Certain defined terms This document comprises the Annual Report and Accounts 2020 for The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited ('the Bank') and its subsidiaries (together 'the group'). References to 'HSBC', 'the Group' or 'the HSBC Group' within this document mean HSBC Holdings plc together with its subsidiaries. Within this document the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is referred to as 'Hong Kong'. The abbreviations 'HK$m' and 'HK$bn' represent millions and billions (thousands of millions) of Hong Kong dollars respectively. Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements This Annual Report and Accounts contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the group.