The history of HSBC Insurance can be traced back to when two important companies were established in Hong Kong, namely, Carlingford Swire Assurance (Bermuda) limited, which was set up in 1981 and subsequently renamed HSBC Life (International) Limited in 1992, and Wardley Insurance Company Limited, which was set up in 1978 and subsequently renamed HSBC Insurance (Asia) Limited in 2000.
Founded in 1970, HSBC Insurance (Asia-Pacific) Holdings Limited was named in 1996 and is now the holding company of HSBC Insurance (Asia) Limited, which in turn wholly owns HSBC Life (International) Limited. Since then, HSBC Insurance has further consolidated its operations in other locations such as Singapore, India, Malaysia and mainland China.