HSBC Wealth Management and Zurich International launch 'HSBC - Zurich Vista'

The plan aims to satisfy all HSBC customers' saving needs and expectations, giving them the opportunity to save now for any future event; be it a child's higher education or marriage, retirement or simply to build a nest egg for all family members. "HSBC - Zurich Vista" offers flexibility, affordability, financial advantage and gives customers competitive advantage in terms of fees as well as the best of breed fund selection.

Ishrat M. Kiyani, Regional Head of Wealth Management, HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd., commented on the launch of the new product saying: "HSBC is committed to providing quality financial planning services to all our customers using both HSBC and carefully hand-picked third-party products. To enhance our product range further, we have tied up with Zurich International Life Limited to provide the best possible regular savings plan to our customers in terms of fund selection and price."

While Paul Haran, Regional Director, Middle East, Zurich International Life, added:

"Our Vista proposition has been designed to meet the evolving financial needs of customers. We are delighted to partner HSBC's strategy to broaden its product suite and I am confident this partnership will be a compelling one for customers."

Zurich International Life has its head office in the Isle of Man, and as a self governing British Crown Dependency, this allows "HSBC - Zurich Vista" to offer customers a host of benefits and advantages, which include:

• Flexibility and Portability: No matter which part of the world you are based in, or which part of the world you move to, the policy stays based in the Isle of Man. This gives customers the freedom to move around the world without the hassle of having to open a new savings plan in each location, which is made even more flexible through the availability of Zurich International offices in several locations.

• Competitive Fees: HSBC customers are able to opt for "HSBC - Zurich Vista" with competitive fees compared to buying similar products elsewhere in the market.

• Affordability: Customers can invest in the Regular Premium Vista Plan from as little as USD 300 per month which makes this an extremely beneficial investment option. They also have the option of paying a Single Premium if they choose to do so.

• Choice of Funds - "HSBC - Zurich Vista" allows customers to choose to invest in a range of funds which are balanced, adventurous and cautious. Customers also have the option to switch between funds at any point in time. This allows them to build a robust, well balanced portfolio.

Other benefits include:

• Security - The Isle of Man enjoys the stability of its own Government and established its own Insurance Act in 1986. Since then it has become one of the worlds leading international life assurance centers. The Isle of Man Insurance Act ensures that international companies, like Zurich International Life, are well managed and financially sound.

• Confidentiality - The Isle of Man Data Protection legislation ensures that your details are not passed on to anyone else without your permission.

• Tax-efficiency - With a Vista savings plan, your funds are not taxed at source, therefore your savings grow in a tax efficient environment. You should note that the value of tax benefits depends on individual circumstances and can change.

• Multi Currency - This plan, allows you to make your regular savings in either USD/GBP/Euro, thus allowing you to choose the currency most convenient for you.

This launch highlights HSBC Bank's commitment to provide the best and up-to-date products and services to all customers, with Zurich International Life providing the bank with innovative and competitive insurance products.