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  • Overall approach
    12/16
    • Overarching commitment on deforestation
      12/16
      Deforestation commitment
      Deforestation-free
      12/16
      "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly, or indirectly via the supply chain, in: illegal logging; wood logged in violation of traditional and civil rights; wood logged in forests where high conservation values are threatened by industry; or forests being converted to plantation or to non-forest use (deforestation)."
      Open source document
  • Commodity score
    32/64
    • Beef & Leather
      28/64
      • Commitment Strength
        23/42
        • Commodity-specific financing policy
          9/9.6
          • Commitment details
            Yes
            8/8
            Commitment details
            Yes
            8/8
            Type of policy: Reduce deforestation
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...]deforestation"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...]deforestation"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...]deforestation"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...]deforestation"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...]deforestation"
            Open source document
        • Companies must be legally operated
          5/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Entire supply chain - Require
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Entire supply chain - Require
            4/4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: [...] Illegal operations."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: [...] Illegal operations."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: [...] Illegal operations."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: [...] Illegal operations."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: [...] Illegal operations."
            Open source document
        • Companies must protect priority forests or globally important landscapes
          9/9.6
          • Commitment details
            All high priority landscapes - Require
            8/8
            Commitment details
            All high priority landscapes - Require
            8/8
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in [...] Deforestation, that is: the conversion of areas (often forests) necessary to protect high conservation values (HCVs), the conversion of high carbon stock (HCS) forests; the conversion of primary tropical forests; or land clearance by burning [...] New plantation development on peat, regardless of the depth."and "projects which threaten the special characteristics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Ramsar Wetlands."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in [...] Deforestation, that is: the conversion of areas (often forests) necessary to protect high conservation values (HCVs), the conversion of high carbon stock (HCS) forests; the conversion of primary tropical forests; or land clearance by burning [...] New plantation development on peat, regardless of the depth."and "projects which threaten the special characteristics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Ramsar Wetlands."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in [...] Deforestation, that is: the conversion of areas (often forests) necessary to protect high conservation values (HCVs), the conversion of high carbon stock (HCS) forests; the conversion of primary tropical forests; or land clearance by burning [...] New plantation development on peat, regardless of the depth."and "projects which threaten the special characteristics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Ramsar Wetlands."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in [...] Deforestation, that is: the conversion of areas (often forests) necessary to protect high conservation values (HCVs), the conversion of high carbon stock (HCS) forests; the conversion of primary tropical forests; or land clearance by burning [...] New plantation development on peat, regardless of the depth."and "projects which threaten the special characteristics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Ramsar Wetlands."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers; Retailers
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers; Retailers
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in [...] Deforestation, that is: the conversion of areas (often forests) necessary to protect high conservation values (HCVs), the conversion of high carbon stock (HCS) forests; the conversion of primary tropical forests; or land clearance by burning [...] New plantation development on peat, regardless of the depth."and "projects which threaten the special characteristics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Ramsar Wetlands."
            Open source document
        • Assurance mechanism to ensure compliance
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
        • Companies must have a grievance mechanism
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
        • Commitments must be timebound
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
      • Social Considerations
        5/22
        • Company must ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          5/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Yes - Require
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Yes - Require
            4/4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: the violation of the rights of local communities, such as the principle of free prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: the violation of the rights of local communities, such as the principle of free prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: the violation of the rights of local communities, such as the principle of free prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: the violation of the rights of local communities, such as the principle of free prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: the violation of the rights of local communities, such as the principle of free prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
        • Company must respect labour rights
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
        • Company must address gender equality issues
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
        • Companies must encourage the inclusion of small-scale farmers
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
    • Palm oil
      40/64
      • Commitment Strength
        34/42
        • Commodity-specific financing policy
          9.2/9.6
          • Commitment details
            Yes
            8/8
            Commitment details
            Yes
            8/8
            Type of policy: Deforestation-free
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...]deforestation" and "requires customers to obtain certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification scheme, or equivalent"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...]deforestation" and "requires customers to obtain certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification scheme, or equivalent"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...]deforestation" and "requires customers to obtain certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification scheme, or equivalent"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...]deforestation" and "requires customers to obtain certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification scheme, or equivalent"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...]deforestation" and "requires customers to obtain certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification scheme, or equivalent"
            Open source document
        • Companies must be legally operated
          5.2/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Entire supply chain - Require
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Entire supply chain - Require
            4/4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: Illegal operations"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: Illegal operations"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: Illegal operations"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: Illegal operations"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: Illegal operations"
            Open source document
        • Companies must protect priority forests or globally important landscapes
          9.4/9.6
          • Commitment details
            All high priority landscapes - Require
            8/8
            Commitment details
            All high priority landscapes - Require
            8/8
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in [...] Deforestation, that is: the conversion of areas (often forests) necessary to protect high conservation values (HCVs), the conversion of high carbon stock (HCS) forests; the conversion of primary tropical forests; or land clearance by burning [...] New plantation development on peat, regardless of the depth."and "projects which threaten the special characteristics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Ramsar Wetlands."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in [...] Deforestation, that is: the conversion of areas (often forests) necessary to protect high conservation values (HCVs), the conversion of high carbon stock (HCS) forests; the conversion of primary tropical forests; or land clearance by burning [...] New plantation development on peat, regardless of the depth."and "projects which threaten the special characteristics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Ramsar Wetlands."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in [...] Deforestation, that is: the conversion of areas (often forests) necessary to protect high conservation values (HCVs), the conversion of high carbon stock (HCS) forests; the conversion of primary tropical forests; or land clearance by burning [...] New plantation development on peat, regardless of the depth."and "projects which threaten the special characteristics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Ramsar Wetlands."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in [...] Deforestation, that is: the conversion of areas (often forests) necessary to protect high conservation values (HCVs), the conversion of high carbon stock (HCS) forests; the conversion of primary tropical forests; or land clearance by burning [...] New plantation development on peat, regardless of the depth."and "projects which threaten the special characteristics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Ramsar Wetlands."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers; Retailers
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers; Retailers
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in [...] Deforestation, that is: the conversion of areas (often forests) necessary to protect high conservation values (HCVs), the conversion of high carbon stock (HCS) forests; the conversion of primary tropical forests; or land clearance by burning [...] New plantation development on peat, regardless of the depth."and "projects which threaten the special characteristics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Ramsar Wetlands."
            Open source document
        • Assurance mechanism to ensure compliance
          5.2/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Require
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Require
            4/4
            Verification method: Certification Scheme
            Certification scheme (if applicable): RSPO
            HSBC "requires customers to obtain certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification scheme, or equivalent".
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            HSBC "requires customers to obtain certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification scheme, or equivalent".
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            HSBC "requires customers to obtain certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification scheme, or equivalent".
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            HSBC "requires customers to obtain certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification scheme, or equivalent".
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders
            0.2/0.4
            HSBC "requires customers to obtain certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification scheme, or equivalent".
            Open source document
        • Companies must have a grievance mechanism
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
        • Commitments must be timebound
          5.2/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Require
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Require
            4/4
            Type of policy: FI has specific deadline for all companies to comply
            "HSBC requires customers to obtain certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification scheme, or equivalent[...]by 31 December 2018."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC requires customers to obtain certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification scheme, or equivalent[...]by 31 December 2018."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC requires customers to obtain certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification scheme, or equivalent[...]by 31 December 2018."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC requires customers to obtain certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification scheme, or equivalent[...]by 31 December 2018."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC requires customers to obtain certification under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification scheme, or equivalent[...]by 31 December 2018."
            Open source document
      • Social Considerations
        5/22
        • Company must ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          5.2/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Yes - Require
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Yes - Require
            4/4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...] the violation of the rights of local communities, such as the principle of free prior and informed consent"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...] the violation of the rights of local communities, such as the principle of free prior and informed consent"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...] the violation of the rights of local communities, such as the principle of free prior and informed consent"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...] the violation of the rights of local communities, such as the principle of free prior and informed consent"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...] the violation of the rights of local communities, such as the principle of free prior and informed consent"
            Open source document
        • Company must respect labour rights
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
        • Company must address gender equality issues
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
        • Companies must encourage the inclusion of small-scale farmers
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
    • Soy
      28/64
      • Commitment Strength
        23/42
        • Commodity-specific financing policy
          9/9.6
          • Commitment details
            Yes
            8/8
            Commitment details
            Yes
            8/8
            Type of policy: Zero net deforestation
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...]deforestation"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...]deforestation"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...]deforestation"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...]deforestation"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in[...]deforestation"
            Open source document
        • Companies must be legally operated
          5/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Entire supply chain - Require
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Entire supply chain - Require
            4/4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: [...] Illegal operations."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: [...] Illegal operations."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: [...] Illegal operations."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: [...] Illegal operations."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: [...] Illegal operations."
            Open source document
        • Companies must protect priority forests or globally important landscapes
          8.8/9.6
          • Commitment details
            All high priority landscapes - Require
            8/8
            Commitment details
            All high priority landscapes - Require
            8/8
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in [...] Deforestation, that is: the conversion of areas (often forests) necessary to protect high conservation values (HCVs), the conversion of high carbon stock (HCS) forests; the conversion of primary tropical forests; or land clearance by burning [...] New plantation development on peat, regardless of the depth."and "projects which threaten the special characteristics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Ramsar Wetlands."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in [...] Deforestation, that is: the conversion of areas (often forests) necessary to protect high conservation values (HCVs), the conversion of high carbon stock (HCS) forests; the conversion of primary tropical forests; or land clearance by burning [...] New plantation development on peat, regardless of the depth."and "projects which threaten the special characteristics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Ramsar Wetlands."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in [...] Deforestation, that is: the conversion of areas (often forests) necessary to protect high conservation values (HCVs), the conversion of high carbon stock (HCS) forests; the conversion of primary tropical forests; or land clearance by burning [...] New plantation development on peat, regardless of the depth."and "projects which threaten the special characteristics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Ramsar Wetlands."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in [...] Deforestation, that is: the conversion of areas (often forests) necessary to protect high conservation values (HCVs), the conversion of high carbon stock (HCS) forests; the conversion of primary tropical forests; or land clearance by burning [...] New plantation development on peat, regardless of the depth."and "projects which threaten the special characteristics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Ramsar Wetlands."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in [...] Deforestation, that is: the conversion of areas (often forests) necessary to protect high conservation values (HCVs), the conversion of high carbon stock (HCS) forests; the conversion of primary tropical forests; or land clearance by burning [...] New plantation development on peat, regardless of the depth."and "projects which threaten the special characteristics of UNESCO World Heritage Sites or Ramsar Wetlands."
            Open source document
        • Assurance mechanism to ensure compliance
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
        • Companies must have a grievance mechanism
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
        • Commitments must be timebound
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
      • Social Considerations
        5/22
        • Company must ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          5/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Yes - Require
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Yes - Require
            4/4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: the violation of the rights of local communities, such as the principle of free prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: the violation of the rights of local communities, such as the principle of free prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: the violation of the rights of local communities, such as the principle of free prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: the violation of the rights of local communities, such as the principle of free prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly in or sourcing from suppliers involved in: the violation of the rights of local communities, such as the principle of free prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
        • Company must respect labour rights
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
        • Company must address gender equality issues
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
        • Companies must encourage the inclusion of small-scale farmers
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
    • Timber, Pulp & Paper
      33/64
      • Commitment Strength
        33/42
        • Commodity-specific financing policy
          9.5/9.6
          • Commitment details
            Yes
            8/8
            Commitment details
            Yes
            8/8
            Type of policy: Zero net deforestation
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly, or indirectly via the supply chain, in: illegal logging; wood logged in violation of traditional and civil rights; wood logged in forests where high conservation values are threatened by industry; or forests being converted to plantation or to non-forest use (deforestation)." 
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly, or indirectly via the supply chain, in: illegal logging; wood logged in violation of traditional and civil rights; wood logged in forests where high conservation values are threatened by industry; or forests being converted to plantation or to non-forest use (deforestation)." 
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly, or indirectly via the supply chain, in: illegal logging; wood logged in violation of traditional and civil rights; wood logged in forests where high conservation values are threatened by industry; or forests being converted to plantation or to non-forest use (deforestation)." 
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly, or indirectly via the supply chain, in: illegal logging; wood logged in violation of traditional and civil rights; wood logged in forests where high conservation values are threatened by industry; or forests being converted to plantation or to non-forest use (deforestation)." 
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers
            0.3/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers
            0.3/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly, or indirectly via the supply chain, in: illegal logging; wood logged in violation of traditional and civil rights; wood logged in forests where high conservation values are threatened by industry; or forests being converted to plantation or to non-forest use (deforestation)." 
            Open source document
        • Companies must be legally operated
          5.5/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Entire supply chain - Require
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Entire supply chain - Require
            4/4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly, or indirectly via the supply chain, in: illegal logging"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly, or indirectly via the supply chain, in: illegal logging"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly, or indirectly via the supply chain, in: illegal logging"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly, or indirectly via the supply chain, in: illegal logging"
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers
            0.3/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers
            0.3/0.4
            "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly, or indirectly via the supply chain, in: illegal logging"
            Open source document
        • Companies must protect priority forests or globally important landscapes
          7.4/9.6
          • Commitment details
            All high priority landscapes - Encourage
            6/8
            Commitment details
            All high priority landscapes - Encourage
            6/8
            "HSBC does not wish to support projects which could result in: 1. A World Heritage Site being placed on the “In Danger” list, unless the World Heritage Committee specifically agrees in advance to that project; or 2. The special characteristics of a Ramsar Wetland being threatened". "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly, or indirectly via the supply chain, in: illegal logging; wood logged in violation of traditional and civil rights; wood logged in forests where high conservation values are threatened by industry; or forests being converted to plantation or to non-forest use (deforestation)."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC does not wish to support projects which could result in: 1. A World Heritage Site being placed on the “In Danger” list, unless the World Heritage Committee specifically agrees in advance to that project; or 2. The special characteristics of a Ramsar Wetland being threatened". "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly, or indirectly via the supply chain, in: illegal logging; wood logged in violation of traditional and civil rights; wood logged in forests where high conservation values are threatened by industry; or forests being converted to plantation or to non-forest use (deforestation)."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            Subset
            0.2/0.4
            "HSBC does not wish to support projects which could result in: 1. A World Heritage Site being placed on the “In Danger” list, unless the World Heritage Committee specifically agrees in advance to that project; or 2. The special characteristics of a Ramsar Wetland being threatened". "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly, or indirectly via the supply chain, in: illegal logging; wood logged in violation of traditional and civil rights; wood logged in forests where high conservation values are threatened by industry; or forests being converted to plantation or to non-forest use (deforestation)."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC does not wish to support projects which could result in: 1. A World Heritage Site being placed on the “In Danger” list, unless the World Heritage Committee specifically agrees in advance to that project; or 2. The special characteristics of a Ramsar Wetland being threatened". "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly, or indirectly via the supply chain, in: illegal logging; wood logged in violation of traditional and civil rights; wood logged in forests where high conservation values are threatened by industry; or forests being converted to plantation or to non-forest use (deforestation)."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers; Retailers
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers; Retailers
            0.4/0.4
            "HSBC does not wish to support projects which could result in: 1. A World Heritage Site being placed on the “In Danger” list, unless the World Heritage Committee specifically agrees in advance to that project; or 2. The special characteristics of a Ramsar Wetland being threatened". "HSBC will not knowingly provide financial services to customers involved directly, or indirectly via the supply chain, in: illegal logging; wood logged in violation of traditional and civil rights; wood logged in forests where high conservation values are threatened by industry; or forests being converted to plantation or to non-forest use (deforestation)."
            Open source document
        • Assurance mechanism to ensure compliance
          5.5/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Require
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Require
            4/4
            Certification scheme (if applicable): FSC
            Verification method: Certification Scheme
            HSBC requires all of their clients to be FSC certified and has a time-bound policy to ensure that customers that are not certified, to be certified by a specific date, or the relationship will be closed. 
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            HSBC requires all of their clients to be FSC certified and has a time-bound policy to ensure that customers that are not certified, to be certified by a specific date, or the relationship will be closed. 
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            HSBC requires all of their clients to be FSC certified and has a time-bound policy to ensure that customers that are not certified, to be certified by a specific date, or the relationship will be closed. 
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All
            0.4/0.4
            HSBC requires all of their clients to be FSC certified and has a time-bound policy to ensure that customers that are not certified, to be certified by a specific date, or the relationship will be closed. 
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers
            0.3/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers
            0.3/0.4
            HSBC requires all of their clients to be FSC certified and has a time-bound policy to ensure that customers that are not certified, to be certified by a specific date, or the relationship will be closed. 
            Open source document
        • Companies must have a grievance mechanism
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
        • Commitments must be timebound
          5.5/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Require
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Require
            4/4
            Type of policy: Compliance is prerequisite for financing
            HSBC states that all customers must have been FSC or PEFC certified and have no track record of unacceptable impacts by 31st December 2014.
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All
            0.4/0.4
            HSBC states that all customers must have been FSC or PEFC certified and have no track record of unacceptable impacts by 31st December 2014.
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All
            0.4/0.4
            HSBC states that all customers must have been FSC or PEFC certified and have no track record of unacceptable impacts by 31st December 2014.
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All
            0.4/0.4
            HSBC states that all customers must have been FSC or PEFC certified and have no track record of unacceptable impacts by 31st December 2014.
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers
            0.3/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers
            0.3/0.4
            HSBC states that all customers must have been FSC or PEFC certified and have no track record of unacceptable impacts by 31st December 2014.
            Open source document
      • Social Considerations
        0/22
        • Company must ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
            Commitment details
            No
            0/4
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            0
            0/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            0
            0/0.4
            Open source document
        • Company must respect labour rights
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
        • Company must address gender equality issues
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
        • Companies must encourage the inclusion of small-scale farmers
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            No
            0/0.4
  • Reporting & Implementation
    10/20
    • Policy is reviewed and updated
      3/5
      Policy review
      Commit to update policy - Timeline unclear
      3/5
      "The policies are reviewed at intervals."
      Open source document
    • Companies must disclose subsidiaries in commodity supply chains
      0/5
    • Monitoring and non-compliance process
      5/5
      Monitoring compliance
      Yes - Timebound non-compliance statement
      5/5
      Non-compliant clients must have a time-bound plan to achieve certification within 4 years otherwise HSBC will close the relationship. 
      Open source document
    • Reporting on implementation of the policy
      3/5
      Reporting
      Yes - Less than Annually or ad hoc
      3/5
      112 total, 37 non-compliant
      "At the end of June 2017... We currently have 112 customers in the palm oil sector. Almost three-quarters already have NDPE commitments in place and are fully compliant with HSBC Policy. Of those customers that were not already compliant, ongoing engagement and support from HSBC has resulted in 12 customers adopting public NDPE commitments. We intend to end our banking relationship with 37 customers; this number includes both existing relationships identified to be closed, when contractual terms allow, following the 2014 update to our policy, and a small number who do not comply with the new policy requirements." 
      Open source document
  • Commitment strength
    28/42
    Avg. score
  • Social considerations
    4/22
    Avg. score

Profile

HSBC are an international banking group headquartered in London serving private and commercial clients. Their services include corporate finance, insurance, and investments, securities, wealth management and retail banking services. As of 2017, HSBC’s total assets amount to more than 2.4 trillion USD, with approximately 1 trillion USD in loans. HSBC are among the top 10 lenders to Forest 500 companies, with loans amounting to more than 68 billion USD across a broad range of forest risk sectors. They are also among the top 80 shareholders for Forest 500 companies, with more than 4 billion USD worth of shares.

HQ
HQ 
United Kingdom
Financial institution type
Financial institution type 
Asset management, Bank

How we assess the Forest 500

Investors and lenders need to adopt and implement strong deforestation policies that ensure their investments are not funding the destruction of forests.

All assessments use policies published on financial institution websites, some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Full finance sector performance data Forest 500 assessment methodology

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Disclaimer

This assessment has been carried out following the methodology developed for the Forest 500 project, available here. Please see our disclaimer applicable to all information contained within this site and our terms and conditions for use of data presented on this site.

All assessments use policies published on company and financial institution websites, and while we endeavor to keep them updated some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Please contact us with any concerns or feedback about this or other assessments included in the Forest 500.