By Lars Mucklejohn HSBC is reportedly slowing down hiring and encouraging staff to rein in some expenses as Europe’s biggest bank looks to cut costs. The lender has not replaced some staff who have quit or resigned in recent months, according to a report by Bloomberg. It was also reported that some of HSBC’s divisions have been told to freeze hiring entirely, although the pause is not designed to affect client-facing jobs. Investment bankers within the group are said to have been encouraged to set up at least three client meetings each day in a bid to reduce work travel costs. “Servicing our c…