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HSBC sustainability ads were ‘misleading’, UK watchdog rules

'HSBC can no longer ply us with ads pretending they are green while continuing to bankroll climate breakdown in the background'

Watchdog rules against bank in its first ever greenwashing case
Watchdog rules against bank in its first ever greenwashing case Photo: Adfree Cities

The UK advertising watchdog has banned several HSBC promotions for overstating the bank's green credentials.

The Advertising Standards Authority determined that two posters for HSBC, which included statements about transitioning to net zero and planting trees, were "misleading" because they left out "material information" about the bank’s contribution to carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions.

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