  analysis/2013/investing-news-for-ja n-29-hsbcs-money-laundering-scandal -hbc-scbff-ing-cs-rbs0129.aspx in 2012, hsbc holdings (hsbc), one of the world's largest global banks, was hit with a $1.9 billion fine for, most notably, serving as a conduit for mexican drug cartels. the penalty, which was coupled with $665 million in civil penalties, exposed severe problems with the bank's compliance and anti-money laundering (aml) controls. 1 reuters. "hsbc to pay $1.9 billion u.s. fine in money-laundering case." it ranks among the most significant fines ever imposed on a bank for breaking u.s. law. the agreement served as an alarm bell for hsbc to improve its operations while allowing it to keep its u.s. charter. regulators opted for this approach to prevent the potential collapse of a prominent financial institution, which could have had worldwide consequences.
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