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FCA warns firms against excessive compliance with Consumer Duty rules. The financial watchdog aims to simplify compliance, addressing concerns about regulatory burden and cost. The FCA seeks to clarify expectations and improve flexibility, ensuring businesses do not overinterpret requirements.
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This week’s UK M&A spanned energy, finance, transport, and more. Consolidation, global investment, and IP expansion defined the landscape, from battery storage to wealth management. Together, the deals highlight the UK’s ongoing role as a hub for cross-border acquisitions.
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ECB forecasts digital euro will generate returns for payment providers. The European Central Bank says payment service providers stand to profit from distributing the digital euro, which is nearing the end of its preparation phase. A formal decision on issuing the currency is expected by October.
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UK start-up loan demand rises as PG insurance uptake grows. A growing number of start-ups are securing finance with personal guarantee backed loans, as new data points to increased risk appetite and lender support among early-stage UK businesses.
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The Bank of England signals limited interest rate cuts ahead. Officials suggest interest rate cuts may not continue indefinitely, citing inflation concerns and market expectations. The central bank faces challenges with inflation and borrowing costs, impacting future monetary policy decisions.
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Palmer Energy Technology has acquired Oxford spin-out Brill Power. The deal, alongside a £5 million Series A round, will support deployment of Brill’s battery management systems across UK energy storage projects.
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One Click LCA acquires SimaPro to enhance sustainability solutions. The acquisition aims to provide companies with tools to assess and reduce carbon footprints, complying with regulations such as the EU Construction Products Regulation and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive….
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Wood Group nears Sidara takeover as Boots goes private. The UK M&A market saw high-profile transactions this week, spanning energy, retail, fashion, infrastructure, and leisure. From Wood Group’s contested future to Boots’ transition into private ownership, the breadth of deals underscores both sector diversity and investor appetite.
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Ineos invests in Castore, shifting Belstaff ownership in strategic deal. The company’s strategic investment in sports apparel brand Castore facilitates Castore’s acquisition of heritage brand Belstaff, marking a shift towards luxury fashion.
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Payment data creates hidden risks in fragmented digital systems. Large organisations are increasingly exposed as customer and supplier payment details spread across spreadsheets, shared folders, and manual processes. Mark Bish, Principal Product Manager at Bottomline, explains how tokenisation can reduce vulnerabilities, strengthen compliance, and streamline operations without disrupting payment workflows.
