NAO: The government’s new Financial Transaction Control Framework needs strengthening March 24, 2026 The National Audit Office’s new report assesses whether the government’s new Financial Transaction Control Framework offers value for money to the taxpayer, says Rachel Fenn The government plans to increasingly use financial transactions (FTs) – such as loans to businesses or equity investments – to pursue its policy goals. As at March 2024, the government’s [...]
Rocco Forte: Middle East tourism ‘could increase’ after ceasefire March 24, 2026 Tourism volumes to the Middle East could increase after a ceasefire in the region if the US and Israel topple the Iranian regime, Sir Rocco Forte has said as he doubled down on investment plans in the region despite an exodus of visitors. The billionaire hotel magnate, whose eponymous Rocco Forte Hotels is part-owned by [...]
Wall Street private credit fears grow as Apollo blocks withdrawals March 24, 2026 Wall Street’s private credit crisis has spread further as further asset management giants blocked withdrawals from flagship funds. Apollo Global Management became the latest shadow bank to cap redemptions from one its biggest private credit funds after investors tried to pull $1.6bn (£1.1bn) over the last three months, as investor worries over the $3 trillion [...]
Regulation isn’t cost-free and not every problem can be fixed with a new rule March 24, 2026 Politicians all too often reach for the regulation lever because “something must be done” – it could be costing businesses £70bn a year, says Cory Berman As of this September, all new building applications over 18 metres must include a second staircase. The rule was introduced after the horrific Grenfell Tower tragedy, to improve building [...]
The oil crisis isn’t just financial, it’s physical March 24, 2026 Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz isn’t just an economic shock, it’s harming the physical infrastructure that underpins global markets, says Helen Thomas Five years ago this week, the Ever Given ran aground in the Suez Canal, blocking one of the world’s key waterways for six days. Oil prices jumped six per cent as roughly [...]
Revolut eyes trading and wealth push amid hiring spree March 24, 2026 Revolut has laid out its initial blue-print for major expansion in its trading operations after the fintech giant bagged its full-fat UK banking licence earlier this month. The $75bn digital banking juggernaut has kicked off a hiring spree at its Canary Wharf headquarters as well as other financial hubs across the globe. The fintech has [...]
Italy Access Advisory Launches to Guide International Investment in Italian Hospitality March 23, 2026 A Strategic Partnership Offering Acquisition, Development and Operational Advisory for International Investors entering the Italian Market
Government borrowing costs set for worst month since Liz Truss March 23, 2026 The government’s short-term borrowing costs were on course to have their worst month since Liz Truss’s ignominious mini-Budget, until the news of United States’ talks with Iran led traders to unwind bets future interest rate hikes. The two-year gilt yield jumped by eight basis points on Monday morning, meaning the interest rate on the government’s [...]
Mortgage deals shrink by a fifth since outbreak of Iran war March 23, 2026 The number of mortgage deals on offer for homeowners have shrunk by nearly a fifth since war broke out in Iran just over three weeks ago. Just shy of 1,500 fewer residential mortgages were available on Monday morning, compared with March 9, amounting to a contraction of 19.5 per cent. According to financial information platform [...]
Starr Completes Acquisition of IQUW Group March 23, 2026 Creates a stronger, more diversified global specialty platform