HSBC launches its first ETF in Europe

HSBC issued its first exchange-traded fund (ETF) in Europe on August 25. Listed on the London Stock Exchange and tracking the FTSE 100 index, the Ireland-domiciled ETF will be sold first in the UK, and later in continental Europe. The total expense ratio will be 0.35%.

HSBC Global Asset Management will be the investment manager and HSBC Global Markets will ensure liquidity as a market-maker.

HSBC has an ETF operation in Asia through majority-owned Hang Seng Bank and HSBC Global Asset Management in Hong Kong, which boast almost 8% of regional ETF assets under management, according to the bank. On August 14, Hang Seng Bank's ETFs became the first Hong Kong-listed funds to list in Taiwan.

HSBC plans to extend its ETF business across Asia, Latin America and the