HSBC asks shareholders not to turn up to AGM

The bank had planned to hold an online AGM on 28 May at its office in Canary Wharf, London, and to let shareholders take part over the internet. After the government relaxed Covid-19 restrictions on 17 May HSBC has moved the meeting to Queen Elizabeth Hall on London's Southbank.

HSBC said a limited number of shareholders would be able to attend but it urged investors to stay at home and take part online. If people intend to go to the venue they must register beforehand and take a lateral flow Covid-19 test before being allowed in. Shareholders who refuse to take the test or who test positive will not be admitted.

Masks must be worn at the meeting unless someone is exempt and there may be delays. HSBC said shareholders should get to the venue an hour before the meeting and that there would be no refreshments or mingling before or after the AGM.

"It is essential to remain vigilant notwithstanding the ongoing UK vaccination programme, particularly given the spread of new variants in the UK and other parts of the world," HSBC said. "For this reason, the board strongly encourages shareholders not to attend the AGM in person and instead to participate electronically."