P2P securitisation is coming: how the industry is approaching the financial practice November 26, 2015 Securitisation is still a naughty word. For many, it’s a throwback to the 1980s, while others will think immediately of 2008, when funding locked up. But recently, it’s been heard far more frequently within the P2P and debt-based crowdfunding industry, as platforms grow, take more institutional money and look for further ways to diversify funding [...]
Autumn Statement 2015: The government must simplify pensions and cut fees so the over-50s can properly plan for retirement November 25, 2015 The UK’s retirement landscape has changed radically over recent years. While the reforms that have been introduced recently are designed to make life better for those approaching and at retirement, they have yet to have the desired effect right the way across the board. Some of today’s announcements in the Autumn Statement should go some [...]
Autumn Statement 2015 roundup: From London Help-to-Buy to potholes, here’s everything the chancellor announced today November 25, 2015 There weren’t many surprises in today’s Autumn Statement – from housing to the Northern Powerhouse, we were fairly well-versed in the measures included. Indeed, shadow chancellor John McDonnell’s decision to quote Mao ZeDong in the Commons may have been more eyebrow-raising than any of George Osborne’s measures. Landlords once again found themselves punished, with a new three [...]
Autumn Statement and Comprehensive Spending Review 2015: Housing set to dominate – as well as what time it starts, how to watch it and what will be in it November 25, 2015 Later today George Osborne will take to the despatch box to give his combined Autumn Statement and Comprehensive Spending Review. George Osborne has already tweeted the front cover of the document, saying it will "deliver economic and national security – the foundations of everything we do". Today's Spending Review will deliver economic and national security – the [...]
Where in the UK has the biggest pension pot? The only way is Essex, but Surrey, Hertfordshire and East Sussex not far behind November 25, 2015 When it comes to pension pots, the only way is Essex, with residents sitting on more retirement savings than any other part of the country, at £125,478. Retirees in Surrey, Hertfordshire and East Sussex are also sitting on a nice nest egg, with the spots also boasting a pension pot in the top five in the UK, while [...]
Why Japan’s fintech startups are turning to London November 24, 2015 There are a few major reasons why I decided to start my business in London instead of Tokyo. Firstly, the UK’s fintech scene is open, fairer and more equal and there’s many opportunities to network and engage with the community in London. All of these factors are contributing to greater competition, creating more synergy and [...]
Britain’s brightest bulbs from the tech industry to present to Commonwealth politicians and businesspeople in Malta November 24, 2015 A group of digital start-ups will travel to Malta between 27 and 29 November to showcase the UK’s burgeoning tech scene in front of politicians and businesspeople from across the Commonwealth. Backed by government-supported organisation Tech City UK, the entrepreneurs will be attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which will be themed around adding [...]
Organic coffee company Cru Kafe turns to Seedrs to raise £300,000 in crowdfunding campaign to “stabilise its working capital” November 24, 2015 Ethical coffee brand Cru Kafe is looking to raise £300,000 in an equity fundraiser on crowdfunding site Seedrs. In exchange for 5.76 per cent of the company's stock, the Cru Kafe, which makes organic, Fairtrade coffee capsules for espresso machines, is looking for cash to help grow its business. Co-founder and chief executive Colin Pyle told City A.M. the [...]
Tech unicorns face fresh bubble fear November 24, 2015 Traders are piling up short interest on early stage technology firms after a string of young companies made market-busting initial public offerings (IPOs). The so-called “unicorns” – companies which are valued at $1bn before they have launched onto the stock market – are being targeted by traders betting their share prices will fall. Although they [...]
This Autumn Statement could significantly change the UK state and the Tories’ fortunes November 23, 2015 For the third time in a year, tomorrow, George Osborne will take to the despatch box to deliver a budget or budget-like statement. We will be treated to a feast of announcements as the Treasury pontificates on just about every policy issue imaginable in its “Autumn Statement” – showing the huge governmental power hoarded within [...]