VANCOUVER, Dec. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - HSBC Global Asset Management (Canada) Limited (HSBC Global Asset Management), the manager of the HSBC Pooled Funds (the Funds), announced today that it is lowering the risk ratings of five Funds. These changes will be reflected in the Funds' Simplified Prospectus and Fund Facts that will be filed on or about 18 December 2017.

In accordance with recent amendments to securities legislation, the changes are the result of the new investment risk classification methodology mandated by the Canadian Securities Administrators. The risk ratings for the Funds listed below will be as follows:

There are no changes to the investment objectives or strategies of the Funds. On at least an annual basis, HSBC Global Asset Management reviews the risk rating for each Fund and makes adjustments to the risk rating of each Fund as required by the new methodology.

Notes to editors:

1. HSBC Bank Canada, a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc, is the leading international bank in the country. We help companies and individuals across Canada to do business and manage their finances internationally through three global business lines: Commercial Banking, Global Banking and Markets, and Retail Banking and Wealth Management. HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 3,900 offices in 67 countries and territories in Europe, Asia, North and Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. With assets of US$2,526bn at 30 September 2017, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations. For more information visit www.hsbc.ca or follow us on Twitter @HSBC_CA or Facebook @HSBCCanada.
   
   
2. HSBC Global Asset Management (Canada) Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of, but separate entity from, HSBC Bank Canada and is the Canadian business of HSBC Global Asset Management.
   
   
3. HSBC Global Asset Management, the investment management business of the HSBC Group, invests on behalf of HSBC's worldwide customer base of retail and private clients, intermediaries, corporates and institutions through both segregated accounts and pooled funds. HSBC Global Asset Management connects HSBC's clients with investment opportunities around the world through an international network of offices in around 30 countries, delivering global capabilities with local market insight. As at 30 September 2017, HSBC Global Asset Management managed assets totalling US$462bn on behalf of its clients. For more information see www.global.assetmanagement.hsbc.com.
   
   HSBC Global Asset Management is the marketing name for the asset management businesses of HSBC Holdings plc.
   
   
4. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, investment management fees and expenses all may be associated with investments in the HSBC Pooled Funds. Please read the applicable account opening documentation and prospectus, Fund Facts and other disclosure documents before applying for the HSBC Pooled Funds. The HSBC Pooled Funds are not guaranteed, their value may change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

SOURCE HSBC Bank Canada

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