HSBC Bank has strongly urged shareholders not to attend its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in person and instead to participate electronically.

Shareholders who nonetheless wish to attend must register and take a mandatory Covid-19 rapid lateral flow test at the venue.

Europe’s second largest bank (by asset size) had initially scheduled an online AGM for 28 May at its office in Canary Wharf, London, and to let shareholders take part over the internet.

After the government relaxed Covid-19 restrictions on 17 May HSBC has moved the meeting to Queen Elizabeth Hall on London’s Southbank.

“Any person who does not agree to take a Covid-19 rapid lateral flow test at the venue, whose test result at the venue is positive, or who fails to provide the necessary confirmations, will be refused entry to the AGM,” the bank warned.

Social distancing measures will be in effect at the venue. “All attendees will be required to wear a face covering whilst inside the venue except if exempt due to a health condition or when, and only for so long as, an attendee is addressing the meeting.”

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“No refreshments will be offered and there will be no mingling”

Shareholders will be required to check-in at the venue using the NHS Covid-19 App or provide their contact details to a member of staff for contact tracing purposes.

The investors are advised to arrive at the venue a minimum of one hour before the meeting in order to complete the testing and registration formalities.

“There may be delays as shareholders proceed through the testing formalities and security checks to be carried out prior to entry to the venue,” HSBC said. “Shareholders are asked not to bring bulky items as there will be limited cloakroom facilities available.”

“HSBC said it will continue to monitor the situation as the AGM approaches”

If it becomes necessary, the bank will make further changes to the arrangements in effect at the venue, including changes to how the meeting may be conducted or which would prevent shareholders attending in person.

“Any further changes will be made with health and safety as a priority,” the banks said.

If you would like to ask a question related to the business of the AGM in advance, you can email shareholderquestions@hsbc.com, referencing your Shareholder Reference Number.