UK’s audit watchdog set to reclaim control over licensing of major accountancy firms April 12, 2022 The UK’s audit watchdog is preparing to strengthen its powers to sanction Britain’s major accountancy firms. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is readying itself to take back control over the registration of the UK’s auditing firms, sources told the Financial Times. In doing so, the FRC would be given new powers to strip licenses from [...]
Downing Street weighs up nationalisation of Gazprom’s UK retail arm April 3, 2022 The government is preparing to nationalise Gazprom's UK supply arm amid a stand-off between the firm and a Wall Street giant,
EU lawmakers back tougher rules on anonymous crypto transactions March 31, 2022 EU lawmakers have approved tough new rules which prevent crypto anonymous transactions despite pushback from industry.
Bitcoin Doesn’t Use Enough Energy March 31, 2022 Controversial? Maybe, maybe not. Bitcoin energy usage is often attacked by the media, environmental activists, politicians, traditional finance and competitors with an agenda. But why does it get so commonly attacked? If we put agendas aside, the most obvious reason is how transparent Bitcoin is – one of the selling points of Bitcoin becomes an [...]
Downing Street calls on public sector bodies to review contracts with Russian energy suppliers March 28, 2022 The government has instructed public sector bodies to review energy deals and other contracts they have with Russian firms.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith: ‘Sub-crisis’ emerging as loan sharks capitalise on rising cost of living March 28, 2022 With more than 1m Brits in debt to predatory illegal lenders, a “sub-crisis” may emerge as soaring costs of living heap added pressure on those with fragile finances. Former Conservative leader and ex minister at the Department for Work and Pensions, Sir Iain Duncan Smith has been campaigning. But not for an election. The veteran [...]
What’s behind market volatility in China? March 23, 2022 It’s been a rollercoaster week for Chinese stock markets. We explain why and get the views of Schroders’ experts Robin Parbrook, Maggie Zheng and David Rees. In the last week, equity markets in mainland China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have experienced a rout, and a subsequent rally in the past two days. At [...]
One in five Brits expect to fall into debt as cost of living soars March 22, 2022 One in five Brits are anticipating being plunged into debt by spiralling energy prices and the rising cost of living, fresh data has revealed.
Gazprom chases buyers amid mass exodus March 20, 2022 The British arm of Kremlin-backed gas giant Gazprom is scrambling to find buyers to prevent its collapse with customers fleeing the company.
Major shakeup is needed to fix the Big Four, expert says March 18, 2022 A prominent academic has called on the government to expedite its audit reforms, after arguing a serious shakeup is needed to prevent an “appalling” situation from getting worse. Speaking to City A.M. accountancy expert Professor Atul Shah said, “the record of the UK’s auditing industry has been appalling over the last two decades and it’s [...]