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AI-intensive accounting practices report markedly higher margins and savings nationally. Xero’s research links daily adoption with documented processes, advisory work, specialist hiring, and changes to pricing.
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HSBC’s first-half profit rose as buybacks returned after restructuring costs. Wealth income, transaction banking, and interest earnings lifted performance, although capital levels fell after the Hang Seng Bank privatisation.
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BP’s quarterly profit doubled as Meg O’Neill tightened strategic priorities. The group is accelerating disposals, reducing liabilities, and applying stricter return tests to investment decisions.
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Prologis has agreed a landmark takeover of warehouse group Segro. The £14bn transaction would expand its European logistics estate by 47% and give Segro shareholders a stake in a global property platform.
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RWS will acquire Acolad’s parent to expand European AI services. The £22.4 million enterprise-value transaction adds 1,200 employees, regulated-industry customers, and annual revenue exceeding £180 million.
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Aston Martin creditors are threatening action over contested financing arrangements. Bondholders argue that elements of a £550 million package and proposed brand-rights transaction could weaken their existing protections.
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EasyJet has aligned rival takeover deadlines ahead of Friday’s decision. Apollo and Castlelake must formalise their approaches or withdraw, bringing the airline’s £5.7 billion ownership contest to its next stage.
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Open banking is becoming deeper financial infrastructure. The UK has passed one billion open banking payments and 100 billion API calls, strengthening its role in payments, cash flow tools, and connected finance.
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Small business growth has slowed for another quarter. Xero data shows UK sales growth fell to 3.6% and jobs growth to 1.7%, with hospitality, retail, agriculture, and payment delays adding pressure.
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Corporate liability now reaches further into senior management. The Crime and Policing Act 2026 widens the circumstances in which companies can be prosecuted for offences committed by senior managers acting within their authority.