HSBC and Standard Chartered are exploring significant risk transfer (SRT) transactions aimed at transferring credit risk and freeing up regulatory capital, Bloomberg News reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

HSBC is holding preliminary discussions with investors on a potential transaction linked to a portfolio of Asia-Pacific loans, including exposures in Hong Kong, Singapore, India and Australia. The deal could be completed later this year, according to the report.

Separately, Standard Chartered is considering an SRT transaction tied to about $2 billion of global corporate loans under its Chakra program. The terms are still under discussion and may change.

HSBC did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment, while Standard Chartered couldn't be reached.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)