News Release

HSBC Bank USA Opens Coral Gables Branch

15 March 2001

On March 19, 2001, HSBC Bank USA will open its new Coral Gables branch at 2199 Ponce de Leon Boulevard on the corner of Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Alhambra Circle in Coral Gables.

Customer benefits of the new location will include an ATM, a two-lane drive-thru, a night depository, safe deposit boxes and customer parking.

In addition to offering traditional personal banking products, the new branch will offer brokerage services and investment, annuity and insurance products. Personal bankers and financial consultants will also be available to provide expert advice about portfolio management, treasury and structured products, as well as trust and estate planning services to high net-worth individuals and families.

"We are very excited about expanding our presence in Florida," said Bertha M. Rozier, Coral Gables vice president and branch manager. "Through the new branch, we will be able to offer Florida residents easier access to HSBCs products and services. We will also be able to offer our New York-based customers as well as our international customers who travel to Florida for vacation or business the high level of customer service they have come to know through our branches located around the world."

In addition to the new branch, HSBC currently maintains branches in Boca Raton, Aventura, Miami(2), Miami Beach, Pompano Beach and Ft. Lauderdale.

Rozier, who joined HSBC in June 2000, has more than 10 years of banking experience. She previously served as vice president/branch manager of a Coral Gables branch for another financial institution. She currently serves as a trustee member of Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.