UK market News

UK Weighs Criminal Liability for Self-Driving Car Companies

Self-driving car companies could face criminal action in the UK if their vehicles fail to meet safety standards in the most serious cases. New legislation, introduced in today’s speech by King Charles III, who arrived at parliament in a horse-drawn …

UK Staff Coming Into the Office Now Outnumber Hybrid Workers: Survey

British workers coming into the office every day outnumber those who spend part of the week working from home, for the first time since the end of pandemic restrictions. A survey by recruitment company Hays Plc of nearly 15,000 white-collar …

UK Commercial Property Defaults Rise as Rate Hikes Hit Borrowers

The number of soured commercial real estate loans has begun to rise in the UK as the rapid increase in interest rates feeds through to property valuations. The overall default rate on UK commercial real estate debt reached 4% in …

UK Financial Services’ Firms Caught in Crossfire of Labour-Tory Business Battle

Britain’s Labour party has held back the launch of a new business council after senior Conservatives intervened with financial services companies that were due to take part. Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt spoke to at least one business about …

Rapid Shocks in Store for Insurers in New Bank of England Stress Tests

The Bank of England said on Tuesday it will check the health of general insurers in 2025 with a “stress test” that includes a rapid series of shocks, as sector capital rules are eased. Regulators have introduced stress tests since …

Bank of England Sets Out Reform of Insurance Capital Rules to Boost Investment

Britain set out plans on Thursday to ease key banking and insurance rules in the latest attempt to boost its vital financial sector following the country’s departure from the European Union. Brexit has cut off Britain’s finance industry, which accounts …

UK Workers Take Most Sick Leave in More Than a Decade: Employer Survey

British workers took the most sick leave in more than a decade during the past year, a survey of employers showed on Tuesday, adding to signs of a lasting increase in ill health since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chartered Institute …

UK Watchdog Sets 3-Month Deadline to Improve Car Insurance

Britain’s financial watchdog has told motor insurers they have three months to improve the value they give customers in products that top up coverage, or face potential sanctions. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said on Wednesday it had asked insurers …

‘Talking Shops’ and Too Little Action Hamper City of London Reboot: Analysis

When London’s Lord Mayor called recently for the creation of a new council to lead reform of Britain’s flagging financial services sector, a deep sense of déjà vu eclipsed the City. For many, the proposal served as a reminder of …

Britain Must Not Damage Financial Services Sector Resilience: BoE’s Woods

Easing rules to boost the post-Brexit global competitiveness of Britain’s financial sector can only be done while maintaining a resilient financial system, Bank of England Deputy Governor Sam Woods said on Tuesday. The Bank of England was given a new …