Company Directory - HSBC Bank UK plc
Company Details - HSBC Bank UK plc

HSBC Bank UK plc
WebsiteLondon, United Kingdom
HSBC Bank UK plc is the retail banking and wealth management division of HSBC Holdings plc, providing personal banking, wealth management, and private banking services to customers across the United Kingdom.
CCI Score
CCI Score: HSBC Bank UK plc
-38.06
0.02%
Latest Event
HSBC Executive Apologizes for Controversial Comments on UK Government
At a private roundtable held under Chatham House Rules, HSBC's head of public affairs, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, remarked that the British government was 'weak' for complying with US demands to cut back business with China. He later issued an apology, clarifying that the comments were his personal views and did not reflect the positions of HSBC or the China-Britain Business Council.
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TOADIE
HSBC Bank UK plc is currently rated as a Toadie.
Latest Events
- AUG072023
At a private roundtable held under Chatham House Rules, HSBC's head of public affairs, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, remarked that the British government was 'weak' for complying with US demands to cut back business with China. He later issued an apology, clarifying that the comments were his personal views and did not reflect the positions of HSBC or the China-Britain Business Council.
-20
Executive Political Engagement
March 29
The executive’s statement criticizing the British government for being 'weak' in the face of US pressure undermines trust in democratic decision-making, even though he later apologized and clarified that the remarks were personal. This incident reflects problematic executive political engagement, earning a negative score while some mitigation is noted due to the retraction.
- JUN012023
At a private event in London in June 2023, HSBC's head of public affairs, Sherard Cowper-Coles, accused the UK government of capitulating to US policy on China by bowing to Washington's demands and curtailing business dealings with China. The remarks, described as his personal views, sparked criticism from UK lawmakers and led to an apology.
-40
Executive Political Engagement
March 29
The executive's politically charged remarks demonstrate problematic corporate interference in public political discourse. By criticizing the UK government for its approach to China policy and suggesting undue US influence, this behavior undermines democratic trust and engages in partisan political commentary. This form of executive political engagement is viewed negatively from an anti-authoritarian perspective.
UK Lawmakers Criticize HSBC After Executive’s China Remarks (1)
- FEB252023
HSBC Bank UK plc acknowledged that its strategic shift towards Asia poses risks to human rights, with critics noting that the bank appears to side with Beijing amid its crackdown in Hong Kong.
-50
Public and Political Behavior
March 29
The bank's admission and strategic alignment with Beijing amid a crackdown in Hong Kong reflects a public and political behavior that may tacitly support an authoritarian regime. This action risks undermining human rights commitments, warranting a substantially negative score.
HSBC admits putting human rights at risk in China pivot - The Telegraph
-60
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 29
By pivoting towards Asia and thereby risking alignment with repressive policies, HSBC compromises ethical business practices and neglects its responsibility to uphold labor relations and human rights standards. This decision is seen as endorsing an environment where human rights are at risk.
HSBC admits putting human rights at risk in China pivot - The Telegraph
- FEB082023
A parliamentary inquiry by Britain’s All-Party Parliamentary Group for Hong Kong found that HSBC, along with other UK banks, has been denying pension access to Hong Kong exiles. This policy effectively contributes to the financial and social disenfranchisement of those fleeing an increasingly authoritarian pro-Beijing regime.
-80
Public and Political Behavior
March 29
HSBC is implicated in broader political repression by denying Hong Kong exiles access to their pension funds. This action reinforces authoritarian measures by hindering the ability of those fleeing repression to rebuild their lives, thus undermining political rights and support for marginalized communities.
British banks complicit in suppressing rights of Hongkongers - Canary
-70
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 29
By enforcing policies that block Hong Kong exiles from accessing their pensions, HSBC demonstrates unethical business practices that prioritize regulatory adherence over human rights considerations. This neglect of ethical responsibility directly harms marginalized communities and reinforces authoritarian impacts.
British banks complicit in suppressing rights of Hongkongers - Canary
- FEB012023
In February 2023, HSBC Bank UK plc seconded one of its staff members to Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, continuing to pay the staffer’s wages. This in-kind donation has raised concerns about the transparency of political donations and potential undue corporate influence on democratic processes.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 29
HSBC's decision to second a staff member to the Labour Party and pay their wages constitutes an in-kind donation that has not been transparently declared. This creates potential for corporate influence on political processes and undermines democratic accountability by obscuring the true extent of corporate contributions to political parties.
Electoral Commission 'should investigate' Labour over HSBC donation
- AUG222019
HSBC, along with Standard Chartered, published full-page newspaper adverts in Hong Kong that were widely criticized for aligning with pro-authoritarian narratives, suggesting complicity with the Chinese Communist regime by framing protest disruption as harmful to societal stability.
-80
Public and Political Behavior
March 29
HSBC’s publication of anti-protest adverts that appear to support the Chinese regime by emphasizing stability over democratic dissent reflects a demonstration of corporate behavior aligned with authoritarian interests. This public political stance undermines grassroots democratic movements and supports repressive state policies.
HSBC is accused of support for Chinese regime with adverts attacking 'disruption'
-80
Media Influence and Propaganda
March 29
By using media platforms to disseminate adverts that favor a narrative supportive of Chinese authoritarian policies, HSBC is leveraging its influence in shaping public discourse. This usage of media to discredit the protest movement contributes to propagandistic messaging that bolsters repressive political structures.
HSBC is accused of support for Chinese regime with adverts attacking 'disruption'
- APR242018
At its annual general meeting on April 24, 2018, HSBC was grilled by activists from War on Want and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign over its investments in companies that sell weapons and military equipment to Israel, which have been linked to alleged human rights abuses against Palestinians. The event highlighted ongoing protests and growing public concern over the bank's ethical business practices.
-60
Public and Political Behavior
March 29
The public and political response at the AGM, including activist protests and widespread criticism, reflects negatively on HSBC's public accountability and political behavior, showing a failure to take a robust anti-abuse stance.
-80
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 29
HSBC’s business practices are called into question for maintaining investments and financial ties with companies that supply arms and military equipment, which are linked to violent and repressive actions against Palestinians, indicating a significant lapse in ethical responsibility.
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Industries
- 522110
- Commercial Banking
- 523910
- Miscellaneous Intermediation
- 523110
- Investment Banking and Securities Dealing
- 523120
- Securities Brokerage
- 522120
- Savings Institutions