1248 GMT - HSBC's retail unit in Australia could be a potential disposal target, UBS says in a research note after a local press report that the bank could soon announce the sale of the unit and keep its more internationally-connected corporate and commercial segment. This would be in line with the strategy of the new CEO, whose focus is on retail and commercial banking in the U.K. and in Hong Kong, analysts say. In terms of potential buyers, regional Australian banks and other foreign players are likely candidates, they say. Interest from Dutch lender ING would make sense given its retail-focused strategy in that market. ING has also recently reduced the pace of its buybacks, which could indicate a higher probability of M&A, they say. (elena.vardon@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 07, 2025 08:48 ET (12:48 GMT)

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