Banks in Hong Kong, which has been hit by pro-democracy protests in recent days, sent out different messages in terms of whether they were or were not shutting branches because of disruptions.

Banks in Hong Kong, which has been hit by pro-democracy protests in recent days, sent out different messages in terms of whether they were or were not shutting branches because of disruptions.

On Friday, Bank of China (Hong Kong) said that five of its branches had reopened after being closed earlier last week. The branches were United Centre Branch; Causeway Bay Branch; Jardine’s Bazaar Branch; Shanghai Street (Mong Kok) Branch and Mong Kog (Silvercorp International Tower (Branch.)

On the other hand, Hang Seng Bank’s Mongkok Prestige & Preferred Banking Centre at 677 Nathan Road was closed “until further notice” although services at other branches operated as usual.

China CITIC Bank International Limited, meanwhile said its Lippo Centre Branch was closed temporarily due to traffic control in Admiralty and Central and was resuming normal operations yesterday whereas the Private Banking Centre in Lippo Centre will open for business today.  The CITIC Tower Branch however will remain closed until further notice.

Standard Chartered said that branches that had been closed in the jurisdiction were re-opened. At HSBC, it said its HSBC Mong Kok Building (including branch and self-service terminals such as ATMs and cheque deposit machines) remained closed to the public until further notice.

There are risks of continued disruptions. As at the time of this publication going to press, it was reported that leaders of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong have threatened to call off talks with the government after demonstrators were involved in clashes. Protesters are angry at attempts by Mainland China to control election candidates.