HSBC Expands In Korea Through Insurance Acquisition

Hamilton, Bermuda: November 12, 2007 -- HSBC Insurance (Asia-Pacific) Holdings Limited (HSBC Insurance) has entered into an agreement with Hana Financial Group, one of South Korea's largest financial services groups, to acquire 50 per cent less one share of its wholly owned subsidiary, Hana Life Insurance Company Limited (Hana Life), for a consideration of KRW53 billion (equivalent to US$58.4 million).

The joint venture will allow HSBC to extend its growing insurance business to Korea, an economy whose insurance market is the second largest in Asia. It is also part of a region-wide strategy to extend the Group's reach in insurance, where recent initiatives have been announced in high growth markets such as India, China, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Middle East.

Under the terms of the agreement, HSBC Insurance and Hana Financial Group will have equal representation on Hana Life's Board of directors. Hana Life was established in 2003 to underwrite and distribute life insurance products for personal and corporate customers. It currently has about 113,000 policies in force and premium income was KRW207 billion* (equivalent to US$228.3 million) for the year ending on 31 March 2007. Total assets were KRW705 billion* (US$777.5 million) with KRW624 billion* (US$688.1 million) of assets under management as at 31 March 2007. The company employs around 120 people and benefits from access to Hana Financial Group's seven million customers through more than 700 branches.

Clive Bannister, Group Managing Director, Insurance, HSBC Holdings plc, said: "Today's announcement represents an exciting opportunity for HSBC Insurance to contribute to Asia's third largest economy and the world's seventh biggest insurance market with premium volumes of over US$65 billion. It ties in completely with our stated goals of expanding in Asia and aim of becoming a top ten global insurance player, with a focus on life and pensions and increasing insurance-related earnings over time to 20 per cent of total Group profits."

The share purchase is subject to certain conditions being met and regulatory approvals being obtained. The cash consideration will be met by HSBC Group internal resources. This is HSBC's fifth insurance-related announcement in Asia in the last two months. In September, the bank confirmed a 10 per cent stake in Vietnam's leading insurance provider Vietnam Insurance Corporation (Bao Viet), formalised an agreement to establish a life insurance joint venture in India that will have access to 40 million customers nationwide, received approval to form a joint venture insurance company in China and opened a life insurance office in Taiwan. In October, the bank also launched a new insurance brokerage service in the Middle East.

* Extracted from results for year ended March 2007, prepared in accordance with Korean GAAP.