HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC) has forged a partnership with the international governing body for equestrian sport, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) that will see the world’s local bank sponsor Eventing globally.  As part of this ground-breaking engagement, HSBC has not only become the exclusive financial services partner of the FEI but has made a firm commitment to the discipline of Eventing on a global basis. The sport, part of the Olympic programme since 1912, is a combined competition discipline in which men and women compete as equals. It demands considerable experience in all branches of equitation and a precise knowledge of the horse’s ability and character. It covers every aspect of horsemanship: the harmony between horse and rider that characterise Dressage; the stamina and extensive experience essential for the Cross Country; the precision, agility and technique involved in Jumping. The HSBC involvement will - among others - include title sponsorship of the HSBC FEI World Cup™ Eventing and the HSBC Rankings of Eventing over the next three years. Giles Morgan, HSBC’s Group Head of Sponsorship: “HSBC is delighted to become a partner of the FEI and a major sponsor of Eventing. It is a sport that provides equal opportunity for men and women – and is truly global in scale. We look forward to an exciting partnership – particularly the development of the HSBC Eventing World Cup.” HRH Princess Haya, FEI President, "The FEI welcomes HSBC as a new member of the horsesport family. We are delighted to have reached such an extraordinary agreement with a partner who has a profound understanding of the requirements, the potential and the value of the sport. We look forward to a fruitful partnership and to a close cooperation that will undoubtedly have far-reaching, positive effects on the global Eventing community."   About HSBC Bank plc HSBC serves 15.6 million customers in the UK and employs more than 40,000 UK staff. HSBC is Britain's most recommended big bank. HSBC Bank plc is a wholly owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc, and a member of the HSBC Group. HSBC Holdings plc serves over 125 million customers worldwide through some 10,000 offices in 82 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. HSBC is embedding sustainability into its core financial services business. This starts with its own operations. The bank measures its use of energy and water and production of waste and carbon dioxide across its offices around the world. It has also set targets to reduce these. About FEI: The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) is the international body governing equestrian sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It is the sole controlling authority for all international events in Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting, Reining and Para Equestrian. It establishes regulations and rules and approves programmes for equestrian competitions at Championships and Regional and Olympic Games. The FEI encourages the observance of the principles and spirits of horsemanship, particularly in the relationship with horses, and promotes the highest standards of organisation, judging, course design, veterinary and medication control and fair play at international events. The FEI was founded in 1921. Since 1991, its headquarters are located in Lausanne (SUI). 134 National Federations are affiliated to the FEI. Contacts:  HSBC Giles Morgan, Group Head of Sponsorship gilesmorgan@hsbc.com  FEI Malina Gueorguiev, FEI Communications Manager, malina.gueorguiev@fei.org