HSBC brings Premier banking to Cayman. Pictured is the local management team (from left): Andrew Jamieson, Head of Personal Financial Services; Garry Crossan, Head of Fiduciary Services; Walling Whittaker, Head of Human Resources; Chris Saunders, Chief Financial Officer; Jill Virgil-Smith, Head of Legal; Mark McIntyre, Head of Corporate Banking; Patricia DaCosta, Head of Compliance; Tom Clark, Head of Client Services – Insurance; Mark Whiteside, Chief Operating Officer; and Gonzalo Jalles, Chief Executive Officer.

HSBC Bank (Cayman) Limited (HSBC Cayman) has introduced its Premier banking service to Cayman, designed for customers with international banking needs.

This marks the first time that the HSBC Premier service will be available in the Caribbean.

“Our doors are open and we are ready to serve the Cayman community with the same unparalleled level of service that has made HSBC a first-rate, global financial services brand,” said Chief Executive Officer Gonzalo Jalles.

“Through our products and services, our staff and our commitment to the community, we will continue to be as fully integrated in Cayman as we have been since HSBC began operating here over 20 years ago,” he added.

A banking service for individual customers, HSBC Premier is based on a quality service proposition.

Andrew Jamieson, HSBC Cayman Head of Personal Financial Services, outlined the benefits of the service: “As of Tuesday, 14 October, HSBC Premier customers in the Cayman Islands began experiencing the HSBC Group’s Global Premier Banking service, which effectively links HSBC offices worldwide and provides a unique global service.”

The HSBC Group is one of the world’s largest banking and financial-services organisations. The group has more than 9,500 offices in 85 countries and territories, Group assets of US$2,547 million (as of 30 June 2008) and over 100 million customers worldwide.

Currently offered at 400 Premier Centres in 40 countries across the world, HSBC Premier moves away from the traditional retail-banking model of charging on a per-transaction basis, instead focusing on providing an unparalleled level of service.

HSBC Premier offers such advantages to customers as free on-line fund transfers to their own HSBC accounts in different countries, plus the on-line capability to view all HSBC accounts held in different jurisdictions around the world with just one log-in to personal internet banking.

Other benefits to Premier customers include top-of-the-range on-line capabilities, preferential mortgage rates and a comprehensive rewards and benefits programme. Additionally, with HSBC Premier Chequing, there is no monthly maintenance fee and Premier customers receive complimentary access to HSBC ATMs worldwide.

The global HSBC Premier network is available to customers when they travel and provides the same level of attention everywhere around the world. The service provides emergency cash and credit card assistance and the ability to connect with the home 24/7 Call Centre, or the customer’s individual Premier Relationship Manager where required.

HSBC Premier also provides customers with a worldwide safety net. If a credit card or wallet is lost or stolen, customers will have instant card cancellation and next-day replacement. Emergency cash services can also be provided at Premier Centres and HSBC branches worldwide.

The state-of-the-art HSBC Premier Centre located at HSBC House (68 West Bay Road) offers the same services available at any of the Premier Centres worldwide. Customers can also phone the HSBC Premier 24/7 Call Centre facility on 914-7676 to answer general account queries or to provide emergency assistance at any time of the day or night.

Mr. Jamieson said: “Our Premier Team has gone through our intensive training and accreditation programmes over recent months, and is ready to provide a first-rate service to our customers.

“We are confident that the Premier service offered in the Cayman Islands will match the exacting standards required by HSBC Premier Centres around the world. Due to the diversification, financial strength and global reach of the HSBC Group, we are currently experiencing a high level of demand from customers who want to start banking with ‘the world’s local bank’.”

The Premier service is available in the Cayman Islands, fee-free for all customers maintaining a personal deposit or investment balance of US$120,000 or currency equivalent or holding a minimum mortgage of US$500,000 or currency equivalent. A monthly fee of US$150 will apply for all other customers.

For more information on the HSBC Premier service, visit www.ky.hsbc.com.