Issue of Debt

Banco Santander Central Hispano SA
6 September 2000


          The funds will strengthen Tier II capital by US$1 billion

      BANCO SANTANDER CENTRAL HISPANO LAUNCHES SUBORDINATED DEBT ISSUE

Madrid, September 6, 2000 - Banco Santander Central Hispano will this week
launch a US$1 billion subordinated global bond issue, with a 10 year maturity.

The issue, for which UBS Warburg has been mandated as sole book-runner, will be
priced this week.

The funds raised will go towards strengthening Tier II capital.