HSBC probed in US over staff WhatsApp messages

London-based bank is co-operating with US regulator's probe into the use of 'non-HSBC approved messaging platforms for business communications'

Regulator 'looking at the use of mobiles and WhatsApp and text messages to make sure it’s appropriate'.

Banking giant HSBC is being investigated by US regulators over bankers’ misuse of services such as WhatsApp.

The London-based bank is co-operating with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission probe into the use of “non-HSBC approved messaging platforms for business communications”, according to its annual report published alongside earnings.