LONDON, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Two directors of HSBC HoldingsPlc's British business are set to leave the bankbecause they are unhappy with new rules that can result in jailsentences for senior bankers, a source familiar with the mattersaid.
Alan Thomson, a member of the audit and risk committees ofHSBC Bank Plc, has tendered his resignation from the bank andJohn Trueman, the deputy chairman of HSBC Bank Plc, was on theverge of resigning, the source said.
Sky News reported on Tuesday that the likely departures ofboth men were a direct consequence of new proposals tostrengthen accountability for senior bankers.
The Bank of England has launched a consultation on tougheroversight of top bankers, known as the Senior Persons Regime, ascalled for by a Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards.
The new regime includes powers to jail bankers for up toseven years for reckless misconduct. Top bankers would have toprove to regulators they were not aware of or had challengeddubious behaviour at the time. (Reporting by Matt Scuffham)