Hong Kong authorities warn of service disruption at bank branches
Some banks have to suspend services at certain branches due to vandalised facilities and traffic disruptions, HKMA said.
Protests in Hong Kong have affected the normal operations of many businesses, including financial institutions, such as HSBC and Standard Chartered. On Saturday, October 5, 2019, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a notice informing the public that some banks have to suspend services at certain branches due to vandalised facilities and traffic disruptions.
The regulator advises bank customers to use online banking or ATM services as far as possible, and check bank branches service status before visiting. HKMA notes that this service disruption was the result of extraordinary circumstances.
Recent incidents of vandalism and arson attacks have seriously affected the use of banking services by the public. Any form of vandalism and violence should be condemned, the regulator says.
HSBC has posted a notice on its website stating that:
“HSBC Hong Kong Office & Premier Centre, Hong Kong Office Commercial Service Centre, Mong Kok Branch & Premier Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui Branch & Premier Centre, Tsuen Wan Branch & Premier Centre and Kwun Tong Branch & Premier Centre maintain normal service while all other branches are closed on 5 October 2019. HSBC customers can use the Bank’s Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, Phone Banking or self-service banking terminals. We are sorry for the inconvenience and will provide updates on the operation of our outlets as the situation evolves”.
Standard Chartered has also published a service suspension notice on its website:
