Emma, the “banking app for millennials”, gets FCA approval and announces it will integrate Monzo and Revolut January 12, 2018 London-based Emma Technologies, which calls itself the "banking app for millennials", has today won approval from the City watchdog to provide payment services. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) gave the nod to the mobile-only app just over a month after it launched its beta service, helping consumers avoid overdrafts, find and cancel subscriptions and track [...]
Europe lacks giant tech stocks – but it may lead with the ‘industrial internet’ February 1, 2018 In the US, tech firms have been responsible for 42% of the rise in the value of the US stock market since 2014, according to a report in The Economist. Emerging markets too have their own tech giants in Alibaba and Tencent. But where are the tech companies here in Europe? And could emerging technologies [...]
Here are some last minute ISA options March 19, 2018 By adding to your ISA pot each year you can build up a considerable tax-free shelter around your investment portfolio. Over time, this could mean higher returns. Time is running out for investors wishing to use the 2017/18 tax year’s £20,000 allowance, and it is lost forever if you do not use it. While it [...]
The most common investment mistake of all February 26, 2018 Having cash reserves is important. Most people need a “rainy day” fund to cover unforeseen events, and for the purpose of saving towards shorter term goals cash is appropriate because it has the significant advantage of offering security of capital. Some investors also like to hold some cash to take advantage of opportunities in the [...]
If the government is bold, a phoenix could rise from the ashes of Carillion January 23, 2018 There will be plenty of lessons to learn from the demise of Carillion, but what is going to be recovered from this mess? Just another me-too corporation, or something new and refreshing? With backing from ministers, and some daring, something fundamentally inspiring is possible. The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee has already announced our [...]
Construction PMI: UK construction sector crept back into positive territory in October November 2, 2017 The pound edged off lows in morning trading after a closely-watched index suggested the UK’s construction industry showed a very slight expansion in October. IHS Markit’s purchasing managers’ index for the construction industry rose to 50.8 in October, up from 48.1 in September and ahead of expectations of 48.0. Any figure below 50 denotes a [...]
A new fintech bank led by a former hedge fund boss has just raised £70m through a float on the London Stock Exchange February 13, 2018 Trufin, a niche technology-enabled bank run by a former hedge fund boss, has just floated on the London Stock Exchange this morning to raise £70m. The fintech-focused business has three divisions including DFC, a short-term lender focusing on financing supply chains, Oxygen Finance, which helps provide early payments to the UK public sector, and Satago, [...]
Growth in the UK’s construction industry was stronger than expected in February – but housebuilding floundered March 2, 2017 Growth in the UK's construction sector was stronger than expected in February, figures published today showed – but housebuilding struggled. Markit's purchasing managers' index for the sector rose to 52.5 in February, up from 52.2 in January – and beating forecasts it would stay flat. Any figure below 50 denotes a contraction. However, activity in the residential [...]
TLA’s Russ Shaw is fortifying London’s position as a global tech powerhouse February 12, 2018 With a discernibly American twang, tainted softly-British, New York-born Russ Shaw is, perhaps, not who one might expect as London’s tech cheerleader on the world stage. Although, perhaps his being here is testament to exactly why the capital, a hotchpotch of international talent and innovation, is worth shouting about so loudly. He’s the founder of [...]
Builders and headhunters under financial pressure as insolvencies edge up – but there could be hope for retailers November 10, 2017 The number of firms collapsing into administration rose in the third quarter, according to notices filed with the Britain’s official public record. Analysis of the London Gazette revealed some 302 companies appointed administrators during the third quarter, up from 297 in the second quarter and 295 in the same period 12 months ago. The steady [...]