Sharjah, Sept.5, 2007(WAM): To boost its Islamic commercialbanking offering in the region, HSBC Bank Middle East Limitedannounced appointment of Nabeel Abdul Rahim as head of Amanahcommercial banking based in Dubai.

Keith Bradley, Regional Head of Commercial Banking,HSBC Middle East Limited said: 'HSBC remains firmly committedto the development of the Amanah brand and to Islamic Finance.

We expect to grow Amanah business much faster than conventionalbusiness over the coming years. Amanah Commercial Banking willcontinue to develop and deliver a comprehensive Shariah compliantIslamic Banking proposition' Asif Mumtaz, Regional Head of HSBC Amanah said: 'Commercialcustomers can now experience the global coverage and convenienceof banking with HSBC without compromising the principles of theShariah. All products offered by HSBC Amanah comply with thehighest standards of Islamic finance and are being approved byworld-renowned Shariah scholars.' Amanah Commercial Banking product suite covers a widerange of asset, liability and transaction banking services, includingbusiness accounts, transaction banking, working capital, tradefinance, construction finance and liquidity management. The unitalso leverages off HSBC Amanah's expertise in the areas of assetfinance and advisory, treasury and risk management and Takaful.