In dealing with employees, customers and suppliers, HSBC makes decisions without regard to race, ancestry, color, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran’s status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age or disability that can be reasonably accommodated. All employees are responsible for ensuring that the working environment is free of any form of harassment, discrimination, violence, intimidation,
or inappropriate behavior.HSBC is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. Supervisory personnel are reminded to hire, assess and reward employees strictly on the merit of qualifications and job performance. Because HSBC respects each employee’s private life, social conscience and personal beliefs, supervisory personnel may not require employees to perform personal tasks nor attempt to coerce employees into supporting any particular public issue, social cause or political candidate. An employee’s decision whether to support such issues, causes or candidates is entirely voluntary and will have no effect on his or her employment relationship with HSBC.