HSBC eyes digital AGM amid fears of protests

By CALUM MUIRHEAD

Updated: 21:51 BST, 25 April 2025

HSBC has considered scrapping its in-person annual general meeting to cut costs and prevent disruption from protesters.

The banking giant discussed moving its yearly gathering of shareholders to a digital-only format to save money on leasing venues, providing refreshments and hiring security.

HSBC is also said to be considering the move to prevent its AGMs being hijacked by protesters, particularly climate activists such as Extinction Rebellion.

There is speculation the bank’s gathering next Friday may be its last in-person AGM, the Financial Times reported.

Online only: HSBC has considered scrapping its in-person annual general meeting to cut costs and prevent disruption from protesters

HSBC has denied it is considering removing the option for investors to attend the meetings in person.

Climate protesters have targeted the bank on multiple occasions, interrupting chairman Mark Tucker’s speech in 2022.

Drugs giant AstraZeneca, toothpaste maker Haleon and building society Nationwide have made their AGMs online-only.

But critics of the move say the trend violates a key principle and shareholder democracy.

DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS

AJ Bell

AJ Bell

Easy investing and ready-made portfolios

Hargreaves Lansdown

Hargreaves Lansdown

Free fund dealing and investment ideas

interactive investor

interactive investor

Flat-fee investing from £4.99 per month

InvestEngine

InvestEngine

Account and trading fee-free ETF investing

Trading 212

Trading 212

Free share dealing and no account fee

Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence.

Compare the best investing account for you

:
HSBC eyes digital AGM amid fears of protests

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk