Posted: February, 2006

Triathlon: HSBC To Be Official Bank Sponsor Of Eight Ironman Qualifying Events In North America

NEW YORK -- HSBC Bank USA, N.A., the U.S. banking unit of one of the world’s largest financial services companies, today announced that it has become the official bank sponsor of eight Ironman qualifying events for 2006 and 2007.

HSBC will serve as the official bank sponsor for Ford Ironman 70.3 California, Ford Ironman Arizona, Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida, Ford Ironman Coeur d’Alene, Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid, Subaru Ironman Canada, Ford Ironman Wisconsin and Ford Ironman Florida.

As a sponsor, HSBC will receive promotional opportunities at events throughout 2006 and 2007. HSBC employees will participate in Ironman events.

“We’re proud to support Ironman North America,” said Seamus McMahon, executive vice president and president of HSBC’s Atlantic region and an aspiring Ironman participant. “The determination and hard work associated with Ironman match HSBC’s culture and brand.”

About HSBC Bank USA, N.A.:

HSBC Bank USA, N.A. has nearly 400 branches in New York State, a network of branches in Florida and California and a number of branches in other states. Throughout the U.S., the bank serves more than 3 million individual and business customers with a full range of financial products and services. It is the principal subsidiary of HSBC USA Inc, one of the nation's largest bank holding companies by assets and an indirectly held, wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC North America Holdings Inc. For more information about HSBC Bank USA and its products and services visit us.hsbc.com.