Separately, HSBC's crosstown rival Standard Chartered sold 1 billion yuan worth of dim-sum bonds in Singapore Monday.

WSJ: U.K. Banks Sell $245 Million Dim Sum Bonds in Singapore

Since the IRS intended the 3.8% Medicare Surtax to place a tax on investment income, it is natural that income from standard forms of investment assets are included in the NII sum.

FORBES: New Taxes and New Terms: How to calculate Net Investment Income under the New 3.8% Medicare Surtax