DHAKA: HSBC has published a full-page advert containing an apology in several newspapers, over claims that its Swiss private bank helped clients evade tax.

The advert reproduces an open letter signed by chief executive Stuart Gulliver, which says recent coverage had been ‘a painful experience’, reports the BBC.

Whistleblower Herve Falciani has said the UK government should have known about the scandal in 2010.

The UK’s Treasury Committee is to conduct an inquiry into the claims.

And HM Revenue & Customs met the police and the Serious Fraud Office this week to expand the scope of its investigation into Swiss tax accounts held with HSBC.

MPs have accused tax officials of failing to deal with the matter adequately.

Gulliver, whose letter is addressed to the bank’s customers and staff, said in his letter that he wanted to reassure customers that its Swiss private bank had been ‘completely overhauled’.

‘The media focus has been on historical events that show the standards to which we operate today were not universally in place in our Swiss operations eight years ago.’

‘We must show we understand that the societies we serve expect more from us. We therefore offer our sincerest apologies.’

BDST: 1651 HRS, FEB 15, 2015