Articles by Huw Jones

Britain Names Lloyd as Interim Chair of Financial Conduct Authority at ‘Pivotal Time’

Britain’s finance ministry said on Friday that Richard Lloyd had been appointed interim chair of the Financial Conduct Authority from June at a “pivotal” time for the watchdog as it faces internal and external challenges. Lloyd, a former head of …

EU Regulators Call for Action to Catch Up to Potential Systemic Risk of Digital Finance

Rapid action is needed to update how cross-border financial services are scrutinized and consumers protected as the sector becomes digitalized with “Big Tech” playing an increased role, European Union regulators said on Monday. People are turning to social media and …

Aviva Broadens Sustainable Investments to Include Biodiversity, Human Rights

Leading British asset manager Aviva Investors plans to push boards for greater action on biodiversity and human rights so that companies consider “the whole picture of sustainability.” Alongside climate change, a core focus for most investors, Aviva’s move reflects growing …

UK Financial Watchdog to Curb Marketing of Cryptoassets, Other High-Risk Investments

Britain’s financial watchdog said on Wednesday it planned to curb the marketing of cryptoassets and other high-risk investments, a move that comes amid a boom in crypto ads and endorsements from celebrities. The changes would strengthen risk warnings on ads …

Greensill’s Business Model Risks ‘High Level of Harm’; New Rules Needed: UK Watchdog

The business model used by collapsed supply chain financing firm Greensill Capital is causing a “high level of harm” and tighter rules are needed, Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority said on Friday. The watchdog set out proposals for public consultation to …

EU Regulator Says Insurers Could Face Climate Stress Tests as Soon as 2023

LONDON – Insurers could face European climate stress tests as soon as 2023, the head of the EU’s insurance regulator said at the Reuters Future of Insurance Europe conference on Thursday. The insurance industry faces exposure to climate change risk …

Bank of England to Push Banks, Insurers on Climate Risk Capital Requirements

The Bank of England will crack down from next year on banks and insurers that do not hold enough capital to cover risks from climate change, while also considering bespoke safety buffers. Climate-related financial risks are partially captured by existing …

UK Financial Regulator Raises No Objection to Bain’s Acquisition of Insurer LV=

Britain’s financial watchdog said on Tuesday it won’t stop insurer LV= from proceeding with the disputed sale of its pensions and life insurance business to U.S. private equity company Bain Capital. LV=, founded in 1843 and formerly known as Liverpool …

Corporate Climate Risk Disclosures Still Falling Short, Regulators Say

Around half of companies assessed have begun to apply globally agreed climate-related disclosure standards for helping investors to pick firms committed to sustainability, regulators said on Thursday. A task force set up by the Financial Stability Board – which groups …

New Rules Needed to Deal With Risks From Cloud Computing: Bank of England

New rules will be needed to deal with operational risks from banks relying on outsourced “cloud” computing from Amazon, Google, Microsoft and others for providing services to customers, the Bank of England said on Friday. “Regulated firms will continue to …