A cache of leaked files shows prominent Australians, including business people and celebrities, are among thousands identified as having held secret Swiss accounts with one of the world's largest banks.

The files, released by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, show the Swiss arm of HSBC had almost 500 clients linked to Australia, with 856 accounts, and total combined holdings of about $US959.2 million ($1.24 billion).

Kerry Packer with son James in 2004.

One client with connections to Australia had accounts worth $US142.9 million ($184.21 million).