HSBC reports strong annual profit and sets aside a large bonus pool for bankers

HSBC, the British banking giant, announced its annual financial results. The bank's profit beat expectations, and its shares reached a record high as it accelerated cost-saving plans and raised key financial targets.

Alongside these results, HSBC said it will share a $3.9 billion bonus pool among its bankers. This is the largest bonus pot the bank has set aside in over ten years, with a focus on rewarding its top performers.