HSBC to restructure its islamic finance business

Following the restructuring, HSBC will retain 83% of the Group's Islamic business revenues.

In Saudi Arabia, Islamic financial products will be offered through The Saudi British Bank 'SABB', in which HSBC Holdings plc indirectly holds a 40% shareholding.

HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited, in which HSBC Holdings plc indirectly holds a 49% shareholding, will offer Islamic investments and wholesale Islamic financing/Sukuk products to customers globally. HSBC is the market leader in Sukuk issuance.

The Group will cease to offer Shari'ah compliant products and services in the UK, the UAE, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Singapore and Mauritius, with the exception of wholesale Islamic financing/Sukuk products that will continue to be offered in these jurisdictions and globally through HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited.

This announcement represents further progress in HSBC's execution of the global strategy set out in May 2011 and demonstrates the Group's commitment to driving growth and improving returns by restructuring or exiting businesses that do not meet its investment criteria.

HSBC remains committed to delivering world-class Shari'ah compliant products and services for customers in Malaysia, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia 'through SABB', and Islamic Investments and global wholesale Islamic financing/Sukuk solutions 'through HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited'.