Some small business customers of HSBC Bank Canada are looking for new services, as HSBC sends out letters advising them their accounts will be closed in 60 days.

HSBC did not respond to a request for clarification of how many B.C. business are affected or what criteria are used to turn business customers away. Nigel Davis, head of business banking for HSBC Bank Canada, told the CBC in a statement last week that it is focusing its business banking services on firms that "are now or aspire to become international businesses, benefiting from our global footprint and connectivity."

Davis' name appears on letters notifying business customers they should withdraw all funds from their accounts within 60 days. Any funds still in the account at the stated deadline will be converted to bank drafts and mailed or couriered to the address on file with the bank.