HSBC Internet Banking Site Ranked No. 1 In Quality And Availability In Banker Scorecard; Named Among Top 10 Overall

Business Wire, Feb 15, 2005

NEW YORK -- HSBC Bank USA, N.A.'s (NYSE: HBC) Internet banking site was named No. 1 for quality and availability by Watchfire (R) GomezPro, which publishes a twice-annual scorecard for online banking Web sites. The Web site was listed as among the top 10 overall sites in the rankings.

The bank was also ranked fifth for Privacy and Security in the December 2004 rankings. The bank's Personal Internet Banking and Free Bill Pay service combines ease, convenience and the flexibility to bank online when and where you want, the research agency stated.

"Internet banking is a critical part of the way we interact with customers," said Martin Hayes, head of E-Commerce for HSBC Bank USA. "We are proud to have been recognized among the leaders in the industry and continue to focus on broadening and enhancing our Internet banking experience."

HSBC is one of the only financial services companies to offer a secondary, "Security Key" for online bill payments. The Security Key, entered using a mouse and a mini-keyboard displayed on the screen, is in addition to a customer's Internet Banking Customer ID and Password and helps prevent passwords being stolen by keylogging software, hackers or viruses. HSBC guarantee s the safety and security of Personal Internet Banking and online bill pay with $0 liability for unauthorized use.

Watchfire GomezPro scored the top financial institutions based on categories including functionality, ease of use, privacy and security, quality and availability, ability to open and check accounts, transaction capability, service and educational and planning information.

About HSBC Bank USA, National Association

HSBC Bank USA, N.A. has nearly 400 branches in New York State, as well as 11 branches in Florida, eight in California and one branch each in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Washington State, Oregon and Washington, D.C. It is the principal subsidiary of HSBC USA Inc, an indirectly-held, wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC North America Holdings Inc., one of the nation's ten largest bank holding companies by assets.

For more information about HSBC Bank USA and its products and services visit us.hsbc.com.