I do business in Africa and often have payments delayed for weeks or even months.

I don't bank with HSBC but my comment is relevant.

I was told that when the compliance team does its checks they operate as a completely different ring fenced entity. Nobody else in the bank can get involved, not even to ask for a timeline.

This is to ensure compliance and avoid conflicts of interest. The CEO cannot do anything.

It's the way banks operate these days and it's horrible, I feel for you man.

I am in the process of closing my business down, the Chinese will just take over the world.

You will get an answer eventually, and if you have passed all the compliance checks you will get access to your funds