Hang Seng's exposure to RI

Hang Seng's exposure to RI

HONG KONG (Reuters): Hang Seng Bank Ltd. said yesterday it had
very limited exposure to Indonesia.

"Our exposure to Asian countries is immaterial," a bank
spokeswoman said. "Our main focus is Hong Kong. Our exposure in
Asia, other than Hong Kong, is relatively small and our exposure
to Indonesia is even smaller, or very limited."

Hang Seng Bank is 62.1 percent owned by HSBC Holdings Plc. as
at the end of 1997. HSBC said yesterday its exposure to
Indonesia, as at Dec. 31, 1997, was US$1.8 billion.

Hang Seng Bank shares fell HK$0.25 to HK$60.75 in early trade
yesterday. HSBC shares were unchanged at HK$205.00.