British bank HSBC, considered the world’s biggest emerging markets bank, is increasing its focus on providing commercial banking not only to large corporations but also to small and mid-size local companies with overseas business development.

HSBC Global co-head for commercial banking John Coverdale, who was in town recently, re-emphasized its “World’s Local Bank” branding in a bid to create an image that they are not only here for the big-ticket firms but also for the small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) which is 90 percent of all registered businesses in the Philippines.

“We’ve refined our commercial banking for years (and that) means we treat everybody the same,” Coverdale said. “In the Philippines, we’re starting to make a difference. Our message is getting out. We’ve been more active in helping more SMEs and also in the corporate capital issuance for companies with global debt to help businesses raise funds.”

Coverdale said HSBC see plenty more commercial banking potential here. “The Philippines is an important emerging market and we’re sustaining good profits. (And) we do provide a full range of services like business banking for SMEs which will later grow into bigger businesses.”

“Our future plans include building our customer base. We have the resources on the ground already to grow bigger. We’re also trying to provide additional support for companies.”

Coverdale said HSBC recently conducted its first SME survey to get a feel where the business sentiment is going. “What we’ve seen there is that they are more confident and no longer downsizing. It is more positive now.” They also want to build its position here as the bank for export-import trading companies, as well as expand its lending and consumer banking business.

“We (are) targeting commercial customers conducting business in more than one country, either in a parent/subsidiary structure, or as a trader of good and services,” he said.