17m of us are now part of the sharing economy – but could be uninsured for it November 2, 2016 Nearly a third of Brits are now part of the so-called sharing economy, renting out their homes, cars, and even their dogs, or using these services themselves. Some 17m people across the country participate in the new and growing sector, while one in 10 offer up their services, according to new research by Lloyds Bank Insurance Of [...]
Philip Hammond warns cyber attacks risk plunging UK into darkness as he sets out defence strategy November 1, 2016 Philip Hammond warned cyber attacks could plunge the UK into “darkness” and ground aeroplanes as he set out a new defence strategy today. The chancellor, speaking amid warnings about Russian-backed hacking, also told enemies that Britain would “retaliate in kind” to attacks, describing this as “the best deterrent”. Read more: Hammond to reveal Britain's new [...]
The government wants “flexibility but fairness” for Uber and gig economy workers November 1, 2016 Flexibility as well as fairness must be considered when it comes to workers rights in the wake of the landmark Uber driver employment ruling, the government’s digital minister has said. “Technology is changing employment patterns and it's important we keep up with that and it's important that employers take their employment law responsibilities seriously,” said Matt [...]
The bank referral scheme is one thing – but the government must ensure small firms know what they’re getting into November 1, 2016 When George Osborne announced the bank referral scheme two years ago, he aimed to “bring new lenders much closer to the small businesses they serve.” It was an admirable goal, and one that’s nearer to becoming a reality with today’s launch of the new service to introduce small and medium-sized firms which are rejected for [...]
Here’s how much earthquakes in Japan have cost Sony so far this year November 1, 2016 Fresh from announcing its full-year forecast will be lower than expected yesterday as a result of selling off part of its business, Sony revealed that's not the only struggle in the fight for profit. Earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, earlier this year were among the reasons for a 48 per cent fall in operating profit in the second [...]
Antony Jenkins’ fintech startup has revealed its first banking client November 1, 2016 The former boss of Barclays Antony Jenkins has revealed his new fintech startup's first client – and it's a well known name. 10x Future Technologies will build a digital banking platform for Virgin Money, the challenger bank founded by Richard Branson and boasting millions of customers. It will work on creating a digital platform for the bank [...]
UK fintech pushes for its very own “Big Bang” moment November 1, 2016 The UK’s world leading fintech industry will this week meet with top government officials seeking to spark another “Big Bang” moment, the first of which kicked off the making of the City as a global financial powerhouse. Leaders in the industry will head to Westminster where several meetings with treasury and trade officials are on [...]
Powa play: Dan Wagner ready for legal battle with former director Ben White over collapse of fintech unicorn November 1, 2016 With its multi-billion-dollar valuation, plush Heron Tower headquarters and outspoken founder, British fintech “unicorn” Powa was billed as Britain’s answer to Google – until, in February this year, it sensationally collapsed into administration. Now Morning Wire can reveal the collapse is set to trigger a bloody courtroom battle as two of the story’s protagonists go head [...]
Google for gifs startup Giphy has raised millions of dollars more October 31, 2016 As if more proof were needed that communication via animated gif is the future, the startup which is like Google but for gifs has raised millions of dollars more in venture capital investment. The $72m (£59m) from top Silicon Valley investors comes less than a year after it previously raised $55m and now values the startup at more [...]
Euronext derivatives trading is back up and running after it suspended futures indices and derivatives markets – including Cac and AEX October 31, 2016 Trading on Euronext's derivatives markets was back up and running after it suspended derivatives markets and futures indices following problems with market data. Twitter users reported trading was functioning normally, after the European exchanges operator was forced to restart its entire UTP Derivatives platform. #Euronext #Derivatives #Markets is now functioning normally. — Jac (@DiversifiedTF) October [...]