The Bank of Bermuda got a resounding vote of confidence from HSBC's top bosses yesterday, with chairman Sir John Bond saying the banking giant had been strengthened through the acquisition.

HSBC, the world's second largest bank by market capitalisation, bought Bank of Bermuda last February for $1.3 billion.

Although Sir John made a visit to the Island a year ago, and group CEO Stephen Green made trips to the Island four times last year, this trip saw the two joined by the entire HSBC board.

The trip was said by Sir John to be a vote of confidence on their decision to buy the bank, and also an opportunity for all 22 board members to see the acquisition, and meet with clients and Government.

Although it is customary for the HSBC board to stage one meeting a year outside of London, this is the first time they have ever met in Bermuda.

Bank chairman Joseph Johnson welcomed the HSBC heavyweights, saying he was happy HSBC had "chosen the site of their newest acquisition" for this year's meeting. Although the bank's sale to HSBC last year was their last major whole acquisition, the giant more recently offered a higher price tag ($1.75 billion) for a 19.9 percent stake of China's Bank of Communications. Yesterday, Sir John said it was a great pleasure for HSBC's board to be here in Bermuda. He said the visit should be seen as a reflection of the importance HSBC attaches to the Bank of Bermuda as part of its overall operations.

He described HSBC's purchase of the Bank of Bermuda as a "wonderful opportunity" that had served only to strengthen the banking giant.

Once again, Sir John moved to smooth fears that the Bank of Bermuda brand could disappear, as he did when he made an earlier visit to the Island one year ago.

Then and now Sir John said there were no plans to do anything with the brand, apart from the move to already pair the Bank of Bermuda name with banking giant's well-known red and white 'bow tie' logo.

While on the Island, the group has been busy in rounds of meetings including a visit with Premier Alex Scott on Thursday.

Sir John said the group was not here to seek any concessions from Government, seeing its visits with Government as more of a 'courtesy call'.

He also would not be drawn into any discussion on what impact Bermuda going independent could have on business.

Governor Sir John Vereker raised the subject on Thursday night at a power dinner of the HSBC delegation and Government dignitaries, telling those gathered that he backed the Island's Independence debate, and bore in mind that "business dislikes uncertainty".

It was not, however, an arena HSBC's chief would be drawn into, steering clear of speaking to the impact on business, saying only that Independence was "entirely a matter for the Bermudian people. It is their right to decide".

Meanwhile, the bank appeared to have bolstered security for the high-profile visit, although a bank spokesperson said a Police and security presence was not uncommon.

A security booth in the main banking hall was seen to have been moved directly into the foyer. As well, the bank's sixth floor ? where the executive suites and boardroom are ? also appeared to be under tighter security with the addition of a uniformed policeman.

The bank's normal security team also appeared to be taking on a higher profile ? if only from a new uniform comprised of a very bright HSBC red blazer and trademark logo lapel pins.

Heightened security may not be surprising given that HSBC offices elsewhere have come under attack, including a serious terrorist attack on an HSBC branch office in Turkey more than a year ago.

Not only were all 22 HSBC board members on the Island this week, they were also said to have been joined by their spouses. It was said that some board members would be extending their stay on the Island, at least through the week-end.