The custody and clearing operations of HSBC Bank Malta plc have been accepted to join the HSBC Group’s global network. Custody and clearing services include safe custody, receipt and delivery of shares and bonds, portfolio and cash management, corporate action reporting, collection of dividends as well as proxy and foreign exchange services.

HSBC’s custody and clearing business operates in 33 markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Southern Europe and Latin America, providing custody and clearing services to institutional clients like pension funds, investment managers, insurance companies and broker dealers world-wide. HSBC is also responsible for the safe keeping of over US$440 billion in client assets.

The inclusion of HSBC Bank Malta plc in this global network will enable global players to participate in the local stock exchange market. With Malta’s inclusion in the EU, global institutional investors that already hold a custodian relationship with HSBC elsewhere can now easily establish a capability here by including Malta in their European regional custody agreement with HSBC.

HSBC has issued a new market guide to the 33 countries included in its global custody and clearing network. The guide covers every aspect of these markets including local procedures, practices and services.

This guide is available online on www.hsbcnet.com. Additionally, HSBC’s custody and clearing also issues a Market News broadcast service which provides comprehensive information on market developments, as well as insight and analysis on how these actually affect clients. Customers in Malta began obtaining this information as of yesterday.

Institutional investors in Malta can obtain further information on HSBC group’s custody and clearing network by contacting their relationship manager.