News Release

HSBC Names Patrick Boucher-Hickson Head of Equity Research for the Americas

11 July 2006

HSBC Securities today announced the appointment of Patrick Boucher-Hickson as head of equity research for the Americas reporting to Graham Copley, global head of equity research.

Boucher-Hickson joins from Santander Investment where most recently he was head of Latin American equity research. Prior to that, he spent two years in equity sales for Latin America. Boucher-Hickson has also served as a sector equity analyst covering Latin American banks and Mexican financial institutions.

"Patrick is a well regarded manager and analyst. He will be critical in continuing to strengthen HSBC's thematic research that takes into account global and emerging market dynamics," said Graham Copley. "Patrick will ensure our U.S.-based analysts are providing clients with research that marries our sector expertise with our deep knowledge of emerging markets."

HSBC's global equity research encompasses six major sectors:

• consumer and retail which includes coverage of gaming and leisure companies
• financial institutions
• general industries including autos, auto parts and transport
• healthcare
• resources which combines coverage of metals and mining, energy, utilities, chemicals and alternative energy stocks
• technology, media and telecom
  

Media Contacts

• Juanita Gutierrez
• Juanita.gutierrez@us.hsbc.com
• HSBC - North America
• 212.525.6282