[elliekelly]

Knowing absolutely nothing about this particular situation I’d be willing to bet this decision is a lingering side effect of HSBC’s most recent (and seemingly perpetual) AML issues. I suspect they’re trying to appear squeaky clean and an action like this is quick, easy to implement operationally, and looks good to regulators who are uneasy about cryptocurrency’s reputation for facilitating criminal activity online.

[BelenusMordred]

I don't see how kyc/aml applies to this particular stock over every single other ticker they will happily sell you? There's no difference, they aren't selling cryptocurrency here.

[AnthonyMouse]

> I don't see how kyc/aml applies to this particular stock over every single other ticker they will happily sell you? There's no difference, they aren't selling cryptocurrency here.

It's the equivalent of security theater. Do something conspicuous that they can spin as having done something about the problem. That serves their purpose regardless of whether it actually does any good or makes any sense.

On top of that, cryptocurrency kind of competes with banks, so they have an excuse to cause trouble for the competition.

[londons_explore]

Buying or shorting this stock to the tune of billions of dollars might be a good way for a drug dealer to mitigate the currency fluctuation risk to his big pile of illicit bitcoins stashed under his bed.

[Uw7yTcf36gTc]

Easier and cheaper to do with Bitcoin futures