As the pioneer of modern banking in most of Asian Countries, HSBC (HSBC (formerly known as The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited) has had long history in Indonesia. Since HSBC opened its first Indonesian office in Jakarta (which known as Batavia) in 1884, HSBC has been providing various kinds of banking service and products to the Indonesian customers, whishing to develop trade and investment opportunities. Initially started to serve the important sugar trade, and then expanded its operation to Surabaya in 1896. Later in 1994 HSBC upgraded its Semarang agency, which has been operating since 1878, into a full branch. During challenging times in the Indonesian market where the Bank was forced to close operation during World War II, and in the mid-1960s, HSBC strengths were really put on trial. Having managed to re-open its operation in Indonesia after the World War II and similarly after the closure in mid-1960s, the Bank was granted a new banking license in 1968 wherein the Bank has remains steadily solid ever since and retained its position as one of the largest foreign banks operating in Indonesia. Today HSBC Indonesia offers a broad range of banking and financial services tailored to meet a wide spectrum of needs, from those of multinational corporations to local businesses and individual Indonesians, including personal financial services, corporate, commercial banking, institutional banking, treasury capital markets and Amanah Syariah banking. Until early 2009, it has been serving its customers through 113 outlets, spread through out 10 major cities: Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, Bandung, Semarang, Solo, Batam, Bogor, Tangerang, and Depok. This includes Branch offices, Premier Centres, Amanah branches, Express Banking Centres.