Dear Customers,

This is to inform you of imminent changes to your retail banking relationship with HSBC in Kuwait.

Following a strategic review of our operations and activities in the country, we have taken the decision to focus exclusively on our Global Banking and Markets, Commercial Banking and Private Banking businesses.

Sadly, this means that our Retail Banking offer, HSBC Premier, will no longer be made available after 31 December 2011. We will ensure firstly that we continue to meet our contractual obligations to you in the intervening period; secondly that you receive an uninterrupted service; and thirdly that you experience a smooth transition, should you require our assistance in finding alternative banking arrangements, whether elsewhere within the HSBC Group or with a local financial services provider.

We are here to help. Your personal Premier Relationship Manager will be in contact with you to review your individual needs and answer any questions you may have.

As always, you may also visit us at our Premier Centre in Kuwait City, which will remain open to existing customers for the remainder of this year. Our Premier Centre is open on Sunday through Thursday from 8:30am to 15:00pm (excluding national holidays), and is located at the address below.

Kharafi Tower
Ground Floor
Hamad Al-Saqr Street
Qibla Area
Kuwait City

Despite taking this difficult decision, we remain strongly committed to the Kuwaiti market, where HSBC is proud to trace its roots back to 1942.

We regret any inconvenience that this decision may have caused and thank you for entrusting HSBC with your personal financial needs in Kuwait.

Yours sincerely,

Simon Vaughan Johnson
Chief Executive Officer