UK crypto hub ambitions at risk if it does not pass new rules quickly, experts warn February 1, 2023 The government’s new plans to “robustly regulate” cryptoassets garnered mixed reactions from the crypto industry today, with experts saying that while the proposals were welcome there were still huge questions about the timeline for when they might come into effect. Nick Taylor from Luno, a crypto exchange, described the launch of the consultation as “a [...]
NatWest boss refuses summons by MPs probing savings rates February 1, 2023 The boss of NatWest has refused a request to appear in front of MPs to answer questions on why banks are being slow to pass on higher interest rates to savers. Chief executive Alison Rose has told MPs on the Treasury Select Committee that she does not have the time to speak to them next [...]
The Adani Group: How the Indian giant lost $90bn in market value in just a week February 1, 2023 Gautam Adani's business empire has suffered a $90bn loss in value after a US short seller accused his conglomerate of fraud.
London restaurants: Outlook ‘bleak’ as insolvencies mount across the industry February 1, 2023 London restaurateurs have described the outlook for the sector as ‘bleak’ after research has revealed that the number of hospitality businesses going bust has jumped by 65 per cent in the last year. The figures, which were released by accountancy firm Price Bailey, show that 1,880 British restaurant businesses became insolvent in 2022, compared to [...]
Natwest calls for stamp duty rebate to fund green home improvements February 1, 2023 The government should offer a rebate on stamp duty to fund energy efficiency plans for new homeowners, argues Natwest.
Baker McKenzie launches ‘thorough review’ into ex-lawyer’s racism allegations February 1, 2023 US law giant Baker McKenzie has vowed to immediately conduct a “thorough review” into claims a mixed-race lawyer was subject to multiple instances of discrimination in one of its European offices. The Chicago firm’s review comes after one of its former lawyers claimed she felt forced to leave her job due to facing poor mental [...]
FTSE 100 close: London index runs out of steam ahead of expected Fed interest rate hike February 1, 2023 London’s FTSE 100 edged higher this morning, before running out of steam later in the day ahead of the US Federal Reserve launching a big week for central banks with an expected 25 basis point interest rate hike. The capital’s premier index eventually fell 0.17 per cent to 7,758.21 points, while the domestically-focused mid-cap FTSE [...]
London’s fintech boom ‘would have happened with or without Brexit’, Lord Mayor says February 1, 2023 London’s fintech boom “would have happened with or without Brexit”, Lord Mayor Nicholas Lyons said today, adding that the so-called Edinburgh reforms will help the City power the UK’s future economic growth. Lyons said the City achieved its reputation as a thriving hub for fintech success “independently of Brexit”. He stressed, however, that Brexit still [...]
Strikes: Labour MPs including Tarry, Lavery and Osborne defy Starmer’s order not to joint picket line – but no action taken yet February 1, 2023 A number of Labour MPs have joined picket lines to support striking workers, despite party leader Keir Starmer previously saying no MP should be on a picket line “if they want to be in government”. The official Conservative Party press office account shared tweets from 13 Labour MPs such as Richard Burgon, Ian Lavery and [...]
Khan’s call to re-introduce VAT-free shopping backed by retailers who claim it would lure 1.5 million more tourists to London February 1, 2023 Kay Buxton, chief executive of Marble Arch London BID, said that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt “missed a trick” at the last Budget by not reintroducing tax-free shopping, noting that the move could have increased spending by £2.1bn.