News Release

HSBC Finance Corporation Declares Dividends for Holders of Series B Preferred Stock

15 November 2005

Prospect Heights, IL – HSBC Finance Corporation announced today that its board of directors declared the second regular quarterly cash dividend on the company’s Series B preferred stock of $0.3975 per depositary share payable December 15, 2005, to shareholders of record on November 30, 2005.

About HSBC North America Holdings Inc.

HSBC - North America comprises all of HSBC's U.S. and Canadian businesses, including the former Household International businesses. The company's businesses serve nearly 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, HFC and Beneficial brands.  For more information, visit: www.hsbcusa.com.

Media Contacts

• Linda Recupero
• Linda.S.Recupero@us.hsbc.com
• Executive Vice President, Group Public Affairs
• HSBC North America Holdings Inc.
• (212) 525-3800