Market Reach

Feb 22, 2010 (LBO) – The Sri Lanka unit of HSBC bank said it was launching a personal banking service targeting what it called the ˜mid-market’ customer segment, focusing on convenience to attract clients. HSBC Sri Lanka chief Nick Nicolau said the bank will offer a range of products like currency deposits and unit trust investments as well as accounts in overseas branches with the relaxation of foreign exchange controls.

The bank’s new ˜HSBC Advance’ service covers current and savings accounts, deposits, investments, insurance and credit cards.

It is a global service that has been launched in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Indonesia and will soon be offered in 39 more countries.

It includes a 24-hour phone banking service, ˜HSBC Advance’ desks in all HSBC branches, priority counters, 24-hour self-service facilities and internet banking facilities to pay bills and transfer funds.

A key pillar of ˜HSBC Advance’ is the convenience factor, Sarit Wijeyekoon, head of personal financial services, told a news conference held to announce the launch of the new service.

It includes a ˜cash anywhere’ service in partnership with the ˜Keell Super’ supermarket chain, a unit o