News Release

HSBC Bank USA Establishes WNY Storm Relief Loan Program

4 January 2002

HSBC Bank USA has established a special loan program to assist small businesses severely impacted by the severe winter storms that hit Western New York from December 24-31, 2001. The program will cover loan amounts up to $50,000 and will continue through February 28, 2002.

The program will feature a variable loan rate of Prime minus 1%, as well as an attractive fixed rate, expedited processing, no application fee, and flexible terms.

"HSBCs U.S. headquarters is located here in Buffalo, so we were very conscious of the fact that some area businesses sustained considerable weather-related damage," said Brian E. Keating, HSBC Bank USA Western Region president. "Although Western New Yorkers are amazingly resilient, this storm dealt the area a heavy blow and we wanted to offer businesses some immediate assistance with as little red tape as possible."

Business owners can apply for the loans at any Western New York HSBC branch beginning on Monday, January 7, 2002 or call 1-800-975-HSBC, option 2.