May 30 (Reuters) - HSBC ( HSBC ) is exiting its business

banking portfolio in the United States, as it continued to

simplify operations and shift its focus to Asia and Middle East

markets.

"Following a strategic review of our business, we have

decided to exit our Business Banking portfolio in the United

States," it said in a statement.

"We are supporting impacted clients while they

transition to a suitable alternative provider and will retain

some clients in our Mid-Market and Global Network Banking

business," it added.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that HSBC's ( HSBC )

move would affect about 4,500 clients.

The UK-headquartered lender has been reducing its global

footprint in an attempt to boost profits and expand in Asia and

Middle East markets.

The bank said in January it would wind down

M&A and some equities businesses

in the Americas and Europe.

The Wall Street Journal said HSBC ( HSBC ) laid off 40 employees

in the U.S. business banking division. HSBC ( HSBC ) declined to comment,

In 2021, the bank said it was withdrawing from U.S. mass

market retail banking by selling some parts of the money-losing

business and winding down others.

It sold its Canadian business to Royal Bank of Canada ( RY )

in 2022 for C$13.5 billion.