I applied to an advertisement on an external website for a compliance role. Was interviewed telephonically, and declared successful. HR interview followed by negotiation of salary which was finalised verbally in due course being assured that they are sending me a letter in a few hours. After anxiously waiting for a week, I was unceremoniously informed that external applicants are not being considered for the vacancy as internal staff was being adjusted after some units were closed down. Very unlike the HSBC DNA of earlier.