HSBC declines comment on reports of possible fee increase for small depositors

HONG KONG (AFX-ASIA) - HSBC Holdings Plc said it had no comment to make on a South China Morning Post report which said the bank has warned its employees of the likelihood that they will face an exodus of smaller depositors next month when it makes a "striking" announcement, believed to centre on customer fees and charges.	    "The bank has no comment on speculation," a bank spokesperson said when asked for reactions to the report.	    The report cited unnamed industry sources as saying the bank's employees have been asked not take holidays so that they can help deal with an anticipated exodus of smaller customers after the announcement.	    The sources said bank employees have been informed the announcement will be made on April 2.	    The sources said bank employees have been advised the changes might see small clients rushing to close savings accounts with the bank.	    The report said the bank is preparing to take measures to cut costs ahead of interest rate deregulation in July 

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