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New research highlights a sharp increase in UK investment in the Middle East, with business leaders prioritising the region for expansion. A growing number of UK businesses are setting their sights on the Middle East as a prime investment destination, with interest doubling in recent years. According to a new study by leading advisory firm Pagefield, 36% of UK business leaders now view the region as a key growth hub—up from just 18% previously. Middle East Investment Gains Momentum As UK firms look to diversify, the Middle East has emerged as a high-potential market alongside Asia, where investment interest has…

Atoa has secured FCA Authorised Payment Institution status, enabling it to scale operations and offer regulated payment services across multiple industries. UK-based FinTech firm Atoa has received Authorised Payment Institution (API) approval from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This milestone allows Atoa to expand its payment solutions, reaching larger businesses across the UK. What This Means for Atoa With its new status, Atoa can now offer a broader range of regulated payment services, targeting industries such as hospitality, retail, law, beauty, and automotive. The company’s solutions allow businesses to process payments without relying on card networks, enhancing speed and efficiency.…

The UK FinTech funding sector maintained its position as the second-largest globally in 2024, trailing only the US. However, despite securing $4.9 billion in investments, the industry experienced a five-year funding low, marking a 2% decline from 2023 and a staggering 57% drop from 2022. A Tracxn report attributes this downturn to several factors, including tighter regulations, inflationary pressures, and rising interest rates. The evolving digital asset and payment compliance landscape has also created uncertainty among investors, leading to more cautious funding decisions. FinTech Sector’s 2024 Performance Last year, the fintech sector secured $4.9 billion across 327 funding rounds, which…

The financial sector is facing increasing regulatory scrutiny in 2025, with the Critical Third Parties (CTP) regulation now in effect. Introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), the CTP regime aims to ensure that financial organisations and their key suppliers are equipped to handle digital disruptions and operational risks. Why the CTP Regulation Matters Modern financial institutions rely heavily on a small number of third-party providers to support their services. While these partnerships improve efficiency, they also introduce vulnerabilities. A cyber-attack, power outage, or operational failure within a critical supplier can significantly impact consumers,…

The Bank of England rate cuts may face a pause as rising inflation sparks concerns among policymakers. Despite a recent quarter-point rate cut, the UK’s economic landscape is becoming more uncertain, with higher energy and food costs driving inflationary pressures. According to a Yahoo Finance report, the Bank of England, often known for its unpredictable policy decisions, is now weighing its next move carefully. The decision is complicated by increased employer payroll taxes, which could affect business growth and hiring trends across the country. Inflation and Its Impact on Rate Decisions Recent economic data suggest that inflation is being pushed…

The UK manufacturing output fell by 1.1% in January 2025, following a modest increase of 0.6% in December 2024, according to the latest economic indicators. The sector, which plays a crucial role in the UK’s production industries, continues to face challenges, including declining new orders, weaker client confidence, and rising inflation. Manufacturing’s Role in the UK Economy Manufacturing is a vital part of the UK’s production sector, alongside mining, electricity, water & waste management, and oil & gas extraction. In the final quarter of 2024, manufacturing contributed 8.6% to the UK’s total economic output (gross value added) and 8.0% to…

The UK economic growth rate declined in January 2025, with GDP shrinking by 0.1%, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This unexpected contraction follows a 0.4% growth in December 2024, raising concerns about the economy’s stability. What is GDP and Why Does it Matter? Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the total value of goods and services produced in a country. It reflects the economic activity of businesses, the government, and individuals. The ONS releases monthly GDP updates, but quarterly figures are more significant for understanding long-term trends. A rising GDP generally means higher consumer…

The UK government has announced the abolition of the UK Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) in a move aimed at reducing regulatory complexity and business burdens. The PSR, which was established in 2015 to ensure fair and effective payment systems, will now be merged into the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Why is the PSR Being Abolished? The decision to integrate the UK Payment Systems Regulator into the FCA follows growing concerns from businesses about the complexity of financial regulation. Currently, payment system firms must interact with multiple regulators, which increases operational costs and administrative strain. In a statement released on 11…

Marlow banking hub, a new hub for Marlow residents, following a community request that highlighted the need for better banking services. LINK, the UK’s Cash Access and ATM network, has confirmed that the town in Buckinghamshire has been selected for this initiative, which will offer much-needed financial support to residents and businesses. The decision follows a formal request from Councillor Carol Heap, who recognised the challenges caused by multiple bank closures in recent years. With more people still relying on cash transactions and in-person banking, the hub is expected to provide a significant boost to the community. What is a…

Financial expert Martin Lewis has issued a stark warning to mobile banking users as phone thefts surge across the UK and shared mobile banking security tips. In a recent ITV broadcast, Lewis highlighted the alarming trend of thieves not just stealing devices but also draining victims’ bank accounts within minutes. London alone has seen a 40% rise in phone thefts, with criminals targeting high-value handsets worth up to £1,400. However, the real danger lies in how easily thieves can access banking details once they have a stolen phone. Lewis stressed: “They’re not just after your phone, they want your financial…