Bankster

If HSBC were a sovereign entity, it would rank as the fifth-largest
economic power worldwide. Originating during the heyday of the Opium trade
to facilitate the British Empire's access to the Chinese market, HSBC has
forged an unparalleled network for facilitating the movement of illicit
funds across the globe. From engaging in tax evasion to laundering money
for criminal syndicates and manipulating currency, this bank has been
involved in a spectrum of illicit activities, embodying the epitome of
misconduct for a financial institution.

In 2012, HSBC faced the imminent threat of losing its operating license in
the United States due to its involvement in laundering money for Mexican
and Colombian drug cartels. Criminal charges were brought forth, and HSBC's
top executives were summoned before a Senate committee. However, a pivotal
turn of events occurred when George Osborne, the then Chancellor of the
Exchequer in the UK, reached out to his American counterpart and the
Chairman of the Federal Reserve, urging leniency. Osborne argued that
severe consequences for HSBC could adversely impact global financial and
economic stability. His persuasive letter succeeded, leading to a 2 billion
euro fine for HSBC – an amount equivalent to a single month's profits.