HSBC Holdings plc (LSE:HSBA) is studying options for its consumer banking business in Australia including a potential sale as the bank looks to further slim down its operations, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The UK lender is likely to retain its commercial banking operations in Australia to serve its corporate clients globally, one of the people said, who asked not to be identified as information is private. The consumer banking business ?
which consists of more than 40 branches and offices as well as its loan books and retail customers in Australia ? could attract other major banks in the country, the person said.