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Illegal? Possibly, but even if it wasn't, they're not going to tell you because it gives you a basis to appeal, or sue.

As things are "computer says no" cold responses keep complainants at bay as they have no footing.

Yup, HN loves to rail on banks like HSBC getting busted for money laundering. Well, this is the result - they come up with certain criteria (which is never divulged or else people could work around it) and if you hit it, boom, your account is closed.

It's the natural response to government attempts at clamping down on money laundering. Your individual value as a customer comes no where close to the financial hit from a massive money laundering scandal.

This was my best guess as well. Unfortunately I have not been able to confirm it since they won't say anything