HSBC Launches $1 Billion Loan Program for Small and Medium Size US Businesses Seeking International

HSBC Launches $1 Billion Loan Program for Small and Medium Size US Businesses Seeking International Growth

**Program Open to Businesses with Annual Revenue of $3 million to $500 million**

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- HSBC Bank USA, N.A. today announced a $1 billion, 18-month dedicated loan program for small and medium size US businesses looking to export or expand internationally, to help companies find global growth opportunities and to further accelerate global business growth by US enterprises.

"To thrive today, more US-based small and medium size companies are looking for growth opportunities abroad," said Steve Bottomley, HSBC Group General Manager and Regional Head of Commercial Banking, North America. "HSBC is launching this program to provide financing to businesses with international aspirations or expansion plans. Throughout our history, HSBC has been connecting customers to opportunities. This loan program will foster some exciting new activity for US businesses in the global marketplace, as well as continue to support a US export-led recovery by connecting businesses to international opportunities."

HSBC research shows that US companies have benefited from global expansion and export trends. HSBC's Spotlight on US Trade, a series of reports analyzing publicly-traded companies in key regions around the US, showed that global businesses based in Texas had average profit margins five times those of more domestically oriented peers during the years of 2007 to 2012. Similarly, global businesses based in Upstate New York achieved almost three times the growth rates and earned over 10 per cent more in revenue between 2007-2011, than their regional domestic peers.

Additionally, the latest HSBC Global Connections Trade Report shows that US exports will increasingly find their way to rapidly growing consumer markets in developing economies, as growth prospects for industrialized nations remain subdued. For instance, over the medium term, the value of US exports destined for the economies of Asia (excluding Japan) is forecast to rise at an average annual rate of nine percent throughout the period 2021-2030, according to the report.

"This loan program provides vital financing and support to help US small and medium size companies grow, especially as many businesses continue to be challenged by sluggish domestic growth and increased competition," said Mark Luppi, HSBC Executive Vice President and Head of US Business Banking. "Putting financing into the hands of small and medium sized businesses is critical as they make up more than 97 percent of all US exporters."

HSBC has been a solid contributor in supporting trade growth, as the value of US exports by HSBC clients rose to $5.5 billion in 2012, a 30 percent increase from 2011. The HSBC international loan program is part of a broader global effort by the bank to help small and medium size businesses develop and capitalize on international opportunities.

HSBC's international loan program in the US is open to new and current HSBC customers with annual revenue of $3 million to $500 million and interest in cross border trading or global expansion. Dedicated HSBC international relationship managers will help interested companies manage the application process and connect them to the right solutions for global growth opportunities. Only applications for new business loans will be accepted and all of HSBC's usual credit and lending criteria apply. The program is available for the next 18 months beginning in July 2013.

For more information on HSBC's international loan program, please visit us.hsbc.com/accelerate.

Notes to editors:

About HSBC Commercial Banking

For nearly 150 years we have been where the growth is, connecting customers to opportunities. Today, HSBC Commercial Banking serves businesses ranging from small enterprises to large multinationals in over 60 developed and faster-growing markets around the world. Whether it is working capital, trade finance or payments and cash management solutions, we provide the tools and expertise that businesses need to thrive. With a network covering three quarters of global commerce, we make HSBC the world's leading international trade and business bank.

For more information see www.hsbc.com/1/2/business-and-commercial.

HSBC Bank USA, National Association, with total assets of $183.9bn as of 31 March 2013 (US GAAP), serves 3 million customers through retail banking and wealth management, commercial banking, private banking, asset management, and global banking and markets segments. It operates more than 250 bank branches throughout the United States. There are over 165 in New York State as well as branches in: California; Connecticut; Delaware; Washington, D.C.; Florida; Maryland; New Jersey; Pennsylvania; Oregon; Virginia; and Washington State. HSBC Bank USA, N.A. is the principal subsidiary of HSBC USA Inc., an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC North America Holdings Inc. HSBC Bank USA, N.A. is a member of the FDIC.

Media inquiries:
HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
Laura Sheridan Powers, +1 212-525-0115
laura.s.powers@us.hsbc.com

KEYWORDS: United States North America New York

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