HSBC\'s annual profits rose 15% to £13.8bn in what it called a year of \"major progress\". The bank singled out its \"strong performance\" in faster-growing markets, with revenue up 12% in Asia, Latin America and Middle East and North Africa. It said these regions now accounted for 49% of group revenue. HSBC also said it had had a record year in commercial banking, with profit before tax up 31% at almost £5bn.