Press Release

HSBC Introduces Premier International

15 September 2003

HSBC today launches the global edition of HSBC Premier, its first fully international banking service for personal customers.

The service is designed to provide customers who work live and overseas with a range of products and services that make full use of HSBCs international experience and global reach. An important feature of the account is a portable credit history without which obtaining credit, renting an apartment or even simply getting a mobile phone overseas is often difficult or impossible.

The new service will be initially offered in seven markets the UK, Canada, France, Hong Kong SAR, India, Jersey, and United States. Premier International provides the following exclusive services for existing - and new internationally mobile customers:

• Fast and easy overseas account with checking, credit cards, debit cards and PIN numbers available within 10 days.

• An instant credit history transfer between countries to aid access to credit facilities (such as credit cards) without the usual waiting period to establish credit credentials.

• Fee-free ATM withdrawals and free check cashing at HSBC branches worldwide.

• Global, fee-free Internet transfers between all the customers HSBC Premier accounts, even in regions where this is normally a charged-for service. Access to HSBC International, the Groups offshore banking provider, for tax-efficient solutions, multi-currency accounts and offshore investments.

• Dedicated relationship managers in all countries to ensure a smooth transition and access to local experience to meet the changing financial circumstances of the customer.

• Round-the-clock dedicated, worldwide call centers staffed by specialists

Commenting on the new service, Sarah Morgan-Silvester, executive vice president, personal financial services, HSBC said: "We describe ourselves as the worlds local bank and HSBC Premier is another example of how this benefits our customers. This is a genuinely international banking service designed to smooth the passage abroad for the millions of people who go to live and work overseas each year."