HSBC Holdings will reorganise its worldwide operations into four business units and two geographic areas, as one of the world's largest banks creates a structure that makes Hong Kong - the H in HSBC - the "top strategic priority" in its global network of 62 markets.

HSBC Hong Kong has joined China’s international payments system as a direct participant, giving the world’s biggest player in trade finance a key role in Beijing’s push to expand use of the renminbi.

HSBC Holdings Plc has become a direct participant in China’s cross-border interbank payment system as the world’s second largest economy pushes for greater use of the yuan.

HSBC's Hong Kong unit has joined China's worldwide interbank renminbi payment system (CIPS) as a direct offshore participant, according to a company statement.