HSBC Sri Lanka, is offering a range of relief measures for its personal and corporate customers given the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a media release, Mark Prothero, CEO of HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives said, 'The coronavirus will have considerable health and economic impacts across the country. Its impact on businesses, especially on global trade and supply chains and the financial well-being of personal customers is likely to be significant. We stand with the people of Sri Lanka today, that's why we are announcing further community relief measures to support the healthcare sector to help combat this unprecedented outbreak'.

The relief measures introduced by HSBC Sri Lanka for personal and corporate customers include the following:

Personal banking customers

HSBC will offer three critical relief measures as follows;

I. Payment assistance and additional liquidity to all personal banking customers

Given the challenges around access to payment points, credit card payment due dates for all cards have been extended until the next statement due date and late payment fees have been waived off.

0 per cent interest repayment plans up to six months on all medical expenses over Rs.10,000.

The bank will waive off all cheque return fees until further notice.

Full waiver on early withdrawal of rupee time deposits

II. Providing customers easy access and convenience for their everyday banking needs:

Free online self-registrations to enjoy HSBC Internet and Mobile Banking

All digital banking services via HSBC Mobile Banking and Online and transactions will be free of charge (no fees) for all personal customers of HSBC.

Access at over 4,000 Lanka Clear and VISA Plus ATMs to all Premier and Advance customers free of charge.

III. Hardship and forbearance support to any affected customer:

Suspension of credit card payments up to three months and concessions on credit card interest rates up to 50 per cent for a period of six months.

Debt moratoriums on personal loans repayments up to six months

Wholesale banking customers

I. Up to an additional 60-day extension on trade loans maturing between March 20 and April 30.

II. Faster turnaround on shipping guarantees.

III. Waiver of amendment fees on import document credits relating to delays due to COVID-19.

© Pakistan Press International, source Asianet-Pakistan