UK competition watchdog launches probe into O2-Virgin Media merger November 19, 2020 The UK competition watchdog has opened an investigation into the planned £31bn mega-merger between O2 and Virgin Media after the deal was referred from the EU. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) last month requested to take over the case, arguing the potential impact on competition would primarily affect the UK market. The watchdog has [...]
Cut Covid counterfeiters out of your supply chain November 19, 2020 From international travel restrictions to physical distancing measures in factories across the globe, the Covid-19 pandemic has placed enormous pressure on the supply chains on which we depend. But logistics are not the only challenge. Counterfeiters are taking advantage of this time of heightened vulnerabilities, and risk polluting a brand’s stock and reputation. Now more [...]
British PM defends COVID-19 procurement after “chumocracy” accusations November 18, 2020 By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended his government’s handling of the procurement of protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday, after a spending watchdog said suppliers with political links had been fast-tracked. The National Audit Office (NAO) said there had been a lack of transparency and a failure [...]
BoE’s Andy Haldane: Digital currencies could cut risk and boost lending November 18, 2020 Digital currencies could reduce risk in the financial system and aid monetary policy with interest rates close to rock bottom, Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane has said. Haldane also told The City UK’s annual conference that new technological infrastructure should be considered to help small and medium-sized businesses better access finance after years [...]
Trends in Ethereum DeFi in Q3 2020 November 18, 2020 Three trends defined Ethereum DeFi in Q3 2020: 1) The Rise of Automated Market Makers (AMMs) 2) Governance tokens and yield farming 3) Forks, derivatives, and network effects 4) and “weird DeFi.” The Rise of Automated Market Makers (AMMs) The trend: While stablecoins and lending platforms have long been the centers of activity in the [...]
It is science, not lockdowns, that will save the world November 18, 2020 The various new vaccines announced over the past two weeks give real hope of a return to normal life. Of course, many practical questions remain. How will these vaccines be delivered? Do they stop the transmission or simply the symptoms of the virus? Exactly how effective will they be outside a controlled trial environment? But [...]
Mudge: Why has Twitter just hired a world-famous hacker? November 17, 2020 Twitter may have been awash with excitement about its new disappearing Fleets service, but behind the scenes there were other clandestine matters underway today. The social media platform said it had hired Mudge, one of the world’s best-regarded hackers, to the new position of head of security. The appointment comes at a crucial time for [...]
Balancing the books: Murdoch’s News Corp tables bid for Simon & Schuster November 17, 2020 Rupert Murdoch’s media empire is said to have tabled a bid for Simon & Schuster, the publishing giant behind best-selling authors including Stephen King and Dan Brown. Simon & Schuster was put up for sale by its owner, US media conglomerate Viacom CBS, following a strategic review in March. Murdoch’s News Corp has now entered [...]
Brexit: UK not expecting trade deal to be closed this week November 17, 2020 Boris Johnson is not expecting to close an EU trade deal this week, with the UK's Brexit negotiators aiming for a final breakthrough at some point next week.
Three arrested in Germany over $1bn jewel heist November 17, 2020 Police have arrested three people in Germany on suspicion of carrying out an audacious $1bn (£757m) jewel heist at a museum containing Europe’s largest treasure collection. Thieves broke into the Gruenes Gewoelbe — or Green Vault — museum in Dresden last November, escaping with at least three sets of 18th century jewellery, including diamonds and [...]