Watchdog bans HSBC ads in fresh blow to bank’s green credentials

Lender told it must in future acknowledge its role in climate crisis after misleading' Cop26 campaign

HSBC has suffered a fresh blow to its green credentials after the UK advertising watchdog banned a series of misleading adverts and said any future campaigns must disclose the bank's contribution to the climate crisis.

The ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) followed dozens of complaints over posters that appeared on high streets and bus stops in the lead-up to the Cop26 climate change conference in Glasgow last October.