
Allica Bank acquires fintech Kriya to boost SME lending capacity. The acquisition, announced on Wednesday, is Allica’s third, following its purchase of Allied Irish Bank’s SME portfolio and Tuscan Capital. Allica aims for £1bn in working capital finance.

GHG Protocol launches consultations on Scope 2 guidance updates. The initiative seeks to refine emission reporting methods for purchased electricity, enhancing accuracy and alignment with evolving energy systems. Consultations will remain open until 19 December….

CDP and GRI launch tool for aligned climate disclosures. The GRI-CDP mapping tool helps companies align climate and energy data requirements, enhancing reporting consistency and reducing duplication. This initiative improves communication and eases the reporting burden for organisations….

Glass Lewis will overhaul its research and voting recommendations. The firm plans to discontinue singular voting advice due to diverging investor priorities in the US and Europe, particularly on sustainability and corporate engagement, aiming for more customised approaches….

The EU proposes changes to its deforestation regulation. The European Commission has suggested amendments to the EU Deforestation Regulation, including reduced obligations for retailers and small companies, while maintaining plans for its enforcement by year-end, despite earlier proposals for a delay….

Labour urged to rethink youth wage policy amid rising Neet numbers. A report warns nearly one million young people are out of education, employment or training, as Labour considers scrapping lower minimum wage rates for young workers.

Waymo plans to launch self-driving service in London by 2026. The company will introduce its autonomous ride-hailing service using Jaguar Land Rover’s electric I-Pace vehicles, while collaborating with UK regulators to secure necessary approvals.

UNDO partners with Microsoft for significant carbon removal project. London-based UNDO will remove 28,900 tonnes of CO2 by 2036, using enhanced rock weathering, under a new agreement with Microsoft. This marks their third collaboration, supported by Canadian climate fund Inlandsis….

NCC Group reports annual revenue decline of 2.5% to £294m. The software escrow business grew, offsetting weaker cybersecurity performance. Gross margins improved slightly, with adjusted EBITDA meeting expectations, and the company plans a share buyback programme after December results….

The top 1% of UK taxpayers paid a third of taxes. HMRC data shows the top 500,000 taxpayers paid £93.8 billion in 2023/24, comprising 33% of income and capital gains tax receipts. Wealth Club warns against deterring high net worth individuals.