HSBC under investigation in US over WhatsApp use

HSBC under investigation in US over WhatsApp use
Bank cooperating with CFTC probe into business communications. This comes after JPMorgan was fined for messages outside work systems.
FEB 23, 2022
By  Bloomberg

HSBC Holdings Plc is being investigated by U.S. regulators over bankers’ misuse of services such as WhatsApp.

The London-based bank is co-operating with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission probe into the use of “non-HSBC approved messaging platforms for business communications,” according to its annual report published alongside earnings on Tuesday.

HSBC Chief Executive Officer Noel Quinn told Bloomberg News the CFTC’s work was part of a broad investigation by U.S. authorities. “I don’t think it’s specific, I think it’s general across all financial institutions,” said Quinn in a phone interview.

“They’re looking at the use of mobiles and WhatsApp and text messages to make sure it’s appropriate,” he said.

In December, the CFTC and Securities and Exchange Commission fined JPMorgan Chase & Co. $200 million after finding that staff at the bank had for years shrugged off their surveillance duties and sent work-related messages using platforms such as WhatsApp or their personal email addresses.

“We obviously have internal procedures and requirements as to the use of nonbank platforms,” HSBC Chief Financial Officer Ewen Stevenson said in a phone interview.

Independence still popular as recruiting recovers

Latest News

No succession plan? No worries. Just practice in place
No succession plan? No worries. Just practice in place

While industry statistics pointing to a succession crisis can cause alarm, advisor-owners should be free to consider a middle path between staying solo and catching the surging wave of M&A.

Research highlights growing need for personalized retirement solutions as investors age
Research highlights growing need for personalized retirement solutions as investors age

New joint research by T. Rowe Price, MIT, and Stanford University finds more diverse asset allocations among older participants.

Advisor moves: RIA Farther hails Q2 recruiting record, Raymond James nabs $300M team from Edward Jones
Advisor moves: RIA Farther hails Q2 recruiting record, Raymond James nabs $300M team from Edward Jones

With its asset pipeline bursting past $13 billion, Farther is looking to build more momentum with three new managing directors.

Insured Retirement Institute urges Labor Department to retain annuity safe harbor
Insured Retirement Institute urges Labor Department to retain annuity safe harbor

A Department of Labor proposal to scrap a regulatory provision under ERISA could create uncertainty for fiduciaries, the trade association argues.

LPL Financial sticking to its guns with retaining 90% of Commonwealth's financial advisors
LPL Financial sticking to its guns with retaining 90% of Commonwealth's financial advisors

"We continue to feel confident about our ability to capture 90%," LPL CEO Rich Steinmeier told analysts during the firm's 2nd quarter earnings call.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.