Markets
-
UK watchdog to investigate Deloitte’s audits of Glencore. The Financial Reporting Council is examining whether the firm missed red flags around bribery at the miner-trader, whose 2022 guilty pleas triggered record UK penalties. The case adds pressure to the Big Four ahead of incoming audit reform.
-
Ambienta acquires Agronova Biotech, marking its first sustainable agriculture investment. The acquisition positions Ambienta to leverage growth opportunities in the biosolutions market, valued at $21 billion, driven by environmental issues and a shift from chemical solutions to biological alternatives….
-
Japan and the U.S. struck a surprise tariff accord today. The agreement trims incoming U.S. auto duties on Japanese vehicles to 15 %, down from a planned 25 % escalation, in exchange for a promised US $550 bn investment package aimed at bolstering U.S. supply chains.
-
The UK government has signed a new MoU with OpenAI. The ten-word sentence ends here. Ministers say the agreement will let Whitehall pilot GPT‑4o and future AI models across justice, health, and defence, paving the way for possible new data centres and a stronger AI security regime.
-
UK integrates greenhouse gas removals into Emissions Trading Scheme. The integration of greenhouse gas removals into the UK Emissions Trading Scheme aims to address hard-to-abate emissions, enhance market efficiency, and support the country’s net zero targets by 2050. It includes engineered removals and potential woodland additions….
-
SBTi launches Financial Institutions Net-Zero Standard for banks. The standard requires banks to set net-zero targets for lending, investing, and insurance, ending new fossil fuel financing immediately and fossil fuel expansion financing by 2030….
-
Osapiens expands into UK market with €35 million investment. The sustainability software provider aims to create over 150 roles to assist firms in meeting compliance needs amid potential new UK sustainability reporting standards. The move follows a significant capital raise last year….
-
Makersite raises €60 million to enhance sustainable product design. The funding supports the development of its AI-powered platform, aiding manufacturers in creating greener, safer, and cost-effective products while meeting regulatory standards and improving supply chain resilience….
-
Stellantis projects a €2.3 billion loss amid global challenges. The automotive giant cites new US trade tariffs, declining European demand, and the cancellation of its hydrogen programme as key factors contributing to the anticipated financial setback.
-
British Business Bank has returned to profit with £144 million. The state-owned lender facilitated £6.8 billion in SME finance last year, aided by stronger venture valuations, increased guarantee demand, and a Treasury capital boost to £25.6 billion.