FWIW - the recurring HSBC rumor is due to the fact that HSBC is not a U.S. bank. As one of the largest banks in the world, its U.S. position (and businesses) have been head to head with other major U.S. banks, resulting a not-as-expected performance, especially given its limited presentation. Yet, it is one of the largest banking market in the world. And its network can't be beat, especially when it is one of the few foreign banks allowed to have branch network in China.

On that basis, despite the not-as-expected performance, HSBC's U.S. business still has a vital purpose for the Group, especially when Wells Fargo ceased working with HSBC since a decade ago.

Bottom line - HSBC never intends to offload the U.S. retail business, but wants to improve the performance.