0125 GMT - UBS analyst John Storey reckons that regional and overseas banks are the most likely buyers of HSBC's Australian retail business if the London-based financial giant decides to exit. Storey acknowledges an Australian newspaper report suggesting that major lenders ANZ, Commonwealth, NAB and Westpac may show interest, but sees more likely buyers elsewhere. He tells clients in a note that ING Australia is aiming to double the size of its business, and finds it interesting that ING Bank has slowed the pace of its share buyback. This could be seen as increasing the probability of M&A, he adds. (stuart.condie@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 13, 2025 21:25 ET (01:25 GMT)

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