By ALLISSA KLINE
akline@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1612

HSBC Bank USA is eliminating approximately 65 positions in Western New York in order to balance its staffing levels with current customer service needs.

A bank spokesperson confirmed Tuesday that employees were told last week about job cuts that will primarily affect technology and finance positions in various departments at locations in the region. Employees who are set to lose their jobs received at least 30 days notice and will get "priority eligibility" to apply for open HSBC positions, spokesperson Robert Sherman said.

"The decision was made after careful deliberation and consideration of a range of factors," he said. "(It) is in keeping with our long-standing focus on balancing customer service and business-support needs with staffing levels."

The bank, one of the largest employers in downtown Buffalo, did not specify the exact locations where the job cuts are taking place. It is currently reviewing its real estate needs in downtown Buffalo as it moves toward the end date of its current lease at One HSBC Tower.

When asked about plans for future job cuts in the area, Sherman said: "We regularly review staffing needs and make adjustments as necessary."