BEA Launches SupremeGold in Hong Kong and China

SupremeGold offers supreme convenience
and helps families and individuals build secure savings for the future

Hong Kong, 13 January 2003 – The Bank of East Asia, Limited (“BEA”) today announced the official launch of SupremeGold, bringing unparalleled convenience and personalised banking service to upper and middle income families and individuals. BEA’s first SupremeGold Centre, for the exclusive use of SupremeGold Members, has been established at the Tsim Sha Tsui Branch, where a grand opening ceremony is being held today.

Mr H.S. Tong, General Manager and Head of Personal Banking Division of BEA, said, “BEA has a long tradition of serving the needs of Hong Kong’s dynamic upper and middle class. With the current uncertain economic outlook and low interest-rate environment, people have to work harder than ever to build savings for the future. Customers are looking for alternatives. BEA SupremeGold is the answer.”

Membership in SupremeGold is open to all BEA customers with an aggregate relationship balance of as little as HKD500,000 or its equivalent in their banking and investment accounts with the bank. Each SupremeGold Member will be assigned a dedicated Relationship Manager, available to assist with all banking needs and provide information on financial planning. A variety of investment services and products, including stock trading, unit trusts/mutual funds, bonds and linked deposits, are available to meet Members’ needs. SupremeGold Members may consider a wide range of low-risk investment options to help build their savings. Further options are available for those with a more aggressive investment strategy.

In addition, SupremeGold Members will have exclusive access to dedicated SupremeGold Centres and SupremeGold Counters at branches throughout Hong Kong and China, ensuring fast and convenient banking services no matter where they may be. Further benefits include waiver of handling fees for all demand drafts, telegraphic transfers, cashier’s orders and gift cheques. Moreover, the special status of SupremeGold Members entitles them to a pre-approved BEA PLATINUM Card / Gold Card.

In China, SupremeGold brings a new dimension to personal banking. With the recent changes in banking regulations, BEA has expanded its client base in China to include local individuals with foreign currency savings. The SupremeGold Account offers unparalleled convenience to customers of our China branches, bringing multi-currency statement savings, current and time deposit accounts together in one place.

Hong Kong SupremeGold Members will be able to enjoy the same high standard of service they are accustomed to in Hong Kong whenever they visit any of our branches in China. Similarly, our China SupremeGold Members will be welcomed by SupremeGold representatives at all our branches in Hong Kong.

Customers who open a new SupremeGold Account on or before 30 June 2003, will enjoy a range of welcoming rewards, including full waiver of the monthly service fee up to 31 December 2003. One thousand Asia Miles^TM will be awarded to each SupremeGold Account with an aggregate time deposit placement of not less than HKD500,000 or its equivalent**.

Bank customers who currently hold savings at more than one bank may enjoy the many benefits of SupremeGold Membership by combining their accounts at BEA.

Interested parties may call BEA’s Customer Service Hotline on 2211 1333 for Hong Kong SupremeGold. For China SupremeGold, please call 2842 3154. Further details are also available at BEA’s websites at www.hkbea.com, or www.hkbea.com.cn or any BEA branch.

** Please refer to the relevant terms and conditions set by BEA.

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