Hong Kong’s central business district faced a third consecutive day of unrest leading banks to once again close branches en masse.
Approximately 19 percent of Hong Kong’s 1,300 branches were shut down yesterday, according to an «SCMP» report, with another 100 closing earlier than usual. Hang Seng Bank was the leader in this respect, shutting down 77 branches or outlets yesterday morning.
«In view of special traffic conditions, some bank branches in various districts in Hong Kong are closed today and services are suspended,» said The Hong Kong Association of Banks, in an apology to customers. «Should customers need branch services today, they are recommended to call the bank hotlines or visit the websites to check the availability of the branch services.»
The core district in the leading financial center faced unprecedented unrest this week as it faced numerous clashes between protestors and police. In the past months, demonstrations have been staged in during working hours in the banking district, such as the protest following the police shooting on Chinese National Day. But this week took a new turn as authorities demonstrated intolerance for the continued protests and attempted to disperse crowds during the lunch hour by firing teargas.
