The increasing unrest in Hong Kong is affecting businesses in one of the world's biggest commercial hubs.
www.bbc.com
“Speaking to the BBC under condition of anonymity, directors at some of the biggest international banks and law firms said they are seeing their business in Hong Kong shrink as the protests continue to escalate.
Financial services make up a fifth of Hong Kong's economy and people come from all over the world to live and work here. Its large expatriate community is attracted by the low taxes, well-paid jobs, stability and high standards of living.
A banker at HSBC says only half of their staff came in to the office on Friday as people are encouraged to work remotely if they can't get in safely.
Staff are kept closely informed about the situation on the ground according to a BNP Paribas employee ‘We get regular emails early in the morning and through the day from the business continuity management team - telling us whether it's safe to go into offices - and whether we should go home early.’
Anecdotally, the political pressure from the Chinese government on banks and law firms is also growing - and it's putting pressure on staff.
Some partners in law firms are being asked to pin their colours to the mast and state whether they support the protesters or the Chinese government before winning business from Chinese firms.”
Are you wearing your nazi armband or brandishing your communist party credentials?