News Release

Richard Hajdukiewicz Joins HSBC as Head of Precious Metals for the Americas and Global Head of Precious Metal Derivative Sales

13 February 2006

HSBC today announced Richard Hajdukiewicz has joined as head of precious metals for the Americas and global head of metal derivative sales. Hajdukiewicz, a managing director, reports to Benjamin Welsh, head of foreign exchange and global metals trading and is responsible for expanding HSBC’s industry-leading precious metals business.

"Richard brings over 28 years of precious metals experience - - from working at a multinational mining company to growing a metals derivatives business," said Benjamin Welsh. "His deep knowledge of this market will allow HSBC to continue to be a leader in precious metals."

Hajdukiewicz joins HSBC after three years at Sempra Metals where he was responsible for the company’s metals derivatives business. Prior to that, he was at Goldman Sachs for 18 years and served as head of metals sales. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in metallurgical engineering from the University of Toronto.

HSBC offers a complete range of precious metals-related services that include physical trading, finance, clearing and vault services from New York, London and Hong Kong.

Risk Magazine’s Annual 2006 commodity survey ranks HSBC first in: gold and silver cash to three months; silver options; gold and silver forwards, averages, swaps; and second in gold options. "HSBC once again emerges as top dealer in precious metals in this year’s Risk/Energy Risk Energy and Commodity Rankings," the magazine said. Survey participants have voted HSBC the No. 1 dealer in gold and silver since 2003.

 

The precious metals business forms part of HSBC’s Corporate, Investment Banking and Markets (CIBM) division. CIBM provides tailored financial products and services to major government, corporate and institutional clients. Within client-focused business lines, Corporate and Institutional Banking, Global Investment Banking, Global Markets and Global Transaction Banking, CIBM offers a full range of capabilities, including foreign exchange, fixed income, derivatives, risk advisory, investment banking financing, investment banking advisory, payments and cash management, trade services, and securities services. For more information on CIBM, please visit www.hsbcnet.com.

Media Contacts

• Juanita Gutiérrez
• juanita.gutierrez@us.hsbc.com
• HSBC North America
• 212.525.6282