Muscat, July 10th 2013

HSBC Bank Oman S.A.O.G. has recently inaugurated two new fully-fledged branches in Ibra and Wadi Tayeen that aim to provide customers with an enriched banking experience. The new branches offer a better in-branch environment with internet banking kiosks and enhanced physical security and features that promise to meet customers' banking and financial needs.

Replacing adjacent dated facilities in Ibra and Wadi Tayeen, the new branches are well equipped with HSBC technology and facilities and provide customers with a comprehensive suite of banking products and services. In order to identify areas for improvement and optimise the branch network, HSBC Bank Oman began a comprehensive review last year to ensure locations are strategically placed to serve customers more efficiently.

Through the constant review of its network strategy, HSBC Bank Oman has been able to establish a solid foundation to provide an enhanced level of customer service, consistently and effectively. Today, HSBC Bank Oman operates the second largest branch network in the Sultanate with over 80 locations spread across the country.

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HSBC in the MENA Region
HSBC is the largest and most widely represented international banking organisation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with a presence in 14 countries across the region. HSBC has operations in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Algeria and the Palestinian Autonomous Area. In Saudi Arabia, HSBC is a 40% shareholder of Saudi British Bank (SABB), and a 49% shareholder of HSBC Saudi Arabia for investment banking in the Kingdom. In Iraq, HSBC holds a majority shareholding in Dar Es Salaam Investment Bank. HSBC also maintains a representative office in Libya.

This presence, the widest reach of any bank in the region, comprises some 273 offices and around 12,000 employees. In the full year 2011, HSBC in the MENA region made a profit before tax of US$1,492m.

HSBC in Oman
HSBC is the largest international bank operating in the Middle East, and Oman is an important market in the region for the bank. Oman has one of the most stable political, social and economic environments in the region, with a growing economy supported by a young population and significant investments in infrastructure.

Oman is also a key access hub to the fast-growing trade corridors connecting the MENA region with Asia - a major focus for growth for HSBC. Its economy is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4%1 forecast from 2011 to 2016.

HSBC Holdings plc
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 7,200 offices in over 80 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, North and Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. With assets of US$2,556bn at 31 December 2011, the HSBC Group is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations.

For more information, please contact:
ShazaTaher
Senior Media Relations Manager
TRACCS Oman
Telephone: +968 24 649-099
Fax: +968 24 649-088
Email: shaza.taher@traccs.net

© Press Release 2013