HSBC Affirms Dec. 2012 Announcement Remains Accurate

HSBC Holdings plc

notes the recent publication of several press articles regarding the proposed sale of its shareholding in Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. to indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Charoen Pokphand Group Company Limited (the "Transaction"), which was the subject of an announcement by HSBC on 5 December 2012. Having made such enquiry with respect to the Transaction as is reasonable in the circumstances, HSBC confirms that it is not aware of any information which must be announced to avoid a false market in HSBC's securities or of any inside information that needs to be disclosed under Part XIVA of the Securities and Futures Ordinance. HSBC further reaffirms that, on the basis of this enquiry, the information contained in the announcement of 5 December 2012 remains accurate. This announcement is made by the order of HSBC. HSBC's Board of Directors collectively and individually accepts responsibility for the accuracy of this announcement.