Group 1 - S&P Global Ratings indicates that HSBC Holdings' plan to privatize Hang Seng Bank will strengthen the relationship between the two banks [1][2] - The privatization is expected to enhance governance consistency and promote closer business and operational cooperation, benefiting Hang Seng Bank through broader resource sharing [1] - S&P anticipates that the capital pressure from repurchasing Hang Seng Bank's shares will be manageable, with HSBC's overall capital strength remaining robust [1] Group 2 - The privatization transaction is projected to be completed in the first half of 2026, leading to a reduction in HSBC's risk-adjusted capital (RAC) ratio by approximately 2% [1] - S&P estimates that HSBC's RAC ratio will decline from 12.6% at the end of 2024 to between 11% and 12% by the end of 2026, still above the 10% threshold for strong capital assessment [1] - S&P will continue to view Hang Seng Bank as a core subsidiary of HSBC, reflecting HSBC's long-term commitment to the Hong Kong market [2]