Bank of England officials are reconsidering the digital pound project. Internal memos suggest a pause could redirect funding to modernising the UK’s payment rails, as budget pressure and political priorities mount ahead of the Autumn Budget.

Retail profit alerts more than doubled in Q2, EY reports. UK-listed firms face challenges from policy changes and geopolitical uncertainty, with a 20% rise in profit warnings year-on-year. Rising wage costs and reduced consumer spending pressure retailers, alongside tariff impacts from global trade tensions.

INEOS completes £30m investment to switch Hull site to hydrogen. The conversion to hydrogen at the INEOS Hull site reduces carbon emissions by 75%, aiding manufacturers in lowering supply chain emissions. Hydrogen, seen as key for cleaner energy, faces production challenges….

California clarifies climate disclosure laws requirements for businesses. California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued formal guidance to assist companies in meeting the state’s climate disclosure mandates. The guidance provides flexibility in reporting frameworks and data years, easing compliance for businesses….

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.

Petrobras appoints Angélica Laureano as Executive Director for Sustainability. Laureano, with 37 years at Petrobras, will lead the company’s energy transition efforts, focusing on decarbonisation and renewable energy. This appointment highlights Petrobras’ commitment to gender diversity in senior management….

Sol Systems secures $675 million for solar and storage projects. The U.S. clean energy firm will initially support 500 MW projects in Illinois, Ohio, and Texas, with completion expected by 2026. KKR Capital Markets led the financing arrangement….

The EU’s eighteenth sanctions package introduces a dynamic oil-price cap. The bloc’s latest measures target Russian oil revenue with a variable price ceiling, new import bans on third-country fuels, and an expanded blacklist of tankers and banks, as markets question the enforcement impact.

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.

A new Government report finds businesses are failing disabled customers. The report highlights persistent barriers in retail, hospitality, and banking, with most disabled consumers lacking confidence in future access. Leading advocates say this is a commercial and moral missed opportunity for UK businesses.