After making a comment against the UK’s policy toward China, an HSBC executive is leaving

Sherard Cowper-Coles, the head of public affairs at HSBC Holdings Plc, will resign after making divisive comments on how the British government is managing its relationship with China, according to a Friday report by Bloomberg News.

According to the story, Cowper-Coles will depart the UK lender the following month, according to persons familiar with the situation.

Last month, the former ambassador issued an apology for allegedly labeling Britain “weak” for complying with American requests to limit trade with China.

Regarding the Bloomberg article, HSBC chose not to respond.

According to a Bloomberg article citing persons familiar with the situation, Cowper-Coles said in a June speech given behind closed doors that Britain would often submit to Washington’s demands and should protect its own interests.

According to HSBC, Cowper-Coles, a former British ambassador who also leads the China-Britain Business Council, attended a private roundtable meeting and “shared his personal views” last month.

“I was speaking under Chatham House Rule at a private event, and my individual opinions do not represent those of HSBC or the China-Britain Business Council,” the speaker said. In a statement released at the time by HSBC, Cowper-Coles apologized for any offense she may have caused.

Two powerful U.S. and British senators charged HSBC in June of aiding the persecution of individuals in Hong Kong by impeding their efforts to access pension assets in order to leave the country.