HSBC to close all branches and pull out of Australian retail banking market

London-based company to sell local loan portfolio to Blackstone but will continue private and institutional banking servicesFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe London-headquartered HSBC is closing all Australian branches over the next 18 months after selling its local mortgage and personal loan portfolio to the global asset giant Blackstone.The transaction will end HSBC’s decades-long retail presence in Australia, although it will continue to operate private and institutional banking services, the company announced on Friday. Continue reading...