Britain: HSBC tells Holy See Embassy in London to find itself another bank

British banking giant HSBC has told more than forty embassies, including the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in London to find themselves another bank. 

Their bank accounts are to be shut down in 60 days. 

These embassies have all been HSBC clients for a number of years.

According to the Daily Mail, the bank did not explain the reasons for its decision in great detail, it just said it was reviewing its standards. 

But according to sources close to the bank, embassies and consulates are considered a money-laundering risk. 

Last year HSBC had to pay 1, 92 billion U.S. dollars in fines to the U.S. government because of suspected money-laundering. 

But embassies are facing problems finding other banks that are willing to accept them as clients. 

The Foreign Office has offered its assistance to help them find a solution.