Free Republic

Some HSBC customers have been prevented from withdrawing large amounts of cash because they could not provide evidence of why they wanted it, the BBC has learnt. Listeners have told Radio 4's Money Box they were stopped from withdrawing amounts ranging from £5,000 to £10,000. HSBC admitted it has not informed customers of the change in policy, which was implemented in November. The bank says it has now changed its guidance to staff. New rules Stephen Cotton went to his local HSBC branch this month to withdraw £7,000 from his instant access savings account to pay back a loan from...

HSBC bank has reportedly asked more than 40 diplomatic missions to close their accounts as part of a programme to reduce business risks. The Vatican's ambassadorial office in Britain, the Apostolic Nunciature, is among those said to be affected. The head of the UK's Consular Corps told the Mail on Sunday the decision has created "havoc". The Foreign Office has been in touch with HSBC, stepping in to help diplomats open other bank accounts. HSBC said embassies were subject to the same assessments as its other business customers. They need to satisfy five criteria - international connectivity, economic development, profitability,...

AUBURN (NY)- The town of Throop is taking nearly $700,000 out of HSBC bank and moving it elsewhere in response to the bank's decision to oust the Boy Scouts from space they rent in the bank's downtown offices. The town board voted unanimously to withdraw the money after HSBC told the Cayuga County Boy Scouts that they would have to vacate their basement offices by June 30 because the Boy Scouts do not allow gay men as leaders. Throop Town Supervisor Leo Herrling said there was little discussion, and no dissension, during the board's vote on Wednesday. "The board decided...