
UK SMEs may finally have reason for cautious optimism. Rory Crisp-Jones of Jones & Co Finance argues that the Autumn Budget has provided long-awaited stability and renewed incentives to invest — from full expensing and a new 40% First-Year Allowance to a steady 25% corporation tax rate — shifting the balance towards growth.

The UK Treasury plans to extend financial regulation to cryptocurrency markets, requiring exchanges and wallet providers to register with the FCA and meet anti-money-laundering standards. The new rules, set to take effect by 2027, aim to boost investor confidence and ensure global competitiveness.

UK savers are investing £2,354 on average after consulting AI platforms. More than half of adults now use tools like ChatGPT for financial advice, though banks’ websites and Money Saving Expert remain the most trusted sources of guidance across all age groups, according to new research by STRAT7.

UK and Canada agree partnership to modernise public services. The deal will expand AI adoption, strengthen semiconductor research, and build collaboration in digital infrastructure between the two countries.

HSBC commits to keeping UK branches open until 2027. The bank will invest £55.8 million into its branch network in 2026, a significant increase from this year, to support customer needs and address concerns about cash access.

Holcim and 44.01 launch UAE CO2 storage pilot project. The initiative aims to capture and mineralise CO2 from cement production, addressing a major source of emissions. It marks a significant step in decarbonising the construction sector and advancing sustainable practices.

Raindrop has helped savers recover £1 billion in lost pensions. The pension-finding platform, which partners with major UK financial providers, has traced more than 100,000 missing pots, reconnecting customers with savings worth an average of £11,000 each since launch.

Technology is redefining regeneration across the UK’s North East region. James Hunnybourne, Executive Chairman at Cybit, explores how AI, digital twins, and sustainable construction are reshaping the region’s economy. With a new AI Growth Zone and major investment underway, the North East is building a smarter, stronger future.

The ECB has outlined plans to streamline bank supervision. The European Central Bank moved to simplify oversight for smaller lenders while rejecting calls to loosen capital buffers, underscoring its focus on resilience as the EU’s revised banking framework approaches implementation next year.

Tesla’s November sales slump marks more than a U.S. policy hiccup. Across Europe, its once-dominant market share is eroding fast. The company’s 2025 trajectory suggests a deeper challenge — competition, sentiment, and an ageing product lineup. EV fatigue may be setting in.