Stop Adani protest at two Queensland banks

Anti-Adani activists have staged sit-ins at two Queensland bank branches over the Indian miner's controversial coal project.

About 20 protestors waving placards took over the foyer of HSBC Australia on Queen Street in Brisbane about 10.30am, police said on Thursday.

Another eight entered HSBC's Gold Coast branch on Scarborough Street about the same time, also holding signs.

The activists are demanding the global banking giant use its influence over the State Bank of India to block a proposed $1 billion loan to Adani.

They say the money will be used to finish building the Carmichael project in the resource-rich Galilee Basin and HSBC is one of the few major SBI investors not publicly condemning the loan.

"HSBC, stop greenwashing," one placard said.

"Rule out support for Adani," another urged.

Queensland police said both protests were largely peaceful and the activists left the Gold Coast branch about 12.30pm.

Three people were arrested in Brisbane.

In a statement, HSBC said it prioritised financing and investment that supports the transition to a net-zero global economy.

It declined to comment about the loan, saying it was a matter for the State Bank of India.

Adani changed its Australian business name from Adani Australia to Bravus in November.