個案總覽

This case explores how the retail customers of the Bank of China lost an astounding RMB10bn (USD1.27bn) by investing in a structured product. The product, Crude Oil Treasure, was linked to West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures. These crude oil futures were traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange and were used as a benchmark in oil pricing. The negative futures price of -USD37.63 per barrel on 20 April 2020 was a "black swan" event. Never before had the price of oil futures plunged into the negative. Through the case, students will grapple with the practical questions of how to identify the characteristics of a structured product by reference to the traits exhibited in a standard futures contract. Students will also be asked questions on finance theories about contango, extreme contango, backwardation, extreme backwardation, normal contango, and normal backwardation.

This case explores the corporate finance issues arising from the suspension of HSBC Holdings plc's (HSBC, stock code: 5.HK) dividend payout in March 2020. Such abrupt change in pattern was immediately met with tremendous reverberation and discussion in the market. The case seeks to highlight the considerations of HSBC in deciding on a dividend policy, both from a corporate finance and behavioral finance perspective. Through the case, students will grapple with the practical questions of how a listed company should structure its dividend payout pattern. The pattern is structured in such a way to satisfy the operational and financial needs of itself while minimizing the negative impacts to shareholder relationships. There is a dilemma that a listed company's dividend policy, while constituting part of the current cost of capital, is a means to maintaining a stable share price and shareholder "clientele". As such, it is important for students to be aware when such dilemma arises, how to strike a healthy balance between satisfying the shareholders and adhering to Milton Friedman's "business of business is business" convention.