Happening today: Bank of England expected to hold interest rates December 14, 2023 The Bank of England is expected to hold interest rates for the third time in a row, as fresh data has pointed towards potential cracks in the economy. Today, its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will meet for the final time this year to vote on interest rates – which help dictate mortgage rates set by [...]
Paragon Bank extends two-week rally after RBC upgrades specialist buy-to-let lender December 13, 2023 Paragon Bank shares rose as much as 2.7 per cent on Wednesday in the specialist lender's 11th consecutive session of gains after RBC Capital Markets upgraded the stock to outperform from sector perform on the back of strong full-year results.
Lending to SMEs drops for fifth straight quarter as MPs probe access to funding December 13, 2023 Lending to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) has fallen by 20 per cent in its fifth consecutive quarterly drop, according to new figures from the banking trade body, as major lenders face scrutiny from MPs.
Meet the entrepreneur on a mission to give women more control of their money – and make a difference December 13, 2023 Female Invest is on a mission to help women reach financial independence. Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen says it's about more than just money.
Banks to face ‘very serious consequences’ if they lie on ‘debanking’, FCA chief warns December 12, 2023 Banks will face "very serious consequences" if they are found to have lied about cases of so-called "debanking", the City watchdog’s chief warned today, as the fallout from a row between Nigel Farage and Natwest earlier this year continues.
Bank chiefs reportedly slam Labour for excluding mid-sized lenders from financial services review December 12, 2023 A group of mid-sized and specialist banks have reportedly urged shadow City minister Tulip Siddiq to include them in the Labour Party’s financial services policy review.
Basel III rules set to have ‘low’ impact on UK banks compared to US, says Bank of England December 12, 2023 International rules on bank capital are set to have a "low" impact on UK lenders, according to new adjustments from the Bank of England, as Wall Street warns the same framework could significantly weaken lenders in the US.
UK jobs figures bolster case for interest rate hold but ‘experimental’ unemployment data ‘difficult to trust’, analysts say December 12, 2023 The latest UK jobs data has bolstered the case for the Bank of England to hold interest rates on Thursday, according to analysts, as the labour market shows signs of cooling but inflationary pressures still remain.
FSB calls on regulator for support against ‘harsh’ banking practices December 11, 2023 The FSB said lending practices "excessively demand personal guarantees for business loans," which can be a "straitjacket" on business growth.
Mortgage lending to keep falling next year after steep drop in 2023 December 11, 2023 Mortgage lending is expected to keep falling next year after dropping by more than a quarter in 2023, according to banking trade body UK Finance, as borrowers are squeezed by high interest rates and household finances.