Putin warns war will continue ‘until the end’ unless Russia’s terms are met while airstrike kills 22 and talks resume March 3, 2022 At least 22 civilians have been killed in a Russian airstrike on the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, Ukraine said, while Ukrainian forces are battling Russian troops for control of Enerhodar, which has Europe’s largest nuclear plant, the city’s mayor told various media outlets. Meanwhile, Ukraine President Zelensky’s office said this afternoon the second round [...]
Lloyds prompts backlash after axing another 44 branches June 23, 2021 Lloyds Banking Group is to close another 44 branches across England and Wales this year as lenders ramp up cost-cutting. Lloyds blamed a lack of customers at the sites as the reason for the move as people switch to digital banking. The latest closures means a total of 100 branches will shut this year, with [...]
City leaders are constantly proposing ‘green initiatives’ but is the Square Mile really doing everything it can for climate change? July 2, 2021 During London Climate Action Week, a series of sustainability initiatives are capturing airtime. The City of London’s ‘Climate Action Strategy’ aims to make the Square Mile net-zero in its carbon emissions by 2040. A group of law firms has adopted a ‘greener litigation pledge’. And financial services, which form the backbone of the City, are keen to [...]
Exodus reduces Libra members to 21 companies October 14, 2019 The final membership roster of Facebook’s controversial cryptocurrency project Libra has been revealed, having taken a significant hit after several major players abandoned ship. The Libra Association said 21 companies had signed the charter, committing to pay a $10m (£7.9m) founders’ fee and introduce a Libra incentive scheme, following a council meeting in Geneva. Uber, [...]
City needs EU equivalence deal to function properly, warns asset management chief April 22, 2021 The UK government should step up efforts to secure an equivalence deal for financial services as such an agreement is “very important” for the Square Mile, the CEO of one of the world’s largest asset managers has said. Hanneke Smits, who leads BNY Mellon Investment Managers, urged the government to reach an agreement with the [...]
Amazon halts alcohol sales in Northern Ireland following new Brexit customs rules January 27, 2021 Online retail giant Amazon has halted sales of wines, beers and spirits in Northern Ireland as it prepares to de-list more products under new Brexit customs rules. The company is concerned that excise duty will now have to be paid twice on alcohol shipments sent from British mainland across the Irish Sea. Amazon suspended orders [...]
Navalny allies arrested as Russia braces for nationwide protests April 21, 2021 Two of Alexei Navalny’s closest allies were arrested on Wednesday at the start of a planned day of mass protests in support of the jailed Kremlin critic. Lyubov Sobol, one of the faces of Navalny’s popular YouTube channel, and Kira Yarmysh, his spokeswoman, were both detained in Moscow, according to their lawyers. Navalny, Russia’s leading [...]
City of London chief: Brexit impact ‘not at all catastrophic’ as Square Mile will thrive without EU access January 27, 2021 Brexit’s impact on London’s loss of financial business has not been catastrophic, the chief of the City of London Corporation said this morning. Catherine McGuinness, political leader of the Square Mile’s ruling body, insisted the City will thrive even if the European Union “irrationally” blocks access. London has endured business and job losses since the [...]
EU to impose sanctions on Chinese officials over human rights abuses March 17, 2021 The European Union agreed today to sanction Chinese officials for human rights abuses, two diplomats have said, the first penalties against Beijing in over three decades. EU envoys authorised travel bans and asset freezes on four Chinese figures and one entity, whose name has not been made public. The Chinese officials were accused of human [...]
The City is resilient but it needs to nurture its small businesses and advocate for a return to the office June 21, 2021 Over the last 12 months, the City has faced twin challenges from Britain’s exit from the European Union and the pandemic. Despite these challenges, the financial and professional services sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience as well as playing a key role in supporting other parts of the economy. We cannot, however, afford to be complacent. [...]