About $1 billion of the $17 billion investment of HSBC under the pivot to Asia strategy was invested in Q1, the South China Morning Post reported. The bank plans to spend another $5 billion under this strategy this year. HSBC is headquartered in London, but makes most of its profit in Asia.

Revenue from HSBC’s global banking activity was down 9 percent from 2018 in the first quarter. Global markets revenue declined 5 percent due to reduced client activity, especially in equities. Overall global profit before tax rose 31 percent in the first quarter of the year.

Profit before tax at HSBC rose to $6.21 billion in the first quarter of 2019 as opposed to $4.76 billion in the January to March quarter of 2018.

HSBC has boosted investments in businesses such as retail banking and wealth management to raise market share. However, its investment banking business has struggled with slow revenue growth.

Although it is headquartered in London, HSBC considers itself at home in Asia, with China and Britain both considered home markets.

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