HSBC suspends senior exec after he called warnings about the climate crisis 'unsubstantiated' and 'shrill,' a report says

The Financial Times reported on Sunday that HSBC has suspended a senior executive after he made comments about the climate crisis.

Stuart Kirk, HSBC's head of responsible investing, referred to warnings about the climate crisis as "unsubstantiated" and "shrill" in a presentation.

The presentation was called "Why investors need not worry about climate risk."

Kirk said in the presentation that throughout his 25-year career in finance, there was always some nut-job telling him about the end of the world.

His presentation drew criticism, including from HSBC's group chief executive, for appearing to dismiss the global risks of climate change.

The bank has suspended Kirk, pending an investigation.

The comments were inconsistent with HSBC's strategy and did not reflect the views of the senior leadership of HSBC or HSBC Asset Management.

The goal is to be the leading bank supporting the global economy in the transition to net-zero. I hope my colleagues, customers, and others know that HSBC is committed to a net-zero future.

Kirk didn't respond to Insider's request for comment outside of normal working hours. HSBC would not comment on individual employees' situations when asked to confirm reports of Kirk's suspension.