GLONGHUI September 12 | HSBC's Malta branch issued a statement on the Malta Stock Exchange stating that HSBC Holdings will conduct a strategic review of 70% of its indirect shareholding in the Maltese business. HSBC Malta agrees that the company plays an important role in the Maltese economy and society, and is making this announcement in accordance with its market obligations to support the smooth operation of the open market. HSBC added that further updates will be provided in due course. HSBC has sold a number of major businesses in recent years, including the Canadian business and the French retail banking business. HSBC has indicated that it may also review other businesses. Bloomberg believes that the strategic review suggests that HSBC may be preparing to sell the Maltese business. If successful, it is the first business that Group CEO Georges Elhedery (Georges Elhedery) has left since taking office this month. Malta is an island country located south of Sicily in Italy, in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. According to the HSBC Malta Bank website, HSBC purchased 70% of Mid-Med Bank's shares in June 1999 and is now providing financial services such as wealth and personal banking (WPB), commercial finance, and global markets to meet the needs of individual and corporate customers. HSBC Malta's profit before tax for the first half of this year was 78.6 million euros, an increase of 33% over the previous year.