Refining the Consumer Duty to give greater confidence to wholesale firms
When the FCA introduced the Consumer Duty, we set out to do something simple but transformative: ensure financial services work better for consumers.
Economy
Once, cyber-attacks required great skill. AI is changing that | Bruce Schneier
Earlier this week, national security agencies from the Five Eyes – that’s the rich, English-language-speaking countries club – jointly released a statement warning of the increasing cyber risks of AI models: in particul…
EU introduces €3 customs charge on small parcels to curb cheap Chinese imports
Parcels of goods worth under €150 will no longer enjoy ‘de minimis’ exemption, exploited by platforms such as Temu and Shein
Hit the bar! UK pubs serve 5.5m extra pints during World Cup so far
England’s group-stage matches in the World Cup have been a boon for UK pubs, which have poured 5.5m more pints of draught beer and cider than usual.
Comcast to spin off NBCUniversal and Sky into separate media business
Comcast is to spin off its media operation, which includes the Hollywood film studio, TV and theme park business NBCUniversal and Sky, into a separately publicly listed company.
Non-UK business removed from Consumer Duty scope to reduce burdens on wholesale businesses
Wholesale financial businesses involved in retail markets will find it easier to comply with the Consumer Duty, following proposals from the FCA.
BT and Verizon to create joint global business in $625m deal
UK telecoms group’s 50/50 venture ends more than 18-month search for a buyer of its international operations
British American Tobacco to slash 9,000 jobs as it turns to AI
Dunhill maker to cut about a fifth of workforce, aiming to reduce costs and become more ‘technology enabled’
Holidaymakers warned over social media scams for fake accommodation
Research suggests travel scams are on rise as experts advise doing some detective work to make sure holidays are real
Keir Starmer's attempts to placate big tech were a disaster. Andy Burnham must take a stand | Beeban Kidron
Labour came to power promising to tackle Silicon Valley. But from workers’ rights to online privacy it has failed at almost every turn
New campaign urges public to reduce water use as UK emerges from heatwave
Exclusive: £75m publicity drive will ask people to treat water as precious resource and cut daily use by 28 litres
Good for business – or profit at any cost? The controversial side of private equity – a visual explainer
While it can transform firms for better or worse, the use of private equity in essential services is attracting scrutiny. Here we examine some of its more contentious elements in the UK veterinary sector
‘Buy the haystack’: how tracker funds beat searching for shares
Designed to mirror the stock market, they are an easy and cheap way to save. Here’s how to start investing in them
Reversing UK employment tax rises ‘would do little to help young people find jobs’
Resolution Foundation calls for extra funding for apprenticeships and increase in number of youth support grants
Shares in chipmakers underpinning AI boom rocket in first half of 2026
Value of some chip manufacturers have tripled, or more, driving Asia Pacific stock markets sharply higher
Bank of England chief economist warns against ‘complacency’ in fight against inflation – business live
Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of business, the financial markets and the world economy.
‘Meet me at the dancing dogs tent!’ What’s behind Britain’s festival frenzy?
They used to mean crusties, hippies, all-male lineups, near riots and burning toilets. Now, from Dorset to Inverness, there’s a festival – and a costume – for everyone. What caused this boom? And is there a dark side?
‘We’re up against forces that have all the money in the world’: Erin Brockovich on her battle against AI datacentres
In 1993, she squeezed a $333m settlement from a Californian energy company in a scandal over contaminated water. Three decades later, she has a new target in her sights – and it’s global
Pause HS2 reset until you are confident it can be delivered, NAO tells ministers
Revised plans for HS2 should not be put into action until the government is confident they can be delivered, according to the public spending watchdog.
London mayor to override opposition to outdoor dining in Soho next summer
Exclusive: Sadiq Khan plans to use new powers after local council opposes city scheme for seasonal pedestrianisation
England players using drink developed by Brownlee to help beat World Cup heat
England’s players are using a sports drink developed by the double Olympic triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee to help control their body temperatures at the World Cup.
Sir Geoffrey Whalen obituary
One of the heroes of the British motor industry in the late 20th century, Sir Geoffrey Whalen, who has died aged 90, was bloodied in the interminable, but ultimately futile, battle to make British Leyland succeed, yet h…
Developers want to build on top of my flat and there’s nothing I can do to stop it | Letter
Mauro Murgia highlights how little safety or security there is for leasehold flat owners if the freeholder wants to monetise roof space
Sky makes £2bn spending pledge as it prepares takeover of ITV broadcasting arm
Sky has committed to spending £2bn on ITV’s studios business over the next five years as it hammers out a takeover of its broadcasting arm, a move that will safeguard the future of popular programmes such as Coronation …