Statement re: Laiki Bank

HSBC Holdings PLC
11 January 2006

                                   STATEMENT

HSBC Holdings plc confirms it is reviewing its strategic options with regard to
its 21.16 per cent interest in Laiki Bank of Cyprus which may in due course lead
to a reduction in or disposal of its shareholding.

A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.

Note to editors

HSBC Holdings plc
HSBC Holdings plc is headquartered in the UK. The HSBC Group serves over 110
million customers worldwide from more than 9,700 offices in 77 countries and
territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East
and Africa. With assets of US$1,467 billion at 30 June 2005, HSBC is one of the
world's largest banking and financial services organisations. HSBC is marketed
worldwide as 'the world's local bank'.



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