HSBC and Ping An executives are reportedly planning to meet in mid-May to discuss the Chinese insurer’s proposal that the bank should explore strategic options such as a spinoff of its Asian business.
Reuters cited a source familiar with the matter as saying that Ping An – China’s largest insurer and HSBC’s biggest shareholder – called last week on the bank to look at ways to boost returns.
HSBC has not commented on Ping An’s proposal but defended its structure last week, saying in a statement that it believed it had the right strategy and was focused on delivery.
As of 11 February, Ping An owns an 8.23% stake in HSBC.
It’s understood that Ping An believes that geopolitical tensions between the UK and US and China are weighing on the stock’s valuation.
