Audit regulator proposes challenger firms get larger share of the work January 25, 2020 The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has proposed a regime to the government that would see challenger firms outside the so-called big four auditors be given a substantial proportion of the audit work of major British companies. The accounting regulator has drawn up plans behind closed doors that would require all but the very biggest FTSE-350 [...]
Banker named in alleged Angola fraud found dead January 23, 2020 A banker named in the investigation into the source of Angolan billionaire Isabel dos Santos’ wealth has died in Portugal in an apparent suicide. Nuno Ribeiro da Cunha, the director of private banking at Portuguese lender Eurobic, was found dead at his house in Lisbon on Wednesday, Lusa news agency said today, citing a police [...]
Deep in the weeds: How to solve the legal problem of investing in cannabis January 20, 2020 A growing controversy exists which is being discussed with increased frequency by commentators concerning the restrictions on UK firms that wish to invest in the overseas cannabis industry. The controversy arises from the uncertainty regarding the legality of investing in a foreign company, based somewhere that cannabis is legal. In the UK, cannabis and synthetic [...]
Barristers remain bullish despite threats to fees January 20, 2020 Nearly three-quarters of barristers said their practice has grown or remained stable in the last three years, according to research published today. The growth comes despite challenges facing the independent bar, including government cuts to legal aid and a move towards fixed costs in private cases, both of which are driving down fees. The survey [...]
Exclusive: EY plans major private equity push as audit reform looms over sector January 19, 2020 Big Four firm EY is planning a major private equity push as it grapples with potential regulatory changes that could dramatically alter the face of the firm, City A.M. can reveal. Its transaction advisory division is understood to be looking to boost its capabilities in the private equity sector, with the goal of winning more [...]
Hays issues profit warning as political uncertainty slows hiring January 16, 2020 Recruitment firm Hays issued a profit warning today, blaming political uncertainty for a slow three months to the end of December. The group anticipates first half operating profit to be around £100m, down from the £124.1m reported in the same period last year. London-listed shares fell by as much as nine per cent in early [...]
Til divorce do us part: advice for couples considering separation January 16, 2020 Christmas is meant to be a relaxing time, but for many people it’s also a period of stress, tension, and tribulations — especially for married couples. The financial burden of the holidays plus the pressure to have a “perfect Christmas” and the familiar strain of dealing with in-laws can lead to squabbles and even full-blown [...]
Shares in listed law firm Ince halve after £12m placing January 15, 2020 Shares in listed law firm Ince Group plunged nearly 50 per cent today after the firm raised £12m via a share placing. The firm’s share price plunged 47 per cent today on the placing at 45p, falling from 89p at yesterday’s close to 47p today. Ince – formerly Gordon Dadds – became the second English [...]
Firm at centre of mini-bond scandal ‘overstated’ value of holdings January 14, 2020 A firm at the centre of the London Capital & Finance (LCF) scandal was found to have “overvalued” a major asset on its balance sheet by a court today, meaning it was unlikely it could have paid back the money it owed LCF. London Oil & Gas was the biggest recipient of cash from LCF, [...]
EY UK boss Steve Varley takes global sustainability role January 13, 2020 EY today announced the appointment of its UK and Ireland boss to a new position as global vice chair for sustainability. Steve Varley, who is chairman and managing partner of EY UK and Ireland, will relinquish the latter role when he takes up his new position on 1 July. Varley will continue to chair EY [...]