HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations, has acquired Silicon Valley Bank U.K. for a nominal fee of 1 pound. The acquisition is expected to expand HSBC’s reach in the technology sector, as Silicon Valley Bank has a strong presence in the startup and venture capital markets. HSBC is seeking to bolster its position as a leader in digital banking and financial technology, and this acquisition is a step towards achieving that goal. The deal is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021.
HSBC UK, a subsidiary of HSBC, has acquired Silicon Valley Bank UK for £1 ($1.21) with oversight from the Bank of England and consultation from the UK Treasury to ensure the safety of customer deposits. As of March 10, Silicon Valley Bank UK held loans totaling $6.6 billion and deposits of $8.1 billion. HSBC Group CEO, Noel Quinn, believes this acquisition will strengthen their commercial banking franchise and ability to serve innovative and fast-growing firms in the UK and internationally. Previously, The Bank of London had bid to save SVB UK, and the British government had expressed interest in having Barclays acquire the failing bank’s England unit, while other UK institutions, including SoftBank-owned OakNorth Bank, were considering similar steps. Investors have compared the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank to the downfall of Washington Mutual in 2008, caused by the collapse of the US housing market and subprime mortgage crisis.