Sponsorship Policy and Guidelines

Standard and Purpose

The Bank is committed to corporate responsibility and embarks on sponsorship activities to involve HSBC Cayman favourably with the community in which it operates.

This policy covers all sponsorship requests received by HSBC Cayman.
 
Staff Involvement

Staff members are encouraged to volunteer their time and talent, particularly in support of educational or environmental initiatives. Community activities can also include support in-kind, for example through staff secondments, professional expertise and use of company buildings and facilities.

Requirements

To qualify for sponsorship by HSBC Cayman, community activities should bring a lasting benefit to the local community; communicate and reinforce the Group’s commitment to the community; enhance HSBC’s reputation as a public-spirited organisation; and motivate staff through opportunities for direct involvement where possible.

Focus Areas

As a matter of policy, HSBC Cayman’s philanthropic and non-commercial sponsorship budget is primarily focused on the Group priorities of education and the environment, with the greater emphasis being placed on educational initiatives.

Education

In the area of education (which is aimed at children and young people aged 3 -19, although funding for scholarships can be extended to those over the age of 19), HSBC Cayman , in accordance with Group policy, should support primary and secondary education programmes for disadvantaged children or for schools in economically deprived areas; language programmes, programmes to promote international understanding among young people including awareness of, and sensitivity to, other cultures; and programmes that encourage greater understanding of business and finance.

Scholarships

HSBC Cayman offers an annual scholarship to students pursuing degree programmes in areas of study related to the financial industry. Scholarships are branded as 'HSBC Scholarships' with priority given to disadvantaged students. Scholarship awards are based on academic achievement and the assessment of the student’s likelihood to successfully complete the programme of study.

Environment

Environmental initiatives require careful consideration, and HSBC Cayman will consider  support for organisations that work in field research or conservation; influencing policy change in a non-partisan way; general raising of awareness among customers, employees and the general public; and on the interface between human activity and the planet. Where possible, environmental support is concentrated on projects concerned with climate change; freshwater; and terrestrial biodiversity (plants and animals).

Special Guidelines

• Sponsorships of the Arts is not encouraged unless linked to Education.
• Support of professional associations is not encouraged.
• HSBC Cayman will select event sponsorships over team sponsorships when considering Sports sponsorships. An exception to this rule is the sponsorship of an HSBC Cayman team competing in a local sporting league. To qualify for HSBC Cayman sponsorship, the team must have a majority of HSBC employees as members.
• Access to hospitality should not be the sole or primary reason for event sponsorship.

Exclusions

• As a matter of policy, we do not support:
• Individuals other than through scholarship schemes
• Political, partisan, religious or sectarian associations
• Multi-sponsor properties with other financial services companies
• Projects for commercial gain or to fill a shortfall in statutory spending
• Properties that could potentially create a reputational risk
• Capital spend or refurbishment projects
• Staff sponsorship within any activity unless through a scholarship scheme. An exception to this rule is the sponsorship of an HSBC Cayman team competing in a local sporting league. To qualify for HSBC Cayman sponsorship, the team must have a majority of HSBC employees as members.

Procedure

• Apply in writing to the Marketing Manager.
• Proposals should include a detailed outline of the project, a detailed budget breakdown for the project and an outline of the sponsor benefits available.

Responsibility

• Staff members are responsible for forwarding all sponsorship requests received to the Marketing Manager for review.
• The Marketing Manager is responsible for the overall administration of this policy.