Financial Reporter

We spoke to Sarah Millard, head of bridging underwriting at Precise, about the most critical factors when assessing a short term loan, how technology will continue to shape the industry, and her advice to someone starting a career in underwriting. financialreporter.co.uk/in-the-spotlig…

Oxford Economics predicts that UK CPI inflation will top 4% in the second half of 2026 before cooling in 2027 and believes that the Bank of England will hold interest rates at their current restrictive level for the rest of this year and "well into 2027". financialreporter.co.uk/bank-of-englan…

It will focus on barriers to entry and growth for new providers, consumer decision-making, and holistic advice, alongside the wider role intermediaries play in the market. financialreporter.co.uk/fca-to-look-at…

The FCA has announced that it has opened an enforcement investigation into Market Financial Solutions Limited (MFS). financialreporter.co.uk/fca-launches-i…

Pepper Money UK has announced its transition to operating as a standalone UK-regulated entity, following the FCA's approval of the change in regulatory control in December 2025. financialreporter.co.uk/pepper-money-u…

Anna Lewis, commercial director at Castle Trust Bank, says that with forecasts suggesting a widening performance gap between regions, geographic diversification may begin to play a more prominent role in portfolio strategy. financialreporter.co.uk/blogs/regional…

The Council brings together senior leaders from across financial services and advice, risk and compliance to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing the industry: how to assure and govern the next generation of AI-driven agents. financialreporter.co.uk/new-council-la…

For the sixth consecutive year, Bristol topped the rankings as the most popular place for first-time buyers using the LISA to buy their first home. financialreporter.co.uk/where-were-the…

Only 19% of IFAs believe targeted support would make people less likely to seek independent advice, suggesting confidence among advisers that targeted support will not supplant the need for paid, personalised advice. financialreporter.co.uk/ifas-say-targe…

Under the updated criteria, the Society will now accept developer incentives of up to 5% of the property’s value across its residential lending range via its IDI Broker Portal. Offers made will also be valid for up to nine months. financialreporter.co.uk/nottingham-bs-…

The House of Lords has voted to remove the government's power to mandate the asset allocation of pension schemes from the Pension Schemes Bill. financialreporter.co.uk/lords-vote-to-…

Overall, it found that smart data schemes could deliver £71.2 billion in net social value between 2028 and 2043, with homebuying identified as the top priority for implementation. financialreporter.co.uk/smart-data-hom…

The new rules aim to make existing incident and third party reporting clearer, more consistent, and easier for firms to follow. financialreporter.co.uk/fca-confirms-n…

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has voted unanimously to maintain Bank Rate at 3.75%. financialreporter.co.uk/bank-of-englan…

Afin Bank has joined The Right Mortgage & Protection Network's lender panel, giving members access to its residential and buy-to-let mortgage solutions. financialreporter.co.uk/the-right-mort…

Nakita Moss, head of lender at Twenty7tec, explores how advisers interpret their role as clients approach retirement with more complex financial positions than previous generations. financialreporter.co.uk/blogs/an-eleva…

Market Harborough Building Society has made enhancements to its UK and expat buy-to-let ranges, including those for high net worth borrowers. financialreporter.co.uk/market-harboro…

InterBay has enhanced its commercial and semi-commercial criteria with six key changes. financialreporter.co.uk/interbay-enhan…

SDKA has reduced its Bridge 75 semi-commercial rate by 60bps to 0.95% pcm for loans over £250,000. financialreporter.co.uk/sdka-reduces-s…

Foundation has strengthened its intermediary sales team with the promotion of David Galloway to the national accounts team and the return of Imran Butt as internal business development manager. financialreporter.co.uk/foundation-exp…