The HSBC-Cartel laundering thing was a huge deal. It was much more than "lax controls". Op's link might not have the details but you can read more about it here

The HSBC-Cartel laundering thing was a huge deal. It was much more than "lax controls". Op's link might not have the details but you can read more about it here, it's actually pretty nuts. https://www.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/2013/investing-news-for-jan-29-hsbcs-money-laundering-scandal-hbc-scbff-ing-cs-rbs0129.aspx https://www.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/2013/investing-n... >One memorable detail U.S. law enforcement noted was that Mexican drug cartel members employed boxes customized to fit the dimensions of an HSBC Mexico teller window for their daily cash deposits.