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HSBC Amanah launches the world's first international Islamic premium banking service

HSBC Amanah today announced the launch of HSBC Amanah Premier - the world's first Islamic banking service aimed at internationally mobile, affluent consumers.

HSBC Amanah Premier, a cross-border Islamic banking and wealth management service, is an expansion of HSBC's market-leading premium banking proposition HSBC Premier, offering customers access to HSBC Premier benefits with Shariah compliant products.

HSBC Amanah Premier is available in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia (through SABB Amanah as SABB Amanah Premier), UAE, Indonesia, Qatar and Bahrain.

HSBC Amanah Premier customers and their families in these countries will receive international recognition and emergency support across 40 markets where HSBC operates, taking their credit history and banking relationships with them. They will have access to Premier banking and wealth management products, complying with the strictest standards of Shariah compliance, in their home market.

Customers of the new service can also view and manage all of their international accounts on one 'Global View' through HSBC internet banking, and make free fund transfers between their own accounts.

HSBC's conventional Premier proposition has already attracted over 3.1 million customers. The launch of HSBC Amanah Premier is a direct response to the growing number of affluent consumers who have a preference for Shariah-compliant banking - currently estimated to be three million people globally.

HSBC Amanah Premier enables a customer from Saudi Arabia or Malaysia who is visiting Hong Kong, to be recognised as an Amanah Premier customer and given priority assistance. This includes a connection to the customers' home country Relationship Manager or phone banking service and world wide emergency assistance for customers and their families, including emergency cash, next day credit card replacement and expert local advice.

Mukhtar Hussain, Global CEO, HSBC Amanah , said: "HSBC Premier has struck a chord with customers around the world - over three million have discovered the benefits in just three years. Amanah Premier is the next logical step for HSBC: it brings a Shariah compliant service to a proven demand from affluent customers.

"Though many consumers with a preference for Islamic banking live in Muslim markets like Malaysia, Saudi Arabia or UAE, where HSBC Amanah has significant operations, these individuals are increasingly internationally mobile and demand a banking service that can support this lifestyle. We believe HSBC Amanah Premier is that service."

Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi commented: "HSBC Amanah Premier turns HSBC's global reach into practical use for our Islamic banking customers in Qatar, who expect the strictest Shariah integrity from HSBC Amanah . Our customers now have access to a comprehensive range of premium banking products that comply with the highest shariah standards, alongside the benefits of being recognised across HSBC's global network."

HSBC Amanah Premier customers have access to 300 international Premier Centres in major cities around the world. Each location will have access to the information needed to serve Amanah Premier customers and provide local advisory services.

HSBC Amanah Premier offers customers a host of services, which include:
One globally accessible number 1-908-PREMIER for emergency assistance
Ability to pre-open overseas Shariah compliant accounts in six countries and transfer credit history
A single view of all accounts held with HSBC internationally via the Internet that provides the ability to manage all accounts, whichever country they are in
Free fund transfers between their accounts via HSBC Amanah 's online service
Access to banking services and lounge facilities across 40 countries and territories
International (or overseas) customers are eligible for Shariah compliant home finance in UAE & Malaysia (Up to 60% Finance to Value)
Islamic wealth management and financial planning advice, including access to a range of HSBC Amanah Investment and Takaful (protection) products
Equal status across the HSBC Amanah Premier /SABB Amanah Premier network: Customers who are eligible for HSBC Amanah Premier in one country, will be eligible in all six markets where the service is available.
Access to a relationship manager who provides dedicated 1-on-1 service

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About HSBC Amanah
HSBC Amanah is the global Islamic financial services business of the HSBC Group. It was established in 1998 with the aim of making HSBC the leading provider of Islamic financial services worldwide. With established and successful operations in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and the UK, HSBC Amanah represents the largest and most comprehensive Islamic proposition of any international bank.

HSBC Amanah was the only international bank to appear in the top 20 of The Banker's Top 500 Islamic Institutions Ranking 2009.

For more information about HSBC Amanah please visit: www.hsbcamanah.com

For further information or to request an interview, please contact:
Greta Madgwick
Manager Qatar Communications
Tel +9744254224

© Press Release 2009