The Chinese name of HSBC is "HSBC" and the English pronunciation is "Wayfoong". /kloc-In the second half of the 20th century, the business of HSBC was booming, although it also experienced some bumps. Its main function is to provide financing for trade between China and other parts of Asia and between Europe and the United States. The bank has set up branches in these areas. At the same time, HSBC also provided advice on banking and foreign exchange issues to the governments of Japan, the British Strait colony and Siam (formerly known as Thailand). HSBC became the first foreign bank to enter Thailand. At that time, King Chulalongkorn of Thailand even opened a personal account with HSBC. HSBC also funded the construction of Saigon Cathedral. Although HSBC is regarded as a typical British bank, its first manager, Victor Kresse, was French.