
The UK introduces a new AI audit standard. The British Standards Institution has launched the world’s first international certification standard for AI assurance, creating new benchmarks for independence, rigour, and global governance.

The UK government revives the Pensions Commission to address retirement poverty. Ministers are concerned that future retirees may face greater financial challenges than current pensioners. The commission will explore solutions to improve savings and retirement conditions for today’s workforce.

LSEG is considering a 24-hour stock-trading model for London. The exchange has begun early-stage talks on extending SETS and dark-pool equities trading far beyond its current 08:00–16:30 window. Brokers say a discussion paper could emerge by late 2025 — potentially reshaping UK share trading for the first time in over 50 years.

Chevron’s $55bn Hess close led this week’s US dealflow. A surge of high-value US transactions defined the week, from Chevron’s landmark offshore energy win to Walgreens’ historic exit from public markets and a string of debt-financed acquisitions spanning healthcare, energy, and real estate.

BP sells its onshore wind business to LS Power. The agreement is part of BP’s strategy to refocus on oil and gas. The sale includes 10 wind assets in the U.S. with a net capacity of 1.3 GW….

A decisive week for UK M&A activity, marked by global buyers. Four out of five headline deals this week involved foreign acquirers or sponsors, reinforcing perceptions of UK-listed value and highlighting continued regulatory pragmatism.

Bridgepoint is set to acquire mydentist for up to £800 million. The FTSE-250 investor is poised to re-enter UK dentistry, buying the 600-practice chain from Palamon in a deal valuing the business at nearly £800 million. Market sources expect a formal announcement on Friday, 18 July 2025.

One leading voice urges the Bank of England to act. Despite an unexpected inflation uptick in June, deVere Group’s CEO is pressing for a rate cut, arguing that growth risks now outweigh concerns over persistent price pressures.

WSP Global will acquire Ricardo for £363 million in cash. The deal gives shareholders a 28 percent premium and sharpens WSP’s focus on environmental and advisory growth as it targets further expansion in the UK and Europe.

Wagestream has acquired pensions technology provider Zippen in a move. The deal underlines the growing demand for workplace financial benefits, as Wagestream strengthens its position in employee financial wellbeing with new specialist expertise in the UK pensions market.