HSBC committed to Turkey despite bomb attack
(25th November 2003 – UK) Following the tragic attack on its headquarters in the Turkish capital Istanbul, HSBC temporarily suspended its operations in that country.
The bank closed all 159 of its branches in Turkey in the wake of the car bomb attack that exploded in front of two HSBC buildings in the Levent district. However, apart from one branch which was damaged in the bomb attack on the nearby British consulate, the bank resumed operations on Friday.
In a statement, the bank said it remained committed to its Turkish business and that the business remained fully operational despite the temporary closure of its branches.
"This is an important country for our group and one we have served for over a decade," HSBC Group chief executive Stephen Green said.
"There is absolutely no question of HSBC withdrawing from Turkey," he said.
The bank bought Turkey’s fifth largest private bank Demirbank in 2001 as well as store card company Benkar.
HSBC has operated in Turkey since 1990 and employs some 3500 staff.
In a statement, the bank said it remained committed to its Turkish business and that the business remained fully operational despite the temporary closure of its branches.
"This is an important country for our group and one we have served for over a decade," HSBC Group chief executive Stephen Green said.
"There is absolutely no question of HSBC withdrawing from Turkey," he said.
The bank bought Turkey’s fifth largest private bank Demirbank in 2001 as well as store card company Benkar.
HSBC has operated in Turkey since 1990 and employs some 3500 staff.
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