The survey reflects the opinions of registered readers of Banker Middle East who cast their votes to select the winners from nominated institutions.

Winners were chosen based on the institutions' overall performance, innovations, improvements and growth over the last 12 months.

Stuart Crocker, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Private Bank, UAE and Oman, commented:

"It is a pleasure to receive this award on behalf of my MENA colleagues around the world. We had a record year in 2008 and to be named at the top of the ranking is a tribute to the team's continued commitment to client service. We strive to offer innovative, competitive and customized wealth solutions in order to stay at the forefront of the private banking industry. We all have the privilege of developing long-term and ethical relationships with our clients. In times of crisis such as now, it is vital we stand alongside our clients and their families."

HSBC has a deep-rooted presence in the Middle East that spans over a century. HSBC Private Bank has identified the Middle East as a high growth region which currently accounts for about 10% of the bank's wealth management business. The bank has expanded its team in the Middle East to more 90 private bankers and has strengthened its teams on the ground in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Lebanon.

The Banker Middle East Industry Awards 2009 is organized by CPI Financial, publishers of titles Banker Middle East and Islamic Business and Finance.

HSBC Holdings plc:

HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 9,500 offices in 86 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. With assets of $2,527bn at 31 December 2008, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations. HSBC is marketed worldwide as 'the world's local bank'.

HSBC in the Middle East:

HSBC Bank Middle East Limited is the largest and most widely represented international bank in the Middle East. HSBC Bank Middle East Limited has 45 branches throughout the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan and the Palestinian Autonomous Area. In addition to the branch network, the bank maintains representative offices in Tehran, Iran and Tripoli, Libya. This extensive regional coverage is strengthened by another member of the HSBC Group, HSBC Bank Egypt SAE, and by its associated companies: The Saudi British Bank; British Arab Commercial Bank Limited; HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited; SABB Securities Limited; SABB Takaful Co.; and Dar Es Saalam Investment Bank.

HSBC Private Bank:

HSBC Private Bank is the marketing name for the private banking business conducted by the principal private banking subsidiaries of the HSBC Group worldwide. International private banking services are provided through offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Beirut and are rendered through onshore representatives conveniently spread across the Middle East Region. Working with dedicated HSBC Private Bank offices around the world, the team provides advice and guidance on deposits, securities portfolios, asset protection and other investments such as the purchase of international real estate.

For more information, please contact:

Andrea JAISHANKAR

Manager - Regional Communications

HSBC Bank Middle East Limited

Tel: 04-4235635

Fax: 04-4267372

(c) 2009 Middle East Company News. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.