First Direct
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first direct is a telephone and internet based commercial bank in the United Kingdom, a division of HSBC Bank plc. It was the first UK bank to be based solely over the telephone, later adding an internet services. First Direct is headquartered in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, and has over 1.2 million customers.
First Direct was formed on October 1, 1989 by the Midland Bank, one of the "Big 4" banks in the UK. It pioneered a then innovative approach to banking, by being based over the telephone with no branch network (although customers could deposit cash at Midland Bank branches). In 1992, it became a part of HSBC following the acquisition of Midland Bank.
According to MORI and NOP research, first direct has been the most recommended bank in the UK for the past 13 years.
First Direct is based at two call centres in Leeds and Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
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| Brands: The Bank of Bermuda | Beneficial | first direct | Hang Seng | HFC | HSBC | HSBC Bank International | HSBC Halbis Partners | HSBC Investments | HSBCnet | HSBC Premier | Marbles | M&S Money | Proa |
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Minority Stakes and Joint Ventures: Bank of Communications (19.9%) | Bank of Shanghai (8%) | HSBC Saudi Arabia Limited (60%) | Ping An (19.9%) | Techcombank (10%) | The Saudi British Bank (40%) | UTI Bank Limited (4.99%) | Wells Fargo HSBC Trade Bank N.A. (20%) |
| Annual Group Revenue: .7 billion USD ( 10% FY 2005) | Employees: 284,000 | Stock Symbol: LSE: [HSBA] | Website: [www.hsbc.com] |