Press Release

HSBC/Household International Contributes $200,000 to Hurricane Charley Relief Efforts

23 August 2004

Assists customers affected by the storm

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Ill.-- HSBC North American Holdings Inc., which subsidiaries Household International, Household Financial Services, HSBC Bank USA, N.A., HFC and Beneficial operate in Florida, has donated $200,000 to the Hurricane Charley relief efforts. The company is giving $100,000 each to the American Red Cross and the United Way to assist in aiding the victims of the devastating storm, which has left thousands of Floridians homeless.

The company, which subsidiaries have approximately 2500 employees in Florida, has a long history of responding to tragedy, most recently supporting relief efforts for the California wildfires, Hurricane Isabel and the September 11th terrorist attacks. In addition to the corporate donation of $200,000, HSBC/Household is also matching employees' personal contributions in support of recovery efforts through its corporate matching gift program.

"We are so grateful for HSBC/Household International's support of the relief we are providing to those who have been affected in Florida," said Skip Seitz, Senior Vice President of Growth and Integrated Development for the American Red Cross. "The Red Cross and those we help depend on the generosity and compassion of our friends like HSBC/Household."

As in past disasters, the company is also assisting its customers who have been impacted by the hurricane. "HFC and Beneficial employees are helping affected customers with their accounts including restructuring loan payments and expediting insurance claims," said William F. Aldinger, Chairman and CEO of HSBC North American Holdings, Inc. "In addition, our Retail Services, Auto and Credit Card Services groups and HSBC Mortgage Corporation are also providing relief for customers by making special account accommodations. We will continue to work closely with all of our customers affected by this tragedy and try to lessen their burden to the extent we can." Consumers may contact their branch office or customer service for assistance.

In keeping with the company's culture of community service, those nearest the devastation were quick to reach out. On August 17, Beneficial employees from the area drove four vehicles filled with ice, water, food, personal care items, baby products, pet supplies and other donations from employees to the nearby Beneficial Port Charlotte branch office. In addition to distributing the donated items, the team held a cookout for local residents, serving hot dogs and hamburgers.

Notes to editors:
1. HSBC North America Holdings
HSBC North America Holdings Inc. is the holding company for all of the HSBC Groups U.S. and Canadian businesses and Household International. HSBCs businesses in North America serve more than 60 million customers in five key areas: personal financial services, consumer finance, commercial banking, private banking, and corporate investment banking and markets. Financial products and services are offered under the HSBC, Household, HFC and Beneficial brands. For more information, visit: www.us.hsbc.com, www.hsbc.ca and www.household.com.