Shareholders at Hang Seng Bank have approved a plan for the bank to be privatised by HSBC Asia Pacific, part of the HSBC Group.  

The proposal, which was first announced in October 2025, places an overall value on Hang Seng Bank of approximately HK$106.1bn (then $13.63bn). 

The scheme puts forward that HSBC Asia Pacific will buy out all remaining shares currently held by minority shareholders at a rate of HK$155 per share.  

At the recent court meeting, around 86% of votes from non-interested parties, as defined by the Hong Kong Code on Takeovers and Mergers, supported the transaction. 

All necessary approvals under both the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and the Hong Kong Takeovers Code have now been secured.  

With these steps completed, a hearing in the High Court is scheduled for 23 January 2026 to consider whether to sanction the scheme, with a decision expected on the same day. 

Subject to court approval and other standard conditions outlined in official documents, the scheme could take effect on 26 January 2026.  

The process to delist Hang Seng Bank shares from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange would then commence, with an effective date anticipated for 27 January 2026. 

Following completion of these steps, Hang Seng Bank will become a wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC Asia Pacific and thus fully integrated within the HSBC Group.  

The bank’s shares will no longer be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange according to local listing requirements. 

Commenting on the shareholders’ vote, HSBC Group CEO Georges Elhedery said:  

“We are pleased with the approval of the proposal and grateful to Hang Seng Bank shareholders for their continued support.  

“The approval reflects strong confidence in Hang Seng Bank’s franchise and in the opportunities that full ownership within the HSBC Group can unlock. We look forward to progressing this proposal and fulfilling the remaining conditions, and will provide further updates in due course.”