FWP 1 v473774_fwp.htm FREE WRITING PROSPECTUS

 

August 2017

Free Writing Prospectus

Registration Statement No. 333-202524

Dated August 23, 2017

Filed Pursuant to Rule 433

 

Structured Investments

Opportunities in U.S. and International Equities

Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Price of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF due September 6, 2022

Principal at Risk Securities

The Trigger Jump Securities, which we refer to as the securities, offered are senior unsecured debt securities of HSBC USA Inc. (“HSBC”), will not pay interest, do not guarantee any return of principal at maturity and have the terms described in the accompanying ETF Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus, as supplemented or modified by this free writing prospectus. All references to “Reference Asset” in the prospectus supplement and the ETF Underlying Supplement shall refer to the “underlying shares” herein. At maturity, if the final share price on the valuation date is greater than the initial share price, you will receive, in addition to the principal amount, a positive return on the securities equal to the greater of (1) the return represented by the upside payment and (2) the share performance factor (as each term is defined below). If the final share price is less than or equal to the initial share price, but greater than or equal to the trigger price, you will receive the stated principal amount of the securities. However, if the price of the underlying shares has depreciated by more than 25%, investors will be negatively exposed to the full amount of the percentage decline in the underlying shares and will lose 1% of the stated principal amount for every 1% decline in the underlying shares from the pricing date to the valuation date. These securities are for investors who seek an equity-based return and who are willing to risk their principal and forgo current income in exchange for the fixed upside payment and limited protection against the loss of principal that apply to a limited range of the performance of the underlying shares. Investors may lose up to 100% of the stated principal amount of the securities. All payments on the securities are subject to the credit risk of HSBC.

INDICATIVE TERMS  
Issuer: HSBC USA Inc. (“HSBC”)
Maturity date*: September 6, 2022, subject to adjustment as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes—Coupon Payment Dates, Call Payment Dates and Maturity Date” in the accompanying ETF Underlying Supplement
Underlying shares: Shares of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (the “index fund”) (Bloomberg symbol: “EEM”)
Aggregate principal amount: $
Payment at maturity:

·     If the final share price is greater than or equal to the initial share price: $10 + the greater of (1) the upside payment and (2) the product of (a) $10 and (b) the share performance factor

 

·     If the final share price is less than or equal to the initial share price but greater than or equal to the trigger price: $10

 

·     If the final share price is less than the trigger price: $10 × share performance factor

 

This amount will be less than $7.50 per $10 in stated principal amount of the securities, and could be zero. You may lose all of your investment.

 

Upside payment: At least $3.90 per security (at least 39.00% of the stated principal amount) (to be determined on the pricing date)
Share percent change: (final share price – initial share price) / initial share price
Trigger price:      , which is 75% of the initial share price
Initial share price: The official closing price of the underlying shares on the pricing date
Final share price: The official closing price of the underlying shares on the valuation date, subject to adjustment by the calculation agent as described under “Additional Terms of the Notes—Antidilution and Reorganization Adjustments” in the ETF Underlying Supplement.
Official closing price: The official closing price of the underlying shares on any scheduled trading day as determined by the calculation agent based upon the value displayed on Bloomberg Professional® service page “EEM UP <Equity>” or any successor page on the Bloomberg Professional® service or any successor service, as applicable.
Valuation date*: August 31, 2022, subject to adjustment as described in “Additional Terms of the Notes—Valuation Dates” in the accompanying ETF Underlying Supplement
Share performance factor: final share price / initial share price
Stated principal amount: $10 per security
Issue price: $10 per security
Pricing date*: On or about August 31, 2017
Original issue date*: On or about September 6, 2017 (3 business days after the pricing date)
Estimated initial value: The estimated initial value of the securities will be less than the price you pay to purchase the securities. The estimated initial value does not represent a minimum price at which we or any of our affiliates would be willing to purchase your securities 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 securities, 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 securities in the secondary market, if any.”
CUSIP / ISIN: 40435G550 / US40435G5505
Listing: The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.
Agent: HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of HSBC. See “Supplemental plan of distribution (conflicts of interest)”.
Commissions and issue price: Price to public Fees and commissions Proceeds to issuer
Per security $10.00 $0.30(1) $9.70
     
Total $ $ $
(1)HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., acting as agent for HSBC, will receive a fee of $0.30 per $10 stated principal amount and will pay Morgan Stanley Wealth Management a fixed sales commission of $0.30 for each security they sell. See “Supplemental plan of distribution (conflicts of interest).”

* The pricing date, original issue date and the other dates set forth above are subject to change, and will be set forth in the pricing supplement relating to the securities.
The estimated initial value of the securities on the pricing date is expected to be between $9.15 and $9.65 per security, which will be less than the price to public. The market value of the securities at any time will reflect many factors and cannot be predicted with accuracy. See “Estimated initial value” above and “Risk Factors” beginning on page 4 of this document for additional information.

An investment in the securities involves certain risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 4 of this free writing prospectus, page S-1 of the ETF Underlying Supplement and page S-1 of the prospectus supplement.

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

HSBC has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, a prospectus 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, 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 and ETF Underlying Supplement if you request them by calling toll-free 1-866-811-8049.

You should read this document together with the related ETF Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus, each of which can be accessed via the hyperlinks below.

The ETF Underlying Supplement dated March 5, 2015 at: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000114420415014329/v403640_424b2.htm

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

The prospectus dated March 5, 2015 at: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000119312515078931/d884345d424b3.htm

The securities 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 of the United States or any other jurisdiction, and involve investment risks including possible loss of the stated principal amount invested due to the credit risk of HSBC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Price of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF due September 6, 2022

Trigger Jump SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

Investment Summary

Trigger Jump Securities
Principal at Risk Securities

 

The Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Price of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF due September 6, 2022 (the “securities”) can be used:

 

§As an alternative to direct exposure to the underlying shares that provides for a fixed positive return of at least 39.00% (to be determined on the pricing date) if the final share price is greater than or equal to the initial share price as of the valuation date, and offers uncapped 1 to 1 participation in any increase in the price of the underlying shares if the final share price is greater than the initial share price by more than 39.00% (to be determined on the pricing date).

 

§To enhance returns and potentially outperform the reference asset in a moderately bullish scenario

 

§To obtain limited protection against the loss of principal if the final share price is less than the initial share price, but only so long as the final share price is greater than or equal to the trigger price.

 

Maturity: Five years
Payment at maturity:

·    If the final share price is greater than or equal to the initial share price: $10 + the greater of (1) the upside payment and (2) the product of (a) $10 and (b) the share performance factor

 

·    If the final share price is less than the initial share price and greater than or equal to the trigger price: $10

 

·    If the final share price is less than the trigger price: $10 × share performance factor

Upside payment: At least $3.90 per security (39.00% of the stated principal amount). The actual upside payment will be determined on the pricing date.
Trigger price: 75% of the initial share price
Interest: None
Minimum payment at maturity: None. Investors may lose their entire initial investment in the securities.

 

Key Investment Rationale

 

This approximately five-year investment does not pay interest, but offers a fixed positive return of at least 39.00% (to be determined on the pricing date) if the final share price on the valuation date is greater than the initial share price, and offers uncapped 1 to 1 participation in any increase in the price of the underlying shares if the final share price is greater than the initial share price by more than 39.00% (to be determined on the pricing date). The actual upside payment will be determined on the pricing date. If the final share price is less than or equal to the initial share price, but greater than or equal to the trigger price, you will receive the stated principal amount of the securities. However, if the final share price is less than the trigger price, the payment at maturity will be less than $7.50 per $10 in stated principal amount of the securities, and could be zero. Investors may lose up to 100% of the stated principal amount of the securities.

 

These securities are for investors who seek an equity-based return and who are willing to risk their principal and forgo current income in exchange for the potential benefit of the upside payment that only applies if the final share price is greater than the initial share price. All payments on the securities are subject to the credit risk of HSBC.

 

Upside Scenario The final share price value is greater than the initial share price. In this scenario, for each security, we will pay $10 plus the greater of (1) the upside payment and (2) the product of (a) $10 and (b) the share performance factor. The upside payment will be at least $3.90 per security (at least 39.00% of the stated principal amount) (to be determined on the pricing date).
Par Scenario The final share price is less than or equal to the initial share price but greater than or equal to the trigger price. In this scenario, the payment at maturity for each security will be equal to the stated principal amount of $10 per security.
Downside Scenario The final share price is less than the trigger price. In this scenario, we will pay less than the stated principal amount of $10 per security by an amount proportionate to the decrease in the price of the reference asset from the initial share price (e.g., a 40% depreciation in the reference asset will result in the payment at maturity of $6 per security). There is no minimum payment at maturity.

 

August 2017Page 2

 

 

 

 

Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Price of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF due September 6, 2022

Trigger Jump SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

How the Trigger Jump Securities Work

Payoff Diagram

 

The payoff diagram below illustrates the payment at maturity on the securities assuming the following terms:

 

Stated principal amount: $10 per security
Hypothetical upside payment: $3.90 (39.00% of the stated principal amount)
Minimum payment at maturity: None
Trigger price: 75% of the initial share price

 

Trigger Jump Securities Payoff Diagram
 

     

 

How it works

 

§Upside Scenario: If the final share price is greater than or equal to the initial share price, the payment at maturity on the securities is $10 plus the greater of (1) the upside payment and (2) the product of (a) $10 and (b) the share performance factor. Under the hypothetical terms of the securities, an investor would receive a payment at maturity equal to $13.90 per security if the final share price is greater than the initial share price by no more than 39.00%, and would receive $10 plus an amount that represents a 1 to 1 participation in any increase in the price of the underlying shares if the final share price is greater than the initial share price by more than 39.00%. The actual upside payment will be determined on the pricing date.

 

§Par Scenario: If the final share price is less than or equal to the initial share price but greater than or equal to the trigger price, an investor would receive the stated principal amount of $10 per security at maturity.

 

§Downside Scenario: If the final share price is less than the trigger price, investors would receive an amount that is less than the stated principal amount, based on a 1% loss of principal for each 1% decline in the price of the underlying shares. This amount will be less than $7.50 per security. There is no minimum payment at maturity on the securities.

 

§For example, if the underlying shares decline by 40%, investors would lose 40% of their principal and receive only $6.00 per security at maturity, or 60% of the stated principal amount.

 

August 2017Page 3

 

 

 

 

Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Price of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF due September 6, 2022

Trigger Jump SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

Investor Suitability

 

The securities may be suitable for you if:   The securities may not be suitable for you if:
     

§     You seek an investment with a return linked to the performance of the Underlying Shares and you believe the final share price will be positive.

 

§     You are willing to invest in the securities based on the upside payment of at least 39.00% (to be determined on the pricing date). The actual upside payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date.

 

§     You are willing to make an investment that is exposed to any negative performance of the final share price on a 1-to-1 basis if the final share price is less than the trigger price.

 

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

 

§     You are willing to forgo dividends or other distributions paid to holders of the stocks held by the index fund.

 

§     You do not seek current income from your investment.

 

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

 

§     You are willing to hold the securities to maturity.

 

§     You are comfortable with the creditworthiness of HSBC, as Issuer of the securities.

  

§     You believe the final share price will be less than the trigger price.

 

§     You are unwilling to invest in the securities based on the upside payment of at least 39.00% (to be determined on the pricing date). The actual upside payment at maturity will be determined on the pricing date.

 

§     You are unwilling to make an investment that is exposed to any negative final share price on a 1-to-1 basis if the final share price is less than the trigger price.

 

§     You seek an investment that provides full return of principal.

 

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

 

§     You prefer to receive the dividends or other distributions paid on the stocks held by the index fund.

 

§     You seek current income from your investment.

 

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

 

§     You are unable or unwilling to hold the securities to maturity.

 

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

August 2017Page 4

 

 

 

 

Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Price of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF due September 6, 2022

Trigger Jump SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

Risk Factors

 

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

 

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

 

“— Risks relating to all note issuances” in the prospectus supplement;

 

“— General risks related to index funds” in the ETF Underlying Supplement;

 

“— 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;

 

“— Time differences between the domestic and foreign markets and New York City may create discrepancies in the trading level or price of the notes” in the ETF Underlying Supplement; and

 

“— The notes are subject to currency exchange risk” in the ETF Underlying Supplement.

 

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

 

§The securities do not pay interest and may result in a loss of principal. The terms of the securities differ from those of ordinary debt securities in that the securities do not pay interest or guarantee payment of the principal amount at maturity. If the final share price is less than the trigger price (which is 75% of the initial share price), the limited protection against loss of principal will no longer be available and you will receive for each security that you hold a payment at maturity that is at least 25% less than the stated principal amount of each security. In this case, you will lose a portion of your principal amount equal to the percentage decline in the price of the underlying shares from the initial share price to the final share price, subject to the credit risk of HSBC. There is no minimum payment on the securities and you may lose up to 100% of the stated principal amount.

 

§Credit risk of HSBC USA Inc. The securities are senior unsecured debt obligations of the issuer, HSBC, and are not, either directly or indirectly, an obligation of any third party. As further described in the accompanying prospectus supplement and prospectus, the securities will rank on par with all of the other unsecured and unsubordinated debt obligations of HSBC, except such obligations as may be preferred by operation of law. Any payment to be made on the securities depends on the ability of HSBC to satisfy its obligations as they come due. As a result, the actual and perceived creditworthiness of HSBC may affect the market value of the securities and, in the event HSBC were to default on its obligations, you may not receive the amounts owed to you under the terms of the securities.

 

§The market price will be influenced by many unpredictable factors. Several factors will influence the value of the securities in the secondary market and the price at which HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. may be willing to purchase or sell the securities in the secondary market, including: the value, volatility and dividend yield, as applicable, of the underlying shares and the securities held by the index fund, interest and yield rates, time remaining to maturity, geopolitical conditions and economic, financial, political and regulatory or judicial events and any actual or anticipated changes in our credit ratings or credit spreads. The price of the underlying shares may be, and has recently been, volatile, and we can give you no assurance that the volatility will lessen. See “Information about the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF” below. You may receive less, and possibly significantly less, than the stated principal amount per security if you try to sell your securities prior to maturity.

 

§Investing in the securities is not equivalent to investing in the underlying shares. Investing in the securities is not equivalent to investing in the underlying shares. Investors in the securities will not have voting rights or rights to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the underlying shares.

 

§Adjustments to the underlying shares or the underlying index could adversely affect the value of the securities. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the “underlying index”) is the underlying index of the index fund. The investment advisor to the index fund, BlackRock Fund Advisor (the “investment advisor”), seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the underlying index. Under its investment strategy or otherwise, the investment advisor may add, delete or substitute the stocks held by the index fund. In addition, the publisher of the underlying index may add, delete or substitute the stocks constituting the underlying index or make other methodological changes that could change the level of the underlying index. Further, the publisher of the underlying index may discontinue or suspend calculation or

 

August 2017Page 5

 

 

 

 

Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Price of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF due September 6, 2022

Trigger Jump SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

publication of the underlying index at any time. Any such actions could affect the value of and the return on the securities.

 

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

 

§The estimated initial value of the securities, 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 securities in the secondary market, if any. The estimated initial value of the securities 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 securities. This internal funding rate is typically lower than the rate we would pay 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 securities 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 securities to be more favorable to you. We will determine the value of the embedded derivatives in the securities 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 securities 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 securities in the secondary market (if any exists) at any time.

 

§The price of your securities 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 will include our affiliates’ projected hedging profits (which may or may not be realized) for assuming risks inherent in hedging our obligations under the securities, the underwriting discount and the costs associated with structuring and hedging our obligations under the securities. These costs, except for the underwriting discount, will be used or retained by us or one of our affiliates. If you were to sell your securities in the secondary market, if any, the price you would receive for your securities 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 securities in the secondary market, if any, at any time after issuance will vary based on many factors, including the price of the underlying shares and changes in market conditions, and cannot be predicted with accuracy. The securities are not designed to be short-term trading instruments, and you should, therefore, be able and willing to hold the securities to maturity. Any sale of the securities prior to maturity could result in a loss to you.

 

§If HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. were to repurchase your securities immediately after the original issue date, the price you receive may be higher than the estimated initial value of the securities. 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 securities 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 8 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 securities and other costs in connection with the securities that we will no longer expect to incur over the term of the securities. 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 securities and any agreement we may have with the distributors of the securities. 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 securities based on changes in market conditions and other factors that cannot be predicted.

 

August 2017Page 6

 

 

 

 

Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Price of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF due September 6, 2022

Trigger Jump SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

§The amount payable on the securities is not linked to the price of the underlying shares at any time other than the valuation date. The final share price will be based on the official closing price of the underlying shares on the valuation date, subject to postponement for non-trading days and certain market disruption events. Even if the price of the underlying shares appreciates prior to the valuation date but then decreases by the valuation date, the payment at maturity may be less, and may be significantly less, than it would have been had the payment at maturity been linked to the price of the underlying shares prior to that decrease. Although the actual price of the underlying shares on the stated maturity date or at other times during the term of the securities may be higher than the final share price, the payment at maturity will be based solely on the official closing price of the underlying shares on the valuation date.

 

§Risks associated with non-U.S. companies. The price of the underlying shares depends upon the stocks of non-U.S. companies, and thus involves 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 securities. 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 iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and, as a result, the value of the securities.

 

§There are 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 these risks may be made more difficult by low levels of corporate disclosure and unreliability of economic and financial data.

 

§The securities will not be adjusted for changes in exchange rates. Although the equity securities composing the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF are traded in currencies other than U.S. dollars, and the securities are denominated in U.S. dollars, the amount payable on the securities at maturity will not be adjusted for changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which these non-U.S. equity securities are denominated. Changes in exchange rates, however, may also reflect changes in the applicable non-U.S. economies that in turn may affect the price of the underlying shares, and therefore your securities. The amount we pay in respect of the securities on the maturity date will be determined solely in accordance with the procedures described in this document.

 

§The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange and secondary trading may be limited. The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange. Therefore, there may be little or no secondary market for the securities. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. may, but is not obligated to, make a market in the securities. Even if there is a secondary market, it may not provide enough liquidity to allow you to trade or sell the securities easily. Because we do not expect that other broker-dealers will participate significantly in the secondary market for the securities, the price at which you may be able to trade your securities is likely to depend on the price, if any, at which HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. is willing to transact. If, at any time, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. were to cease making a market in the securities, it is likely that there would be no secondary market for the securities. Accordingly, you should be willing to hold your securities to maturity.

 

§The calculation agent, which is HSBC or one of its affiliates, will make determinations with respect to the securities. As calculation agent, HSBC or one of its affiliates will determine the initial share price, the trigger price and the final share price, including whether the price of the underlying shares has decreased to or below the trigger price, and will calculate the amount of cash, if any, that you will receive at maturity. Determinations made by HSBC or one of its affiliates in its capacity as calculation agent may require it to exercise discretion and make subjective judgments, such as with respect to the occurrence or non-occurrence of market disruption events and the anti-dilution and reorganization adjustments to the underlying shares. These determinations, which may be subjective, may adversely affect the payout to you at maturity, if any. Although the calculation agent will make all determinations and take all action in relation to the securities in good faith, it should be noted that such discretion could have an impact (positive or negative) on the value of your securities. The calculation agent is under no

 

August 2017Page 7

 

 

 

 

Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Price of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF due September 6, 2022

Trigger Jump SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

obligation to consider your interests as a holder of the securities in taking any actions, including the determination of the initial share price, that might affect the value of your securities.

 

§Hedging and trading activity by our affiliates could potentially adversely affect the value of the securities. One or more of our affiliates and/or third-party dealers expect to carry out hedging activities related to the securities (and possibly to other instruments linked to the underlying shares or its component stocks), including trading in the underlying shares or stocks held by the index fund as well as in other instruments related to the underlying shares. As a result, these entities may be unwinding or adjusting hedge positions during the term of the securities and the hedging strategy may involve greater and more frequent dynamic adjustments to the hedge as the valuation date approaches. Some of our affiliates also trade the underlying shares or the stocks held by the index fund and other financial instruments relating to the underlying shares on a regular basis as part of their general broker-dealer and other businesses. Any of these hedging or trading activities on or prior to the pricing date could potentially increase the initial share price and, therefore, could increase the price at which the underlying shares must close so that an investor does not suffer a loss on the investor’s initial investment in the securities. Additionally, hedging or trading activities during the term of the securities, including on the valuation date, could adversely affect the price of the underlying shares on the valuation date and, accordingly, the amount of cash, if any, an investor will receive at maturity.

 

§The securities are not insured or guaranteed by any governmental agency of the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities are not deposit liabilities or other obligations of a bank and are not insured 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 securities is subject to the credit risk of HSBC, and in the event that HSBC is unable to pay its obligations as they become due, you may not receive the full payment at maturity of the securities.

 

§The U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the securities are uncertain. For a discussion of certain of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of your investment in a security, please see the discussion under “Additional Information About the Trigger Jump Securities —Tax considerations” herein, and the discussion under “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

 

August 2017Page 8

 

 

 

 

Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Price of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF due September 6, 2022

Trigger Jump SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

Information About the Underlying Shares

 

The iSharesÒ MSCI Emerging Markets ETF seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is intended to measure the performance of equity markets in the global emerging markets. As of July 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. The returns of the iSharesÒ MSCI Emerging Markets ETF may be affected by certain management fees and other expenses, which are detailed in its prospectus.

 

Historical Information

 

Information as of market close on August 18, 2017:

 

Bloomberg Ticker Symbol: EEM    
Current Share Closing Price: $43.67 52 Week High (on 8/8/2017): $44.26
52 Weeks Ago: $37.46 52 Week Low (on 12/22/2016): $34.08

 

The following graph sets forth the historical performance of the underlying shares based on the daily historical official closing prices from January 2, 2008 through August 18, 2017. We obtained the official closing prices below from the Bloomberg Professional® service. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained from the Bloomberg Professional® service. The historical prices of the underlying shares should not be taken as an indication of future performance, and no assurance can be given as to the price of the underlying shares on the valuation date.

 

Historical Performance of the Underlying Shares – Daily Official Closing Prices

January 2, 2008 to August 18, 2017

 

 

August 2017Page 9

 

 

 

 

Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Price of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF due September 6, 2022

Trigger Jump SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

The following table sets forth the quarterly high, low, and closing prices of the underlying shares for each calendar quarter since the first quarter of 2008. The closing prices listed below were obtained from publicly available information at Bloomberg Financial Markets, rounded to two decimal places. The historical closing prices of underlying shares should not be taken as an indication of future performance.

 

Quarter Begin Quarter End Quarterly High ($) Quarterly Low ($) Quarterly Close ($)
1/2/2008 3/31/2008 50.37 42.17 44.79
4/1/2008 6/30/2008 51.70 44.43 45.19
7/1/2008 9/30/2008 45.19 31.33 34.53
10/1/2008 12/31/2008 34.53 18.22 24.97
1/2/2009 3/31/2009 27.09 19.94 24.81
4/1/2009 6/30/2009 34.64 24.81 32.23
7/1/2009 9/30/2009 39.29 30.75 38.91
10/1/2009 12/31/2009 42.07 37.56 41.50
1/4/2010 3/31/2010 43.22 36.83 42.12
4/1/2010 6/30/2010 43.98 36.16 37.32
7/1/2010 9/30/2010 44.77 37.32 44.77
10/1/2010 12/31/2010 48.58 44.77 47.62
1/3/2011 3/31/2011 48.69 44.63 48.69
4/1/2011 6/30/2011 50.21 45.50 47.60
7/1/2011 9/30/2011 48.46 34.95 35.07
10/3/2011 12/30/2011 42.80 34.36 37.94
1/3/2012 3/30/2012 44.76 37.94 42.94
4/2/2012 6/29/2012 43.54 36.68 39.19
7/2/2012 9/28/2012 42.37 37.42 41.32
10/1/2012 12/31/2012 44.35 40.14 44.35
1/2/2013 3/28/2013 45.20 41.80 42.78
4/1/2013 6/28/2013 44.23 36.63 38.57
7/1/2013 9/30/2013 43.29 37.34 40.77
10/1/2013 12/31/2013 43.66 40.44 41.77
1/2/2014 3/31/2014 41.77 37.09 40.99
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
1/2/2015 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 31.87 34.36
7/1/2016 9/30/2016 38.20 33.77 37.45
10/1/2016 12/31/2016 38.10 34.08 35.01
1/1/2017 3/31/2017 39.98 35.01 39.39
4/1/2017 6/30/2017 41.93 38.81 41.39
7/1/2017 8/18/2017* 44.26 41.05 43.67

 

* The information set forth above for the third calendar quarter of 2017 includes data for the period from July 1, 2017 through August 18, 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 third calendar quarter of 2017.

 

August 2017Page 10

 

 

 

 

Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Price of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF due September 6, 2022

Trigger Jump SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

Additional Information About the Trigger Jump Securities

 

Please read this information in conjunction with the summary terms on the cover page of this document.

 

 General Information  
Listing: The securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.
CUSIP: 40435G550
ISIN: US40435G5505
Minimum ticketing size: $1,000 / 100 securities
Denominations: $10 per security and integral multiples thereof
Interest: None

Tax considerations:

There is no direct legal authority as to the proper tax treatment of each security, and therefore significant aspects of the tax treatment of each security are uncertain as to both the timing and character of any inclusion in income in respect of each security. Under one approach, each security could be treated as a pre-paid executory contract with respect to the underlying shares. We intend to treat each security consistent with this approach. Pursuant to the terms of each security, you agree to treat each security 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 each security as a pre-paid executory contract with respect to the underlying shares. 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 each security prior to maturity or an earlier sale or exchange, and we intend to treat any gain or loss upon maturity or an earlier sale or exchange as long-term capital gain or loss, provided that you have held the securities for more than one year at such time for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

Despite the foregoing, U.S. holders (as defined in the accompanying prospectus supplement) 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 the underlying shares). Under the “constructive ownership” rules, if an investment in the securities is treated as a “constructive ownership transaction,” any long-term capital gain recognized by a U.S. holder in respect of the securities 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 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, exchange or maturity of the securities (assuming such income accrued at a constant rate equal to the applicable federal rate as of the date of sale, exchange or maturity of the securities). 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 securities 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 the securities 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 the securities will equal the excess of (i) any long-term capital gain recognized by the U.S. holder in respect of the securities 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 the securities for an amount equal to the “issue price” of the securities and, upon the date of sale, exchange or maturity of the securities, 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 securities). Accordingly, it is possible that all or a portion of any gain on the sale or settlement of the securities 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.

 

In Notice 2008-2, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and the Treasury Department requested comments as to whether the purchaser of certain securities (which may include the securities) should be required to accrue income during its term under a mark-to-market, accrual or other methodology, whether income and gain on such a security or contract should be ordinary or capital and whether foreign holders should be subject to withholding tax on any deemed income accrual. Accordingly, it is possible that regulations or other guidance could provide that a U.S. holder of a security is required to accrue income in respect of the securities prior to the receipt of payments under the securities or its earlier sale or exchange. Moreover, it is possible that any such regulations or other guidance could treat all income and gain of a U.S. holder in respect of a security as ordinary income (including gain on a sale or exchange). Finally, it is possible that a non-U.S. holder (as defined in the accompanying prospectus supplement) of the securities could be subject to U.S. withholding tax in respect of a security. It is unclear whether any regulations or other guidance would apply to the securities (possibly on a retroactive basis). Prospective investors are urged to consult with their tax advisors regarding Notice 2008-2 and the possible effect to them of the issuance of regulations or other guidance that affects the

 

August 2017Page 11

 

 

 

 

Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Price of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF due September 6, 2022

Trigger Jump SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

 

U.S. federal income tax treatment of the securities.

 

We will not attempt to ascertain whether the underlying shares or any of the entities whose stock is owned by the underlying shares 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 the underlying shares or one or more of the entities whose stock is owned by the underlying shares 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 underlying shares or the entities whose stock is owned by the underlying shares and consult your tax advisor regarding the possible consequences to you if the underlying shares or one or more of the entities whose stock is owned by the underlying shares 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 security is likely to be treated as U.S. situs property, subject to U.S. federal estate tax. These individuals and entities should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal estate tax consequences of investing in the securities.

 

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, Internal Revenue Service guidance provides 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, 2019. Based on the Issuer’s determination that the securities are not “delta-one” instruments, non-U.S. holders should not be subject to withholding on dividend equivalent payments, if any, under the securities. However, it is possible that the securities could be treated as deemed reissued for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the occurrence of certain events affecting the underlying shares or the securities, and following such occurrence the securities 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 the underlying shares or the securities should consult their tax advisors as to the application of the dividend equivalent withholding tax in the context of the securities 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 a security will only apply to dispositions after December 31, 2018.

 

For a further discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences related to each security, see the section “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the accompanying prospectus supplement.

Calculation agent: HSBC USA Inc., or one of its affiliates.
Supplemental plan of distribution (conflicts of interest):

Pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., an affiliate of HSBC, will purchase the securities from HSBC for distribution to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. will act as agent for the securities, will receive a fee of $0.30 per $10 stated principal amount, and will pay Morgan Stanley Wealth Management a fixed sales commission of $0.30 for each security they sell.

 

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 securities, but is under no obligation to do so 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.

 

Events of default and acceleration:

If the securities have become immediately due and payable following an event of default (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) with respect to the securities, the calculation agent will determine the accelerated payment at maturity due and payable in the same general manner as described in “payment at maturity” in this free writing prospectus. In such a case, the third scheduled trading day for the underlying shares immediately preceding the date of acceleration will be used as the valuation date for purposes of determining the accelerated final share price. If a market disruption event exists on that scheduled trading day, then the accelerated valuation date will be postponed for up to five scheduled trading days (in the same general manner used for postponing the originally scheduled valuation date). The accelerated maturity date will be the fifth business day following such accelerated postponed valuation date.

 

For more information, see “Description of Debt Securities — Senior Debt Securities — Events of Default” in the accompanying prospectus.

Where you can find more information:

This free writing prospectus relates to an offering of the securities linked to the underlying shares. The purchaser of a security will acquire a senior unsecured debt security of HSBC USA Inc. We reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify any offering and to reject orders in whole or in part. Although the offering of securities relates to the underlying shares, you should not construe that fact as a recommendation as to the merits of acquiring an investment linked to the underlying shares or any security held by the index fund or as to the suitability of an investment in the securities.

 

HSBC has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus, a prospectus 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 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 and ETF Underlying Supplement if you request them by calling toll-free 1-866-811-8049.

 

You should read this document together with the prospectus dated March 5, 2015, the prospectus supplement dated March 5, 2015 and ETF Underlying Supplement dated March 5, 2015. If the terms of the securities offered hereby are inconsistent with those described in the accompanying prospectus supplement, prospectus, or ETF Underlying Supplement, the terms described in this free writing prospectus shall control. You should

 

August 2017Page 12

 

 

 

 

Trigger Jump Securities Based on the Price of the iShares® MSCI Emerging Markets ETF due September 6, 2022

Trigger Jump SecuritiesSM

Principal at Risk Securities

 

 

 

carefully consider, among other things, the matters set forth in “Risk Factors” herein, on page S-1 of the accompanying ETF Underlying Supplement and page S-1 of the accompanying prospectus supplement, as the securities 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 securities. As used herein, references to the “Issuer”, “HSBC”, “we”, “us” and “our” are to HSBC USA Inc.

 

You may access these documents on the SEC web site at www.sec.gov as follows:

 

The ETF Underlying Supplement at:

 

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000114420415014329/v403640_424b2.htm

 

The prospectus supplement at:

 

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000114420415014311/v403645_424b2.htm

 

The prospectus at:

 

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/83246/000119312515078931/d884345d424b3.htm

 

This document provides a summary of the terms and conditions of the securities. We encourage you to read the accompanying ETF Underlying Supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus for this offering, which can be accessed via the hyperlinks above.

 

August 2017Page 13