
NatWest plans to reach 50,000 people through expanded financial education. The UK bank will scale its Financial Foundations programme in 2026, delivering free workplace and community-based financial education sessions through employers, local organisations, and housing groups as part of its wider UK growth strategy.

Glencore shares fall after merger talks with Rio Tinto collapse. The mining giant rejected Rio’s terms, citing undervaluation and executive role retention. Glencore emphasises its strong standalone prospects, particularly in copper, while Rio prioritises long-term shareholder value.

Fractile co-founder reportedly exited amid scrutiny over Chinese academic links. The UK AI chip startup confirmed the departure of its former CTO following internal concerns over his educational background and affiliations. The move reflects growing national security sensitivities around AI, defence-linked research, and foreign influence in early-stage technology companies.

UK invests £36 million to enhance AI supercomputer access. The investment aims to provide British researchers and startups with advanced computing resources, levelling the field for innovation in areas like healthcare and climate resilience.

Payment Systems Regulator’s abolition expected no sooner than 2027. David Geale of the PSR anticipates the regulator’s consolidation into the FCA will not occur before early 2027, despite government plans for sector reform and deregulation.
Bank of England keeps rates steady after a narrow Monetary Policy Committee vote. The decision highlights deepening divisions among policymakers, reassures lenders and investors, and signals that interest rate cuts remain possible later this year.

IMed Group has appointed Spencer Keegan to lead talent acquisition. The regulatory consultancy is expanding recruitment services alongside international growth, adding permanent and contract hiring capabilities to support medical and health technology clients across Europe and beyond.

UK organisations face mounting difficulty proving AI’s environmental impact. New research shows enterprises remain confident in AI’s sustainability potential, but lack the emissions data required to evidence progress against environmental targets.

UK fiscal headroom has already been exhausted, according to new forecasts. Fresh analysis from NIESR shows weak growth, rising unemployment, and higher labour costs are eroding the Chancellor’s budgetary margin, prompting warnings from business leaders about the impact on hiring and investment.

Lloyds Banking Group appoints Ajneet Jassey as its new London ambassador. The bank has named the senior legal executive to focus on housing delivery, business growth, and technology engagement across the capital.