HSBC Australia has announced that it will block all customer payments to cryptocurrency exchanges starting July 24, 2024, citing concerns over scams and customer protection. This decision comes amid growing scrutiny of the cryptocurrency sector, which has faced numerous fraud cases. The bank has not provided specific details on the types of transactions that will be affected or the duration of this policy. Meanwhile, HSBC and Manulife have declined to comment on a separate report regarding Hong Kong activists being blocked from accessing their pension funds.