Horizon 22: London sky-high viewing gallery set to elevate the capital August 21, 2023 London is preparing to level up its skyline game with the unveiling of Horizon 22, Europe’s highest free public viewing gallery. Set to open its doors this September, Horizon 22 is perched on Level 58 of the towering 22 Bishopsgate – City of London’s tallest building. Horizon 22 is “yet another huge vote of confidence” [...]
Sir Michael Parkinson dies aged 88: Heartfelt tributes to ‘greatest interviewer of our age’ August 17, 2023 Sir Michael Parkinson has died aged 88, as tributes flowed in for the TV talk show host, also known for being the face of Axa insurance adverts for over-50s. A statement from Sir Michael’s family said: “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his [...]
E-bike explosions caused by dodgy batteries are ‘the fastest growing fire risk’ in London June 13, 2023 Dodgy batteries on e-bikes and scooters are the “fastest growing fire risk in the capital,” a top London Fire Brigade official has warned, as he joined calls for more regulation. Deputy Commissioner of London’s Fire Brigade Dom Ellis said that the force had been called out to 58 e-bike fires and 14 involving e-scooters this [...]
Return Finance launches fully compliant high-yield savings application in 27 European countries May 24, 2023 Return Finance has been granted Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) authorisation from regulatory authorities to operate in 27 European countries.
Insurance firm AXA tells UK to hurry up on rules for self-driving cars May 22, 2023 Insurers have called on the UK government to get a move on with legislation for self-driving cars or risk creating a “messy” middle ground for insurance firms where liability isn’t clear. AXA’s CEO Claudio Gienal has written to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt calling for clear legislation to be implemented as soon as possible to make sure [...]
Coalition of 15 investors with total assets of £2.4trn plead with firms to protect lowest-paid workers April 14, 2023 A coalition of investors are demanding that businesses take “decisive action” to protect their lowest paid workers during the cost of living crisis. The coalition, which includes 15 investors with a combined £2.4trn in assets under management, argued that the lowest-paid workers are “disproportionately impacted by the rising cost of living.” Companies should ensure that [...]
Could fixing workplace stress save the UK £28bn a year? Axa warns burnout is burning a hole the economy March 29, 2023 People taking sick days because of work-related stress or burnout is costing the UK economy £28 billion a year, according to new research which highlights the financial toll of poor mental wellbeing. More people said they were struggling in the UK than in any other nation, the survey of 30,000 adults across 16 European, Asian [...]
From cow herder to corporate chief – meet the man who leads Axa’s City division March 29, 2023 Axa’s UK chief executive Claudio Gienal is willing to admit he’s a tough boss. Speaking to City A.M., the Swiss exec, who took up his position as the head of Axa’s UK & Ireland business in 2017, is very clear that he doesn’t like “excuses”. He’s also clear that the people around him have to [...]
Axa rejects claim FCA’s Consumer Duty could hurt City’s finance sector March 22, 2023 The head of Axa’s UK & Ireland division has pushed back against claims the Financial Conduct Authority’s new Consumer Duty could hinder the City’s competitiveness. Claudio Gienal, chief executive of AXA UK and Ireland, told City A.M. he “supports” the FCA’s new customer-focused mandate. Gienal also said he doesn’t “see an issue with competitiveness” around [...]
Lawsuit against City grandee Sir Stuart Lipton over 22 Bishopsgate is dropped March 22, 2023 A lawsuit filed against City grandee Sir Stuart Lipton over the development of 22 Bishopsgate has been dropped after a judge described the case against him as “wholly misleading.” Former business partner Hamid Alqumairi claimed he was key in fixing the deal to build one of London’s tallest skyscrapers and was owed £11 million in [...]