HSBC Holdings PLC, Europe’s largest bank, said Monday it will bail out two troubled funds it manages by transferring about $45 billion of their assets onto its balance sheet.

HSBC said it will also inject $35 billion into the two funds, Cullinan Finance Ltd. and Asscher Finance Ltd., in a move that will clarify responsibility for the funds and prevent liquidation of their assets.

The funds are “structured investment vehicles” or bank-sponsored businesses that sell short-term debt but have been operated off the bank’s balance sheet.

The moves are another symptom of a global credit crisis which has forced up the cost of short-term lending.

HSBC shares fell 1.87 percent to close at 811.5 pence ($16.74) in London trading Monday. [MORE]