News Release

HSBC Credit Center Announces Bilingual Branch Expansion Plan For Texas

5 December 2006

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Ill. -- HSBC Credit Center, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of HSBC North America Holdings Inc., today announced plans to open five new consumer lending branches in the state of Texas by year's end. HSBC Credit Center offers a variety of loan products, including personal loans and mortgages, with service in the consumer's preference of Spanish or English.

"Demand from our customers in Texas has reinforced the need for bilingual loan services, so plans are well underway to expand," said Jorge Cordon, HSBC Consumer Lending managing director of operations. "We will be opening new branches in North Austin, West San Antonio, El Paso, McAllen, and a fourth one in Houston."

HSBC Credit Center sets itself apart from other consumer lenders by offering local personalized, one-on-one service, in the consumer's choice of Spanish or English in neighborhood locations in Texas and California. In Texas, HSBC Credit Center currently operates ten branches in Pasadena, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Forth Worth and El Paso. HSBC - North America has approximately 2.9 million customers and 1,204 employees in Texas.

Lauro Gonzalez, a District Sales Manager in Texas, explains how HSBC Credit Center serves community members, "We care that our customers understand. All of our loan documents, program information and brochures are in Spanish and English. In addition, all of our account executives are bilingual and can help answer any loan-related questions about buying a home, consolidating debt, or getting money for a purchase in either English or Spanish."

Consumers interested in learning more about HSBC Credit Center loans and programs can call 1-866-655-4500, visit www.hsbccreditcenter.com or visit their local branch.

Media Contacts

• Kate Durham
• kate.p.durham@us.hsbc.com
• HSBC - North America
• (847) 291-2101