventional debt securities with comparable maturities issued by HSBC or another issuer with a similar credit rating.

 

4You seek an investment for which there will be an active secondary market.

 

4You are unable or unwilling to hold the Notes to maturity.

 

4You are not willing or are unable to assume the credit risk associated with HSBC, as Issuer of the Notes.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

We urge you to read the section “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-1 in the accompanying prospectus supplement, beginning on page S-2 of the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement and beginning on page S-1 of the accompanying ETF Underlying Supplement. Investing in the Notes is not equivalent to investing directly in the EEM or any of the securities included in or held by either Underlying. You should understand the risks of investing in the Notes and should reach an investment decision only after careful consideration, with your advisors, of the suitability of the Notes in light of your particular financial circumstances and the information set forth in this free writing prospectus and the accompanying prospectus, prospectus supplement, Equity Index Underlying Supplement and ETF Underlying Supplement.

 

In addition to the risks discussed below, you should review “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus supplement, Equity Index Underlying Supplement and ETF Underlying Supplement, including the explanation of risks relating to the Notes described in the following sections:

 

4“— Risks Relating to All Note Issuances” in the prospectus supplement;

 

4“— General Risks Related to Indices” in the Equity Index Underlying Supplement;

 

4“— General Risks Related to Index Funds” in the ETF Underlying Supplement; and

 

4“— Securities Prices Generally Are Subject to Political, Economic, Financial, and Social Factors that Apply to the Markets in which They Trade and, to a Lesser Extent, Foreign Markets” in the ETF Underlying Supplement.

 

You will be subject to significant risks not associated with conventional fixed-rate or floating-rate debt securities.

 

Your investment in the Notes may result in a loss.

 

You will be exposed on a 1-to-1 basis to any decline in the Final Value of the Least Performing Underlying from its Initial Value if a Trigger Event occurs. Accordingly, if a Trigger Event occurs and the Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying is less than zero, you will lose some or all of your Principal Amount at maturity.

 

You will not participate in any appreciation in the value of either Underlying and your return on the Notes is limited to the Digital Return.

 

The Notes will not pay a return more than the Digital Return. Even if the value of each Underlying appreciates over the term of the Notes, you will not participate in that appreciation. Assuming the Notes are held to maturity, the maximum return on the Notes will not exceed the Digital Return. Under no circumstances, regardless of the extent to which the value of either Underlying increases, will your return exceed the Digital Return. In some cases, you may earn significantly less by investing in the Notes than you would have earned by investing in an instrument directly linked to the performance of either Underlying, or by investing directly in the securities included in or held by either Underlying.

 

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.

 

The Notes will not bear interest.

 

As a holder of the Notes, you will not receive interest payments.

 

The protection provided by the Barrier Value may terminate at any time during the Observation Period.

 

If a Trigger Event does not occur, you will receive the Digital Return at maturity, even if the Final Value of each Underlying is less than its Initial Value. However, if a Trigger Event occurs on any scheduled trading day during the Observation Period and the Final Value of either Underlying is less than its Initial Value, you will lose 1% of the Principal Amount for each 1% that the Final Value of the Least Performing Underlying is less than its Initial Value.

 

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Your return on the Notes will be based on the Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying if a Trigger Event occurs.

 

If a Trigger Event occurs, your return on the Notes will be based on the Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying without regard to the performance of the other Underlying. As a result, you could lose some or all of the Principal Amount if the Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying is less than zero, even if there is an increase in the value of the other Underlying. This could be the case even if the other Underlying increased, or decreased to a lesser extent than the Least Performing Underlying.

 

Since the Notes are linked to the Least Performing Underlying, you will be fully exposed to the risk of fluctuations in the value of each Underlying.

 

Since the Notes are linked to the Least Performing Underlying, the Notes will be linked to the individual performance of each Underlying. Because the Notes are not linked to a weighted basket, in which the risk is mitigated and diversified among all of the components of a basket, you will be exposed to the risk of fluctuations in the values of the Underlyings to the same degree for each Underlying. For example, in the case of Notes linked to a weighted basket, the return would depend on the weighted aggregate performance of the basket components reflected as the basket return. Thus, the depreciation of any basket component could be mitigated by the appreciation of another basket component, as scaled by the weightings of such basket components. However, in the case of these Notes, the individual performance of each of the Underlyings would not be combined to calculate your return and the depreciation of either Underlying would not be mitigated by the appreciation of the other Underlying. Instead, your return would depend on the Least Performing Underlying.

 

Changes that affect an Underlying may affect the market value of the Notes and the amount you will receive at maturity.

 

The policies of the reference sponsor or reference issuer of the relevant Underlying concerning additions, deletions and substitutions of the constituents comprising such Underlying and the manner in which the reference sponsor or reference issuer takes account of certain changes affecting those constituents included in such Underlying may affect the value of such Underlying. The policies of the reference sponsor or reference issuer with respect to the calculation of the relevant Underlying could also affect the value of such Underlying. The reference sponsor or reference issuer may discontinue or suspend calculation or dissemination of its relevant Underlying. Any such actions could affect the value of the Notes and the Final Settlement Value.

 

The Notes are not insured or guaranteed 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 or guaranteed 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 payments due on the Notes.

 

The Estimated Initial Value of the Notes, which will be determined by us on the Pricing Date, will be less than the price to public and may differ from the market value of the Notes in the secondary market, if any.

 

The Estimated Initial Value of the Notes will be calculated by us on the Pricing Date and will be less than the price to public. The Estimated Initial Value will reflect our internal funding rate, which is the borrowing rate we pay to issue market-linked securities, as well as the mid-market value of the embedded derivatives in the Notes. This internal funding rate is typically lower than the rate we would use when we issue conventional fixed or floating rate debt securities. 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 prices 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. We will determine the value of the embedded derivatives in the Notes 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. Different pricing models and assumptions could provide valuations for the Notes that are different from our Estimated Initial Value. These pricing models rely in part on certain forecasts about future events, which may prove to be incorrect. The Estimated Initial Value does not represent a minimum price at which we or any of our 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, immediately after the Pricing Date will be less than the price to public.

 

The price to public takes into account certain costs. These costs, which will be used or retained by us or one of our affiliates, include the underwriting discount, our affiliates’ projected hedging profits (which may or may not be realized) for assuming risks inherent in hedging our obligations under the Notes and the costs associated with structuring and hedging our obligations under the Notes. 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 because secondary market prices will not take into account these costs. The price of your Notes in the secondary market, if any, at any time after issuance will vary based on many factors, including the values of the Underlyings and changes in market conditions, and

 

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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.

 

If we were to repurchase your Notes immediately after the Original Issue Date, the price you receive may be higher than the Estimated Initial Value of the Notes.

 

Assuming that all relevant factors remain constant after the Original Issue Date, the price at which HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. may initially buy or sell the Notes in the secondary market, if any, and the value that we may initially use for customer account statements, if we provide any customer account statements at all, may exceed the Estimated Initial Value on the Pricing Date for a temporary period expected to be approximately 3 months after the Original Issue Date. This temporary price difference may exist because, in our discretion, we may elect to effectively reimburse to investors a portion of the estimated cost of hedging our obligations under the Notes and other costs in connection with the Notes that we will no longer expect to incur over the term of the Notes. We will make such discretionary election and determine this temporary reimbursement period on the basis of a number of factors, including the tenor of the Notes and any agreement we may have with the distributors of the Notes. The amount of our estimated costs which we effectively reimburse to investors in this way may not be allocated ratably throughout the reimbursement period, and we may discontinue such reimbursement at any time or revise the duration of the reimbursement period after the Original Issue Date of the Notes based on changes in market conditions and other factors that cannot be predicted.

 

The Notes lack liquidity.

 

The Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. is not required to offer to purchase the Notes in the secondary market, if any exists. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the Notes easily. 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.

 

Potential conflicts of interest may exist.

 

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

 

Risks associated with emerging markets.

 

An investment in the securities will involve risks not generally associated with investments which have no emerging market component. In particular, many emerging nations are undergoing rapid change, involving the restructuring of economic, political, financial and legal systems. Regulatory and tax environments may be subject to change without review or appeal. Many emerging markets suffer from underdevelopment of capital markets and tax regulation. The risk of expropriation and nationalization remains a threat. Guarding against such risks is made more difficult by low levels of corporate disclosure and unreliability of economic and financial data.

 

Risks associated with non-U.S. companies.

 

The values of the EEM depend upon the stocks of non-U.S. companies, and thus involve risks associated with the home countries of those non-U.S. companies. The prices of these non-U.S. stocks may be affected by political, economic, financial and social factors in the home country of each applicable company, including changes in that country’s government, economic and fiscal policies, currency exchange laws or other laws or restrictions, which could affect the value of the Notes. These foreign securities may have less liquidity and could be more volatile than many of the securities traded in U.S. or other securities markets. Direct or indirect government intervention to stabilize the relevant foreign securities markets, as well as cross shareholdings in foreign companies, may affect trading levels or prices and volumes in those markets. The other special risks associated with foreign securities may include, but are not limited to: less liquidity and smaller market capitalizations; less rigorous regulation of securities markets; different accounting and disclosure standards; governmental interference; currency fluctuations; higher inflation; and social, economic and political uncertainties. These factors may adversely affect the performance of the EEM and, as a result, the value of the Notes.

 

The price of the EEM is subject to currency exchange risk.

 

Because the price of the EEM is related to the U.S. dollar value of stocks included in its underlying index, holders of the Notes will be exposed to currency exchange rate risk with respect to each of the currencies in which such component securities trade. Exchange rate movements for a particular currency are volatile and are the result of numerous factors including the supply of, and the demand for, those currencies, as well as relevant government policy, intervention or actions, but are also influenced significantly from time to time by political or economic developments, and by macroeconomic factors and speculative actions related to the relevant region. An investor’s net exposure will depend on the extent to which the currencies of the component securities strengthen or weaken against the U.S. dollar and the relative weight of each currency. If, taking into account such weighting, the dollar strengthens against the currencies of the

 

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component securities represented in the EEM’s underlying index, the price of the EEM will be adversely affected and the payment at maturity on the Notes may be reduced.

 

Of particular importance to potential currency exchange risk are:

·existing and expected rates of inflation;
·existing and expected interest rate levels;
·the balance of payments; and
·the extent of governmental surpluses or deficits in the countries represented in the EEM’s underlying index and the United States.

 

All of these factors are in turn sensitive to the monetary, fiscal and trade policies pursued by the governments of various countries represented in the EEM’s underlying index and the United States and other countries important to international trade and finance. The amount we pay in respect of the Notes on the maturity date, if any, will be determined solely in accordance with the procedures described in this free writing prospectus.

 

The performance and market value of the EEM during periods of market volatility may not correlate with the performance of its Underlying Index as well as the net asset value per share of the EEM.

 

During periods of market volatility, securities underlying the EEM may be unavailable in the secondary market, market participants may be unable to calculate accurately the net asset value per share of the EEM and the liquidity of the EEM may be adversely affected. This kind of market volatility may also disrupt the ability of market participants to create and redeem shares of the EEM. Further, market volatility may adversely affect, sometimes materially, the prices at which market participants are willing to buy and sell shares of the EEM. As a result, under these circumstances, the market value of shares of the EEM may vary substantially from the net asset value per share of the EEM. For all of the foregoing reasons, the performance of the EEM may not correlate with the performance of its Underlying Index as well as the net asset value per share of the EEM, which could materially and adversely affect the value of the Notes in the secondary market and/or reduce your payment at maturity.

 

Uncertain tax treatment.

 

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” herein and the discussion under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

 

 FWP-10 

 

 

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES

 

The following table and examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are hypothetical. They do not purport to be representative of every possible scenario concerning increases or decreases in the value of either Underlying relative to its Initial Value. We cannot predict the Official Closing Value of either Underlying on any scheduled trading day during the Observation Period, including the Final Valuation Date. The assumptions we have made in connection with the illustrations set forth below may not reflect actual events. You should not take this illustration or these examples as an indication or assurance of the expected performance of the Underlyings or the return on your Notes. The return on the Notes may be less than the return that you would have received from a conventional debt security with the same stated maturity, including those issued by HSBC. The numbers appearing in the table below and following examples have been rounded for ease of analysis.

 

The table below illustrates the hypothetical Final Settlement Value on a $1,000 investment in the Notes for a hypothetical range of performance for the Least Performing Underlying from -100% to +100%. The following results are based solely on the assumptions outlined below. The “Hypothetical Return on the Notes” as used below is the number, expressed as a percentage, that results from comparing the Final Settlement Value to $1,000. The potential returns described here assume that your Notes are held to maturity. You should consider carefully whether the Notes are suitable to your investment goals. The following table and examples assume the following:

 

4 Principal Amount: $1,000
     
4 Hypothetical Digital Return: 7.40% (The actual Digital Return will be determined on the Pricing Date and will be at least 7.40%.)
     
4 Barrier Value: With respect to each Underlying, 65% of its Initial Value

 

  A Trigger Event Does Not Occur A Trigger Event Occurs
Hypothetical Reference
Return of Least
Performing Underlying

Hypothetical

Final Settlement
Value

Hypothetical

Return on the
Notes

Hypothetical

Final Settlement
Value

Hypothetical

Return on the Notes

100.00% $1,074.00 7.40% $1,000.00 0.00%
80.00% $1,074.00 7.40% $1,000.00 0.00%
60.00% $1,074.00 7.40% $1,000.00 0.00%
40.00% $1,074.00 7.40% $1,000.00 0.00%
30.00% $1,074.00 7.40% $1,000.00 0.00%
20.00% $1,074.00 7.40% $1,000.00 0.00%
10.00% $1,074.00 7.40% $1,000.00 0.00%
0.00% $1,074.00 7.40% $1,000.00 0.00%
-10.00% $1,074.00 7.40% $900.00 -10.00%
-20.00% $1,074.00 7.40% $800.00 -20.00%
-30.00% $1,074.00 7.40% $700.00 -30.00%
-35.00% $1,074.00 7.40% $650.00 -35.00%
-40.00% N/A N/A $600.00 -40.00%
-45.00% N/A N/A $550.00 -45.00%
-50.00% N/A N/A $500.00 -50.00%
-60.00% N/A N/A $400.00 -60.00%
-80.00% N/A N/A $200.00 -80.00%
-100.00% N/A N/A $0.00 -100.00%
           

 

 FWP-11 

 

 

The following examples indicate how the Final Settlement Value would be calculated with respect to a hypothetical $1,000 investment in the Notes.

 

A Trigger Event Does Not Occur:

 

Example 1: The Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying is 40%.

 

   
Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying: 40%
Return on the Notes: 7.40%

 

Because a Trigger Event does not occur, the Final Settlement Value would be $1,074.00 per $1,000 in Principal Amount, calculated as follows:

 

$1,000 + ($1,000 × Digital Return)

= $1,000 + ($1,000 × 7.40%)

= $1,074.00

 

Example 1 shows that although the Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying is greater than the Digital Return, you will only receive the Digital Return at maturity.

 

Example 2: The Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying is -10%.

 

   
Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying: -10%
Return on the Notes: 7.40%

 

Because a Trigger Event does not occur, the Final Settlement Value would be $1,074.00 per $1,000 in Principal Amount, calculated as follows:

 

$1,000 + ($1,000 × Digital Return)

= $1,000 + ($1,000 × 7.40%)

= $1,074.00

 

Example 2 shows that you will benefit from the Digital Return at maturity when a Trigger Event does not occur and the Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying is less than the Digital Return.

 

A Trigger Event Occurs:

 

Example 3: The Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying is 80%.

 

   
Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying: 80%
Return on the Notes: 0.00%

 

Because a Trigger Event occurs and the Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying is greater than zero, the Final Settlement Value would be $1,000 per $1,000 in Principal Amount.

 

Example 3 shows that on the Maturity Date, you will only receive the return of your Principal Amount if a Trigger Event occurs, even if the Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying is significantly greater than zero.

 

Example 4: The Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying is -80%.

 

   
Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying: -80%
Return on the Notes: -80.00%

 

Because a Trigger Event occurs and the Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying is less than zero, the Final Settlement Value would be $200 per $1,000 in Principal Amount, calculated as follows:

 

$1,000 + ($1,000 × Reference Return of the Least Performing Underlying)

= $1,000 + ($1,000 × -80%)

= $200

 

Example 4 shows that you will lose 1% of the Principal Amount for each 1% decline in the Least Performing Underlying if a Trigger Event occurs. YOU MAY LOSE UP TO 100% OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AT MATURITY.

 

 FWP-12 

 

 

INFORMATION RELATING TO THE REFERENCE ASSET

 

The S&P 500® Index (“SPX”)

 

Description of the SPX

 

The S&P 500® Index is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 U.S. stocks. It is designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries.

 

The top 5 industry groups by market capitalization as of May 31, 2017 were: Information Technology, Health Care, Financials, Consumer Discretionary, and Industrials.

 

For more information about the SPX, see “The S&P 500Ò Index” beginning on page S-44 of the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement.

   

Historical Performance of the SPX

 

The following graph sets forth the historical performance of the SPX based on the daily historical closing levels from January 1, 2008 through May 30, 2017. We obtained the closing levels below from Bloomberg Professional® service. We have not undertaken any independent review of, or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to, the information obtained from Bloomberg Professional® service.

 

 

The historical levels of the SPX should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the Official Closing Value of the SPX on any scheduled trading day during the Observation Period, including the Final Valuation Date.

 

 FWP-13 

 

 

The iShares® MSCI EMERGING MARKETS ETF (“EEM”)

 

Description of the EEM

 

The Reference Asset seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the "Underlying Index"). The returns of the Reference Asset may be affected by certain management fees and other expenses, which are detailed in its prospectus.

 

The Underlying Index is intended to measure the performance of equity markets in the global emerging markets. As of May 31, 2017, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index consisted of the following 23 component country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Qatar, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

 

For more information about the EEM, see “The iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund” beginning on page S-23 of the accompanying ETF Underlying Supplement.

   

Historical Performance of the EEM

 

The following graph sets forth the historical performance of the EEM based on the daily historical closing prices from January 1, 2008 through May 30, 2017. We obtained the closing prices below from the Bloomberg Professional® service. We have not undertaken any independent review of, or made any due diligence inquiry with respect to, the information obtained from the Bloomberg Professional® service.

 

 

 FWP-14 

 

 

The historical prices of the EEM should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the Official Closing Value of the EEM on any scheduled trading day during the Observation Period, including the Final Valuation Date.

 

Quarter Begin Quarter End Quarterly High
(Closing) ($)
Quarterly Low
(Closing) ($)
Quarterly Close
($)
1/2/2008 3/31/2008 50.37 42.16 44.79
4/1/2008 6/30/2008 51.71 44.47 45.24
7/1/2008 9/30/2008 44.43 31.55 34.17
10/1/2008 12/31/2008 34.58 18.26 24.64
1/2/2009 3/31/2009 27.10 19.94 24.81
4/1/2009 6/30/2009 34.64 25.63 32.23
7/1/2009 9/30/2009 39.28 30.74 38.91
10/1/2009 12/31/2009 42.07 37.57 41.36
1/4/2010 3/31/2010 43.20 36.83 42.12
4/1/2010 6/30/2010 43.98 36.17 37.32
7/1/2010 9/30/2010 44.77 37.59 44.77
10/1/2010 12/31/2010 48.58 44.78 47.31
1/3/2011 3/31/2011 48.67 44.60 48.67
4/1/2011 6/30/2011 50.20 45.50 47.60
7/1/2011 9/30/2011 48.48 34.95 35.10
10/3/2011 12/30/2011 42.76 34.36 37.94
1/3/2012 3/30/2012 44.75 38.23 42.95
4/2/2012 6/29/2012 43.55 36.69 39.14
7/2/2012 9/28/2012 42.37 37.42 41.33
10/1/2012 12/31/2012 44.35 40.16 44.35
1/2/2013 3/29/2013 45.23 41.80 42.77
4/1/2013 6/28/2013 44.23 36.65 38.50
7/1/2013 9/30/2013 43.28 37.34 40.76
10/1/2013 12/31/2013 43.66 40.48 41.80
1/1/2014 3/31/2014 41.01 37.11 41.01
4/1/2014 6/30/2014 43.95 40.82 43.23
7/1/2014 9/30/2014 45.85 41.56 41.56
10/1/2014 12/31/2014 42.44 37.73 39.29
1/1/2015 3/31/2015 41.07 37.92 40.13
4/1/2015 6/30/2015 44.09 39.04 39.62
7/1/2015 9/30/2015 39.78 31.32 32.78
10/1/2015 12/31/2015 36.29 31.55 32.19
1/1/2016 3/31/2016 34.28 28.25 34.25
4/1/2016 6/30/2016 35.26 31.89 34.36
7/1/2016 9/30/2016 38.21 33.77 37.45
10/1/2016 12/31/2016 38.10 34.08 35.01
1/1/2017 3/31/2017 39.99 35.43 39.67
4/1/2017* 5/31/2017 41.74 38.81 41.20

 

* This document includes, for the second calendar quarter of 2017, data for the period from April 1, 2017 through May 31, 2017. Accordingly, the “Quarterly High,” “Quarterly Low” and “Quarterly Close” data indicated are for this shortened period only and do not reflect complete data for the second calendar quarter of 2017.

 

 FWP-15 

 

 

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 Final Settlement Value due and payable in the same general manner as described in “Final Settlement Value” in this free writing prospectus. In such a case, the third scheduled trading day immediately preceding the date of acceleration will be used as the Final Valuation Date for purposes of determining the accelerated Reference Return for each Underlying. If a Market Disruption Event exists with respect to an Underlying on that scheduled trading day, then the accelerated Final Valuation Date for that Underlying will be postponed for up to five scheduled trading days (in the same general manner used for postponing the originally scheduled Final Valuation Date). The accelerated Maturity Date will be the third business day following such accelerated postponed Final Valuation Date. For the avoidance of doubt, if no market disruption event exists with respect to an Underlying on the scheduled trading day preceding the date of acceleration, the determination of such Underlying’s Reference Return will be made on such date, irrespective of the existence of a market disruption event with respect to the other Underlying occurring on such 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)

 

We have appointed HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of HSBC, as the agent for the sale of the Notes. Pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will purchase the Notes from HSBC at the price to public less the underwriting discount set forth on the cover page of the pricing supplement to which this free writing prospectus relates, for distribution to other registered broker-dealers or will offer the Notes directly to investors. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. proposes to offer the Notes at the price to public set forth on the cover page of this free writing prospectus. HSBC USA Inc. or one of our affiliates will not pay any underwriting discount, but may pay referral fees of up to 0.46% per $1,000 Principal Amount in connection with the distribution of the Notes to other registered broker-dealers.

 

An affiliate of HSBC has paid or may pay in the future an amount to broker dealers in connection with the costs of the continuing implementation of systems to support the Notes.

 

In addition, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. or another of its affiliates or agents may use the pricing supplement to which this free writing prospectus relates in market-making transactions after the initial sale of the Notes, but is under no obligation to 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-59 in the prospectus supplement. 

 

U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

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 Reference Asset. 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 Reference Asset. Pursuant to this approach and subject to the discussion below regarding “constructive ownership transactions,” we do not intend to report any income or gain with respect to the Notes prior to their maturity or an earlier sale, call or exchange and we intend to treat any gain or loss upon maturity or an earlier sale, call or exchange as long-term capital gain or loss, provided you have held the Note for more than one year at such time for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

Despite the foregoing, U.S. holders should be aware that the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), contains a provision, Section 1260 of the Code, which sets forth rules which are applicable to what it refers to as “constructive ownership transactions.” Due to the manner in which it is drafted, the precise applicability of Section 1260 of the Code to any particular transaction is often uncertain. In general, a “constructive ownership transaction” includes a contract under which an investor will receive payment equal to or credit for the future value of any equity interest in a regulated investment company (such as shares of the EEM (the “Underlying Shares”)). Under the “constructive ownership” rules, if an investment in the Notes is treated as a “constructive ownership transaction,” any long-term capital gain recognized by a U.S. holder in respect of a Note will be recharacterized as ordinary income to the extent such gain exceeds the amount of “net underlying long-term capital gain” (as defined in Section 1260 of the Code) (the “Excess Gain”). In addition, an interest charge will also apply to any deemed underpayment of tax in respect of any Excess Gain to the

 

 FWP-16 

 

 

extent such gain would have resulted in gross income inclusion for the U.S. holder in taxable years prior to the taxable year of the sale, call, exchange or maturity of the Note (assuming such income accrued at a constant rate equal to the applicable federal rate as of the date of sale, call, exchange or maturity of the Note). Furthermore, unless otherwise established by clear and convincing evidence, the “net underlying long-term capital gain” is treated as zero.

 

Although the matter is not clear, there exists a risk that an investment in the Notes will be treated as a “constructive ownership transaction.” If such treatment applies, it is not entirely clear to what extent any long-term capital gain recognized by a U.S. holder in respect of a Note will be recharacterized as ordinary income. It is possible, for example, that the amount of the Excess Gain (if any) that would be recharacterized as ordinary income in respect of each Note will equal the excess of (i) any long-term capital gain recognized by the U.S. holder in respect of such a Note and attributable to the Underlying Shares over (ii) the “net underlying long-term capital gain” such U.S. holder would have had if such U.S. holder had acquired a number of the Underlying Shares at fair market value on the original issue date of such Note for an amount equal to the “issue price” of the Note allocable to the Underlying Shares and, upon the date of sale, call, exchange or maturity of the Note, sold such Underlying Shares at fair market value (which would reflect the percentage increase in the value of the Underlying Shares over the term of the Note). Accordingly, it is possible that all or a portion of any gain on the sale or settlement of a Note after one year could be treated as “Excess Gain” from a “constructive ownership transaction,” which gain would be recharacterized as ordinary income, and subject to an interest charge. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application of the “constructive ownership” rules.

 

We will not attempt to ascertain whether an Underlying or any of the entities whose stock is included in, or owned by, an Underlying, as the case may be, would be treated as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) or United States real property holding corporation (“USRPHC”), both as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If an Underlying or one or more of the entities whose stock is included in, or owned by, an Underlying, as the case may be, were so treated, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences might apply. You should refer to information filed with the SEC and other authorities by the Underlyings and the entities whose stock is included in, or owned by the Underlyings, as the case may be, and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you if an Underlying or one or more of the entities whose stock is included in, or owned by, an Underlying, as the case may be, is or becomes a PFIC or a USRPHC.

 

Under current law, while the matter is not entirely clear, individual non-U.S. holders, and entities whose property is potentially includible in those individuals’ gross estates for U.S. federal estate tax purposes (for example, a trust funded by such an individual and with respect to which the individual has retained certain interests or powers), should note that, absent an applicable treaty benefit, the Notes are likely to be treated as U.S. situs property, subject to U.S. federal estate tax. These individuals and entities should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of investing in the Notes.

 

A “dividend equivalent” payment is treated as a dividend from sources within the United States and such payments generally would be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax if paid to a non-U.S. holder. Under U.S. Treasury Department regulations, payments (including deemed payments) with respect to equity-linked instruments (“ELIs”) that are “specified ELIs” may be treated as dividend equivalents if such specified ELIs reference an interest in an “underlying security,” which is generally any interest in an entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if a payment with respect to such interest could give rise to a U.S. source dividend. However, U.S. Treasury regulations provide that withholding on dividend equivalent payments will not apply to specified ELIs that are not delta-one instruments and that are issued before January 1, 2018. Based on the Issuer’s determination that the Notes are not “delta-one” instruments, non-U.S. holders should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments, if any, under the Notes. However, it is possible that the Notes could be treated as deemed reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting an Underlying or the Notes, and following such occurrence the Notes could be treated as subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments. Non-U.S. holders that enter, or have entered, into other transactions in respect of an Underlying or the Notes should consult their tax advisors as to the application of the dividend equivalent withholding tax in the context of the Notes and their other transactions. If any payments are treated as dividend equivalents subject to withholding, we (or the applicable paying agent) would be entitled to withhold taxes without being required to pay any additional amounts with respect to amounts so withheld.

 

Additionally, the IRS has announced that withholding under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (as discussed in the accompanying prospectus supplement) on payments of gross proceeds from a sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of the Notes will only apply to dispositions after December 31, 2018.

 

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.

 

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF NOTES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF NOTES.

 

 FWP-17 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS    
   

You should only rely on the information contained in this free writing prospectus, the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement, ETF Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information or to make any representation to you that is not contained in this free writing prospectus, the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement, ETF Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This free writing prospectus, the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement, ETF Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus are not an offer to sell these Notes, and these documents are not soliciting an offer to buy these Notes, in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not, under any circumstances, assume that the information in this free writing prospectus, the accompanying Equity Index Underlying Supplement, ETF Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus is correct on any date after their respective dates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HSBC USA Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$   Barrier Digital Return Notes Linked to the Least Performing of the S&P 500® Index

and the iShares® MSCI EMERGING MARKETS ETF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 2, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS

 

Free Writing Prospectus  
General FWP-4  
Payment at Maturity FWP-5  
Investor Suitability FWP-6  
Risk Factors FWP-7  
Illustrative Examples FWP-11  
Information Relating to the Reference Asset FWP-13  
Events of Default and Acceleration FWP-15  
Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest) FWP-15  
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations FWP-15  
     
Equity Index Underlying Supplement  
Disclaimer S-1  
Risk Factors S-2  
The DAX® Index S-7  
The Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM S-9  
The EURO STOXX 50® Index S-11  
The FTSE® 100 Index S-13  
The Hang Seng® Index S-14  
The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index S-16  
The KOSPI 200 Index S-19  
The MSCI Indices S-22  
The NASDAQ 100 Index® S-26  
The Nikkei 225 Index S-30  
The PHLX Housing SectorSM Index S-32  
The Russell 2000® Index S-36  
The S&P 100® Index S-40  
The S&P 500® Index S-44  
The S&P 500® Low Volatility Index S-47  
The S&P BRIC 40 Index S-50  
The S&P MidCap 400® Index S-52  
The TOPIX® Index S-55  
Additional Terms of the Notes S-57  
     
ETF Underlying Supplement  
Risk Factors S-1  
Reference Sponsors and Index Funds S-7  
The Energy Select Sector SPDR® Fund S-8  
The Financial Select Sector SPDR® Fund S-10  
The Health Care Select Sector SPDR® Fund S-12  
The iShares® China Large-Cap ETF S-14  
The iShares® Latin America 40 ETF S-17  
The iShares® MSCI Brazil Capped ETF S-19  
The iShares® MSCI EAFE ETF S-21  
The iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF S-23  
The iShares® MSCI Mexico Capped ETF S-25  
The iShares® Transportation Average ETF S-27  
The iShares® U.S. Real Estate ETF S-28  
The Market Vectors® Gold Miners ETF S-29  
The Powershares QQQ TrustSM, Series 1 S-31  
The SPDR® Dow Jones Industrial AverageSM ETF Trust S-34  
The SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust S-36  
The Vanguard® FTSE Emerging Markets ETF S-39  
The WisdomTree® Japan Hedged Equity Fund S-42  
Additional Terms of the Notes  S-44  
     
Prospectus Supplement  
Risk Factors S-1  
Pricing Supplement S-8  
Description of Notes S-10  
Use of Proceeds and Hedging S-33  
Certain ERISA Considerations S-34  
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations S-37  
Supplemental Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest) S-59  
     
Prospectus  
About this Prospectus 1  
Risk Factors 2  
Where You Can Find More Information 3  
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 4  
HSBC USA Inc. 6  
Use of Proceeds 7  
Description of Debt Securities 8  
Description of Preferred Stock 19  
Description of Warrants 25  
Description of Purchase Contracts 29  
Description of Units 32  
Book-Entry Procedures 35  
Limitations on Issuances in Bearer Form 40  
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations Relating to Debt Securities 40  
Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest) 49  
Notice to Canadian Investors 52  
Notice to EEA Investors 53  
Notice to UK Investors 54  
UK Financial Promotion 54  
Certain ERISA Matters 55  
Legal Opinions 57  
Experts 58