Dividend Declaration

HSBC Holdings PLC
22 February 2006


DIVIDEND ON 6.20% NON-CUMULATIVE US DOLLAR PREFERENCE SHARES, SERIES A ("SERIES
A DOLLAR PREFERENCE SHARES")


In 2005 1,450,000 Series A Dollar Preference Shares were issued for a
consideration of US$1,000 each and Series A American Depositary Shares, each of
which represents one-fortieth of a Series A Dollar Preference Share, were listed
on the New York Stock Exchange.

A non-cumulative fixed-rate dividend of 6.20 per cent per annum is payable
quarterly on the Series A Dollar Preference Shares on 15 March, 15 June, 15
September and 15 December at the sole and absolute discretion of the Board of
HSBC Holdings plc. Accordingly, the Board of HSBC Holdings plc has declared a
dividend for the quarter ending 15 March 2006. The dividend of US$0.3875 per
Series A American Depositary Share will be payable on 15 March 2006 to holders
of record on 1 March 2006.

Any person who has acquired Series A American Depositary Shares but who has not
lodged the transfer documentation with the depositary should do so before 12
noon on Wednesday 1 March 2006 in order to receive the dividend.


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