News Release

HSBC to Accept Monetary Donations to American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund at all Branches and Will Match Contributions up to $500,000

13 September 2001

The American Red Cross and HSBC Bank announced today that HSBC will accept monetary contributions for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund at all its branches and will match donations up to $1,000 to a total of $500,000. The banks corporate gift, combined with the contributions of the public, could mean as much as $1 million for the American Red Cross disaster relief fund.

HSBC had a branch on the mezzanine level of the World Trade Center. All 21 employees were able to escape the building safely.

"Our heartfelt sympathy is with all those affected by the events of September 11th," said Youssef A. Nasr, president and chief executive officer of HSBC Bank USA. "We wanted to find a way to help and to make it easier for others to do so as well."

"The Red Cross is most appreciative of HSBCs generosity. Monetary donations are greatly needed at this time," said Michael Farley, vice president of fund raising for the American Red Cross. "If someone wants to give a donation to the Red Cross, we urge them to go into an HSBC branch. A $25 donation, for example, will automatically turn into a $50 donation. That's a wonderful return on your investment. Its not often money can double that easily!"

Donations up to $1,000 will be matched, and contributions to the fund may be made at any HSBC branch. Checks should be made out to "American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

(Please note: only cash and checks will be accepted. HSBC is NOT collecting food and clothing for the disaster relief effort.)