Natwest’s profits soar as high interest rates boost bank’s mortgage business April 29, 2022 Natwest today said its profits had almost doubled since the previous quarter, despite inflation, the cost-of-living crisis, and the war in Ukraine. The bank said it had generated £841m in profits in the first quarter of 2022, up 93.8 per cent compared to the £434m in profits Natwest posted in Q4 2021. The first quarter [...]
NatWest examines £3bn bid for Tilney Smith & Williamson April 2, 2022 NatWest is reportedly examining a £3bn takeover proposal for UK wealth management powerhouse Tilney Smith & Williamson. Sources told Sky News the bank – which was rescued by the government in 2008 – is among several bidders who will make a play as the high street lender is expected to go on sale within the [...]
Govt reduces stake in NatWest to less than 50 per cent as Treasury sells £1.2bn of shares March 28, 2022 The Government has ceded its control of banking group NatWest Group for the first time since the bank – then known as Royal Bank of Scotland Group – was rescued by the Treasury during the financial crisis. The Treasury has sold off more than £1.2bn worth of shares, taking its stake to less than 50 [...]
New business growth in London at eight year high amid concern about inflation and input costs March 14, 2022 New business activity in the capital has reached an eight-year high, but optimism remains cautious with rising inflation and pressures on input costs. There has been a resurgence in trade across the London, with growth rising from 57.3 per cent in January to a three month high of 63 per cent, in February. Growth reported [...]
Natwest reveals £1bn cut in lending to oil and gas sector February 18, 2022 NatWest cut lending to the oil and gas sector by 21 per cent in 2021, with the bank pushing to decarbonise its loan book and hit net zero.
The Monzo effect: Challenger banks make life increasingly difficult for traditional high street rivals February 9, 2022 Challenger banks are outperforming traditional and established financial institutions more and more, with a growing number of Brits taking up accounts with Starling, Monzo or Triodos. According to new data shared with City A.M. this morning, the digital-only banks beat traditional institutions when it comes to customer service and mobile apps. Consumer group Which! asked [...]
Millions of banking app users exposed to security flaw: HSBC, NatWest, Monzo, Santander, Starling and Virgin Money customers all affected January 12, 2022 Millions of Brits who use online banking services are exposed to some worrying fraud risks, industry experts warned today. Following an investigation by security experts 6point6, testing the online and mobile app security of 15 major current account providers on a range of criteria, including encryption and protection, login, and account management and navigation, consumer [...]
Half of all UK bank branches have been shut or are scheduled for closure as fintech kills off 736 locations in 2021 alone December 27, 2021 New figures published this morning show that the number of bank branches across the UK is dropping dramatically. In fact, nearly half of all banks’ branches have been lost since 2015, or are scheduled for closure, according to Which? Vulnerable customers are being left at risk of being “cut adrift”, the consumer organisation said after [...]
End of year rush sees value of FCA fines increase fourfold to £618m. highest level in six years December 23, 2021 An end of year surge in fines has seen the value of FCA fines increase fourfold to £618m this year, up from £156m last year, the highest value of fines in six years, according to new data shared with City A.M. this morning. The increase in fines in 2021 was dominated by four blockbuster fines [...]
Christmas in Canary Wharf: UK’s largest banks face £8.5bn HMRC bill with £35.8bn of tax under consideration December 22, 2021 Large banks face a potential £8.5bn tax liability from the UK tax authority, according to new figures obtained by Freedom of Information (FOI). The FOI to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), carried out by City law firm DLA Piper, showed that, at the end of March 2021, additional tax liability under investigation had increased by [...]