UK
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UK fintech activity remains robust despite investment decline in 2025. The first half of 2025 saw significant acquisitions and partnerships in UK fintech, though investment fell by five per cent. Threats from emerging financial hubs continue to challenge the sector.
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The Online Safety Act faces significant evasion challenges. Nearly one-third of UK consumers bypass adult content checks, while VPN usage soars. Despite public support for age verification, concerns about censorship and the act’s effectiveness persist.
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Anglo American and Teck agree to a $53 billion merger. London-listed Anglo American will merge with Canada’s Teck Resources to form Anglo Teck, aiming to capitalise on copper demand while promising synergies. The move drew mixed reactions in the UK amid concern over the new entity’s Canadian base.
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Starmer forms a “budget board” to mend business relations. The board will meet weekly to coordinate growth policies before the Autumn Budget on 26 November. It aims to maintain strong ties with business leaders and the City.
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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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UK employees missed nearly ten days of work last year. The CIPD’s 2025 Health and wellbeing at work report finds sickness absence rising to its highest level in over a decade, with mental ill health and musculoskeletal issues among the leading causes.
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UK employers are tightening pay offers amid growing fiscal pressure. Median pay settlements fell to 3.0 per cent in the three months to July — the lowest since December 2021 — with just 9 per cent of employers awarding 4 per cent or more. Labour market cooling and tax concerns are driving caution ahead of…
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Peter Kyle launches dual-front trade push with Washington, then Beijing. New Business Secretary Peter Kyle has opened his tenure with back-to-back international trade missions, beginning with US tech talks and continuing in China for the UK’s first JETCO meeting since 2019 — a symbolic reset in Labour’s global economic strategy.
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Marks & Spencer urges government to rethink farm inheritance tax. The retailer warns of adverse impacts on rural communities and food security. It seeks support from the new environment secretary amid concerns over proposed changes to tax reliefs for farms.
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UK MPs urge prioritisation of delayed Audit Reform Bill. A cross-party group of 66 MPs and Lords has called on the Prime Minister to prioritise the Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill, citing its importance after recent corporate failures. The legislation has been stalled since being reintroduced.