HSBC Australia Blocks Payments to Crypto Exchanges, Citing Scam Concerns

In a significant move, HSBC Australia has announced that it will block all customer payments to cryptocurrency exchanges starting from July 24. This decision aligns HSBC with several other major Australian banks that have taken similar measures, citing the rising number of investment scams as the primary reason.

HSBC’s New Safety Measures

In a recent communication to its customers, HSBC Australia explained its new policy aimed at protecting users from potential scams. “From 24 July 2024, HSBC will block payments from bank accounts and credit cards that we reasonably believe are being made to cryptocurrency exchanges, for your protection,” the bank stated in a July 24 email. Customers wishing to continue transactions with cryptocurrency exchanges will need to seek alternative payment methods.

Source: HSBC

The Rationale Behind the Decision

HSBC’s decision is supported by data from Australia’s competition and consumer regulator, indicating that Australians lost up to $171 million in investment scams in 2023. The bank acknowledged the inconvenience this change might cause but emphasized its commitment to customer safety.

Following HSBC’s announcement, Bendigo Bank quickly adopted a similar stance, reinforcing the need to protect customers from financial fraud.

Industry Response and Concerns

The Digital Economy Council of Australia (DECA) expressed surprise and concern over HSBC’s abrupt decision. Amy-Rose Goodey, DECA’s managing director, highlighted the broader implications of such moves on the digital currency community. “The recent decision by HSBC to block all payments to cryptocurrency exchanges has reignited concerns about the ongoing challenges facing the relationship between Australian banks and the cryptocurrency sector,” Goodey stated.

Goodey stressed the importance of dialogue and the development of robust regulatory frameworks to balance innovation with risk management. She warned that without proper dialogue, more Australians might be deprived of their financial rights to participate in the burgeoning digital economy.

Also Read: Phishing Alert: How Scammers Are Using Fake Zoom Links to Steal Crypto

Call for Better Regulations

Goodey called for “clear, fair, and forward-thinking regulations” to allow banks and industry players to combat scams effectively without stifling innovation. Since 2023, DECA has made strides in this direction by joining the advisory board of the National Anti-Scam Center, aiming to foster better cooperation between regulators and the cryptocurrency industry.

Despite its new policy, HSBC reassured customers that it would still accept payments from cryptocurrency exchanges, ensuring that regular banking operations continue smoothly.