Acclaimed historians Richard Roberts and David Kynaston chronicle the bank's struggles as well as its successes: the last part of the book deals with the ill-fated move into consumer finance in the US, as well as the financial crisis of 2008 and its effect on HSBC. Impeccably researched and generously illustrated from the HSBC archives, this is a valuable addition to global financial history. From 75th in the world some thirty years ago to one of the top three today, HSBC has evolved from a little-known regional bank to one of the world's largest financial services organisations. Published to mark HSBC's 150th anniversary in 2015. Recent events have shown the crucial role of banks in the health of the world's economy - The Lion Wakes tells the modern story of one of the major players. Based on unprecedented access to the bank's archives and interviews with staff, both past and present.