Sustainability

HSBC Sustainability Improvement Loan

Contact your Relationship Manager to find out more about the Sustainability Improvement Loan

HSBC’s Sustainability Improvement Loan (SIL) links facility pricing to improvement in an external ESG score, offering a proportionate, scalable simple sustainability-linked structure designed for eligible small and mid-market borrowers in Continental Europe.

Supporting businesses on their sustainability journey

SIL applies a simple variable pricing adjustment based on a third-party ESG rating issued by an HSBC recognised external ratings provider (such as EcoVadis, CDP, or Inrate, subject to market availability). The score is reviewed annually and depending on performance versus agreed thresholds:

If your ESG rating improves in line with the agreed thresholds, you may benefit from preferential pricing.
If your ESG rating worsens versus the agreed thresholds, pricing may increase.
If your ESG rating remains within the agreed range, there may be no change to pricing.

For the avoidance of doubt, a SIL is not a Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL) and is not intended to follow the LMA (Loan Market Association) /APLMA (Asia Pacific Loan Market Association) /LSTA (London Syndication and Trading Association) SLL framework. Instead, it is designed specifically with the needs of small and mid-market businesses in mind. It supports credible sustainability progress in a proportionate, scalable way that reflects how many mid-market companies improve ESG practices, without requiring the full SLL-style, bespoke KPI-linked structure.

The loan can be used for general corporate purposes and may be available across a range of eligible lending and working capital solutions (subject to product and market availability).

Eligibility depends on factors including the facility type, borrower profile and the availability of an approved ESG rating provider in your market. Your Relationship Manager can confirm whether you’re eligible and which providers are accepted locally.

Disclosure and Disclaimer

Important information

This material has been prepared by HSBC Continental Europe (together with its group undertakings and affiliates, “HSBC”) for information purposes only and is provided solely to the addressee in connection with exploring HSBC business in Europe. It is confidential and proprietary to HSBC and may not be copied, reproduced, distributed or disclosed (in whole or in part) without HSBC’s prior written consent.

This document does not constitute an offer, commitment, recommendation or advice (including legal, tax, regulatory or other specialist advice), and should not be relied upon as such. Any financing or other services remain subject to HSBC’s internal approvals, documentation and applicable requirements. Whilst care has been taken in preparing this document, HSBC makes no representation or warranty (express or implied) as to its accuracy or completeness and accepts no liability for any loss arising from reliance on it. Opinions, where expressed, are HSBC’s as at the date of issue and may change without notice. Nothing in this document is a promise or representation as to future performance or outcomes, including sustainability-related outcomes.

Where this material refers to third-party products or services, this is not an endorsement, and HSBC does not warrant their suitability or that they will achieve any sustainability goals. You are responsible for making your own independent assessment and obtaining independent advice as appropriate. HSBC is not liable for any loss arising from the use of any third-party product or service. If you choose to use a third-party assessment, you may be invited (but are not obliged) to share relevant outputs (e.g., an ESG scorecard) with HSBC.

HSBC Continental Europe is an « établissement de crédit » authorized by the « Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution » (« ACPR ») and the European Central Bank. It is regulated by the « Autorité des Marchés Financiers », the “ACPR” and the European Central Bank. HSBC Continental Europe is a member of the HSBC Group. It is a société anonyme (limited company) with a capital of 1,327,915,960 euros - SIREN 775 670 284 RCS Paris - Registered office: 38 avenue Kléber 75116 Paris. Bank and insurance intermediary registered with ORIAS (Organisation for the Registration of Insurance Intermediaries www.orias.fr) under no 07 005 894 [07/2026]

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