UK financial services News

UK Finance Watchdog Plans on Diversity Targets a ‘Bad Idea,’ Minister Says

Plans by Britain’s financial regulator to require firms to set targets for improving diversity could be counterproductive, UK business and women minister Kemi Badenoch said on Thursday. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority …

Britain’s Financial Regulators Need ‘Ambitious Mindset’, Carnegie-Brown Says

British regulators need an “ambitious growth mindset” to implement post-Brexit financial sector reforms faster and stop business going elsewhere, an industry body said on Thursday. Britain’s “Edinburgh Reforms” – proposed by finance minister Jeremy Hunt over a year ago – …

What Would UK Labour Party’s Finance Sector Plan Mean for City of London?

Britain’s opposition Labour Party, tipped in the polls to win an election expected this year, set out its blueprint on Tuesday to “unashamedly champion” a financial sector worried about its global competitiveness following Brexit as top rival New York lures …

UK Signs Swiss Financial Services Deal, Easing Post-Brexit Access for Insurers, Brokers

The UK and Switzerland signed an agreement to recognize each other’s laws and regulations in financial services, easing post-Brexit market access for firms including banks, insurers and asset managers. Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt and his Swiss counterpart Karin …

UK to Sign Deal Boosting City of London’s Post-Brexit Ties to Switzerland

The UK and Switzerland will sign an agreement around financial services on Thursday, a post-Brexit accord to deepen ties between their respective financial centers. Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt will visit Bern to sign it, according to people familiar …

Bank of England to Deepen System-Wide Stress Test for Banks, Insurers

The Bank of England said on Friday it would start the second leg to its first system-wide stress test of how banks, insurers, pension schemes and clearing houses collectively cope with shocks involving interest rates and risky asset prices over …

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 …

Britain Proposes Diversity and Misconduct Rules for Financial Services Firms

Britain’s financial regulators proposed guidance on Monday for financial firms to tackle sexual harassment and bullying, along with new requirements for large banks and insurers to set targets to improve diversity and inclusion. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the …