Chris Skinner's blog

Shaping the future of finance

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Things worth reading: 27th February 2020

Things we’re reading today include … B-Social raises £7.8m to become a fully licensed bank Swedish fintech Klarna posts first ever annual loss StanChart posts strong results but coronavirus, economic headwinds to hamper profit growth BCR’s £120m handout to Metro bank has turned out to be a colossal waste Lloyds, Virgin and Direct Line to…

Things worth reading: 26th February 2020

Things we’re reading today include … Dimon says ‘door is open’ for more US bank deals FTSE loses another £35bn as coronavirus rattles global markets Wall Street plunges on fears of coronavirus pandemic Barclays attacked by activist investor over CEO’s Epstein links JP Morgan to withdraw support for some fossil fuels Gina Miller demands review…

Things worth reading: 25th February 2020

Things we’re reading today include … UBS releases diversity figures for Americas staff US hedge fund calls for Prudential breakup as it takes near-$2bn stake Barclays/Jes Staley: Europe’s last investment banker British fintech Revolut hits $5.5 billion valuation after funding round Mastercard says coronavirus to hit first-quarter revenue JPMorgan Chase plans to unveil climate initiatives…

Things worth reading: 24th February 2020

Things we’re reading today include … Barclays set to kick off hunt for next chief executive Cruel lottery as banks play blame game over push-payment fraud No global digital tax by end-2020 would mean chaos: France JPMorgan lines up ex-regulator to lead UK digital bank UniCredit CEO Mustier ruled out of HSBC role: source Bank…

The Finanser’s Week: 17th February 2020 – 23rd February 2020

The main blog headlines are … Bank Wars, Episode XX: The Rise of FinTech Over the years, a few people have likened me to the Yoda of banking. Yoda is one of the most likable characters in the Star Wars franchise, but I’m not sure if I like the comparison. Yoda is seriously old, speaks…

Things worth reading: 21st February 2020

Things we’re reading today include … Why Morgan Stanley wants to buy E*Trade HSBC undergoes yet another overhaul. It still may not be enough Lloyds bank boss takes 28% pay cut after annual profits fall Barclays using ‘Big Brother’ tactics to spy on staff, says TUC JP Morgan economists warn of ‘catastrophic’ climate change The…

Things worth reading: 20th February 2020

Things we’re reading today include … Don’t use natwest.co.uk for online banking, Natwest bank tells baffled customer LendingClub stock down after buying a bank The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) appoints FinTech Heads in Singapore and Switzerland. Digital currency offers nothing new to banks, says Bank of Finland economist New polymer £20 featuring painter Turner…

Things worth reading: 19th February 2020

Things we’re reading today include … HSBC to slash investment bank, 35,000 jobs in strategy overhaul What’s gone wrong at HSBC? The humbling of Goldman Sachs Regular savers tempted with cash prizes UK climbs ranking of tax havens, campaign group warns UK’s cash system ‘will collapse without new laws’

Things worth reading: 18th February 2020

Things we’re reading today include … What will bank branches look like in the future? HSBC sees annual profit slump by 33% Mifid II review aims to boost euro trading in commodities HSBC sets new cost cutting, earnings targets after 2019 profit falls 33% Brexit: France warns UK of bitter trade negotiations NS&I announce interest…

Things worth reading: 17th February 2020

Things we’re reading today include …. China disinfects banknotes and quarantines them for 14 days Brexit: Britain and EU ‘will rip each other apart’ in trade talks Former Morgan Stanley president slams Europe’s capital markets Climate change could make premiums unaffordable: QBE Insurance UK digital bank Monzo plans to hire 500 and relaunch paid accounts…