Tokyo, June 17, 2004 - JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCBI), a leading international payment brand, and Hang Seng Bank (HANG SENG) are pleased to announce the launch of the HANG SENG/JCB Standard and Gold Cards in Hong Kong.

"The HANG SENG/JCB Card products leverage the distinctive benefits of Hang Seng Bank's local operations and product design expertise with JCB's brand recognition, global merchant network and worldwide customer service. We are convinced that this launch will significantly enhance JCB's presence in Hong Kong", said Mr. Shizuo Mizuguchi, Senior Executive Vice President of JCBI.

The prestige of the JCB brand has helped JCB build the highest quality merchant base in Hong Kong and around the world, offering HANG SENG/JCB cardmembers special discounts and premiums in dining, fashion, entertainment and lifestyle.

In addition, the comprehensive Japanese merchant network and information database gives cardmembers privileged access to the best in restaurants, hot springs, hotels, amusement and theme parks, golf courses and other sports facilities in Japan. HANG SENG/JCB Gold cardmembers can also enjoy exclusive VIP airport lounge service in Tokyo, Osaka and other major cities in Japan. For details, please visit http://www.all.jcb-card.com.

In the months ahead discount packages for travel to Japan and other valued-added programs for HANG SENG/JCB cardmembers will be introduced. Cardmembers making purchases with the HANG SENG/JCB Card, in Hong Kong and Japan, will enjoy increasingly attractive rewards. Moreover, HANG SENG/JCB cardmembers can enjoy the privileges offered at JCB Plazas - worldwide customer services centers, reservations at restaurants and hotels, and tourist information and emergency assistance.

'The HANG SENG/JCB Card will capture additional market segments that are fond of Japanese culture and want to keep up with the latest trends. Hang Seng's innovative products have always been successful and well received by the public. We are confident that the unique combination of Hang Seng market savvy and JCB global services will make this card a winner,' commented a Spokesman at Hang Seng Bank.

JCB opened its first overseas representative office in Hong Kong in 1981, and also issued the first JCB credit card outside Japan in Hong Kong in 1985, a significant milestone in its long-standing commitment to Hong Kong and the Asian market. The launch of the HANG SENG/JCB card is another major step forward for JCB's presence in Hong Kong.

About Hang Seng Bank
Founded in 1933, Hang Seng Bank is a principal member of the HSBC Group and the second largest listed bank in Hong Kong in terms of market capitalisation. It operates 159 branches and automated banking centres in Hong Kong; a branch in Macau; and a network of five branches (in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Fuzhou and Nanjing), a sub-branch (in Shanghai) and two representative offices (in Beijing and Xiamen) in mainland China. The Bank also has a representative office in Taipei.
With consolidated assets of HK$503 billion at the end of 2003, the Bank reported a profit attributable to shareholders of HK$9.54 billion for 2003. For further information on Hang Seng, please visit the Bank's website at www.hangseng.com.

About JCB International Co., Ltd.
JCB is an international credit card brand and the largest card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding overseas in 1981. Its merchant network includes 11.4 million merchants and spans 189 countries and territories. JCB cards are now issued in 18 countries and territories, with 49.6 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with more than 320 leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and cardmember base.
JCB's corporate philosophy of "Service from the heart", a commitment to responsive and high-quality service, continues to guide it as it creates the future together with its customers, merchants and partners. For further information, please visit the JCB Co. Ltd. home page at: www.jcb-global.com/english or www.jcbinternational.com.