Quality over quantity: UK M&A volume slips but deal value climbs February 4, 2026 UK merger and acquisition deal value increased last year despite a fall in volumes as investors turned their focus to acquiring fewer, higher-quality assets. The total number of UK deals fell 12 per cent year on year to 2,991, down from 3,411 in 2024, according to the latest industry trends data from PwC. But overall [...]
Bank of England should hold interest rates, City AM Shadow MPC says February 3, 2026 The Bank of England should hold interest rates to get inflation back down to two per cent, City AM’s Shadow Monetary Policy Committee has said, as policymakers find insufficient evidence to lower borrowing costs. The nine economists, who responded independently from their respective organisations, said recent data on price growth should be treated cautiously by [...]
Morningstar Completes Acquisition of CRSP and Extends Relationship with Vanguard February 2, 2026 The CRSP integration unites two trusted sources of market insight, reinforcing a shared commitment to transparency, quality, and investor-focused solutions and solidifying Morningstar’s position as a top-tier global index provider.
K2 International Expands Financial Lines Capabilities with Acquisition of Rising Edge’s Management Liability Business February 2, 2026 Transaction establishes new division, K2 Executive Risk Limited, led by Yoel Brightman
FICO UK Credit Card Market Report: November 2025 January 30, 2026 Pre-Christmas spending remained below 2024 figures, but balances rose as payments fell to the lowest level since 2021
Media Release: Jannik Sinner and Allianz Announce Multi-Year Global Partnership January 29, 2026 Jannik Sinner becomes Global Brand Ambassador of the world’s most valuable insurance brand. The partnership broadens Allianz’s established sports collaborations; the large tennis fan base worldwide will drive emotional engagement with Allianz. “We’re here to serve” captures the spirit of both partners; joint projects with The Jannik Sinner Foundation aim to support children’s future.
UK dividends jump in the final financial quarter of 2025 January 29, 2026 UK dividends rose in the final quarter of 2025, lifted by better than anticipated payouts across a range of sectors. Dividends jumped 1.3 per cent on a headline basis to £14.3bn, according to the latest dividend monitor figures from financial services company Computershare. Regular dividends, excluding one-off special payments, rose to £13.9bn, up 2.1 per [...]
Bailey warns of ‘urgent need’ to improve resilience in non-bank finance January 28, 2026 The Governor of the Bank of England has warned of an “urgent need” to improve the resilience of the sprawling network of financial firms lending beyond the traditional banking sector. Andrew Bailey said that the financial sector was significantly more robust than it had been before the financial crisis, but warned that regulators still faced [...]
Octus Identifies Leading Credit Trends That Defined 2025 and the Firms That Shaped the Market January 27, 2026 Private Credit Leads a Year of Steady Issuance, Tight Pricing and Structural Evolution
Artajasa, the Largest Operator of Indonesia’s QRIS, and Ant International Launch Global Payments and Digital Finance Partnership January 27, 2026 PT Artajasa Pembayaran Elektronis (“Artajasa”), Indonesia’s leading payment system infrastructure provider, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ant International, a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider. This strategic collaboration will advance the integration of seamless cross-border payment, AI-powered mobile innovations, and SME digtialisation solutions between Indonesia and Ant International’s [...]