HSBC opts out of Britain's new lending scheme

LONDON (Reuters) - HSBC said on Friday it would not take part in Britain's new scheme to get banks to lend, saying it would rather continue to fund its lending through its own resources.

"HSBC is predominantly funded by customer deposits and continues to enjoy a very solid funding position, while making strong progress on increasing lending to both businesses and consumers," the bank said in a statement.

(Reporting by Matt Scuffham)