Full statement
‘Standards Were Significantly Lower Than Today:’ HSBC’s Response
When ICIJ and its media partners contacted the bank for comment, HSBC initially insisted that ICIJ destroy the data. Late last month, they gave a final response that was more conciliatory. Read it in full here.
The Swiss Leaks project is based on a trove of almost 60,000 leaked files that provide details on the names, professions and value of assets of over 100,000 HSBC clients.
When ICIJ and its media partners contacted the bank for comment, HSBC, which is headquartered in London and has offices in 74 nations and territories on six continents, at first insisted that ICIJ destroy the data.
Late last month, after being informed of the full extent of the reporting team’s findings, HSBC gave a final response that was more conciliatory.
In addition to the statement, HSBC repeated that “we do not comment on specific clients, even to confirm whether or not they are or ever were clients.”
Read HSBC’s response in full:
BEHIND THE SCENES
Ten years of exposing the financial secrets of some of the world’s most powerful people
Apr 03, 2023
Europe
Switzerland aims to track corporate ownership in attempt to curb money-laundering
Oct 21, 2022
BEHIND THE SCENES
How reporting for ICIJ prepared me to become a certified anti-money laundering specialist
Jul 07, 2021
