HSBC sets aside $378 million for FX probe settlement

HSBC Holdings (HSBA.L) set aside $378 million to pay a potential fine from the UK regulator for alleged manipulation of currency markets, as Europe's biggest bank reported a 12 percent fall in underlying earnings after costs rose. HSBC on Monday reported an underlying pretax profit of $4.4 billion, down 12 percent from a year ago, as operating expenses rose 6 percent, which the bank blamed on increases in risk, compliance and related costs. The bank's $378 million provision is for a possible settlement with Britain's Financial Conduct Authority, which HSBC said had proposed a resolution of its foreign exchange investigation. HSBC is one of six banks in talks with UK regulators to pay about 1.5 billion pounds in a group settlement over the alleged rigging of currency, sources have said.

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