[ by Melanie Gretchen ] HSBC reported a drop in profits, the fact that it has set aside reserves of $2 billion for legal expenses, and reiterated plans to reduce its workforce, which the bank had announced last summer.  [See our 7/30 Behind the News story, "HSBC Reports Drop in Earnings, $2Bn in Reserves for Legal Costs".]  The British set the number of job cuts at 30,000, to be effected by the end of 2013 - as part of its intentions to cut global costs by $2.5 billion to $3.5 billion.  The bank currently employs 272,000 in full-time staff – which is 24,000, or 8.1%, from one year ago, when it had 296,000 people on its payroll. HSBC's further cost-reducing measures include reducing or disposing of stakes in a wide range of businesses world-wide.  Last week, the bank agreed to sell its 44% stake in Global Payments Asia-Pacific, a card processing joint venture, for $242 million. For further details, go to [Dealbook, 7/30/12].