HBZ Bank Limited represents the first major investment in South Africa by a Swiss based Banking Group. HBZ Bank was launched in South Africa in 1995 with an initial capital investment of R 50 million. It currently operates branches in Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng and has a division specialising in Islamic Banking. HBZ Bank Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Habib Bank AG Zurich. This ensures that services in the best Swiss traditions are provided to its South African customers.