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The bank, the largest in Europe, said it was briefing those staff who could be affected by the announcement yesterday (March 25th).
A further 1,700 jobs could also go in the UK over the next 12 months, with HSBC not filling vacant positions or moving jobs to India where wages are lower.
In a statement, Paul Thurston, HSBC's UK managing director, remarked difficult decisions had to be made if the company is to adapt to the new financial climate.
"The operating environment for banks in the UK is extremely challenging and will remain so for some time," he commented.
Insurance giant Legal & General has also announced it intends to cut ten per cent of its workforce after posting losses of £1.5 billion.
