Chris Skinner's blog

Shaping the future of finance

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Things worth reading: 30th June 2017

Things we’re reading today include … 20 years on FCA links up with US regulators in car loans probe UK remains Europe’s top destination for foreign investment in financial services Haldane: UK pay has flatlined Bitcoin accepted at New York pre-school The complicated failure of two Italian lenders Kenya launches the world’s first mobile-only sovereign…

Things worth reading: 23rd June 2017

Things we’re reading today include … House Democrats challenge Deutsche Bank over review of Trump’s accounts Luxembourg’s politicians pin economic hopes on fintech drive U.S. regulators, lawmakers support Volcker rule revamp at hearing China’s ICBC says checks of loans by big acquirers are routine Biggest U.S. banks clear first hurdle in Fed’s annual stress tests…

Things worth reading: 7th June 2017

Things we’re reading today include … Fat chance of delaying markets reform, EU watchdog tells City Santander buys struggling Spanish bank Popular for €1 Santander rescues rival Banco Popular from collapse HSBC faces fresh suit alleging forex manipulation RBS spends £1bn battling its own shareholders over rights issue RBS shareholders to agree to £200m settlement over…

The future business model is clear

For many years, I’ve been using Michael Treacy’s The Discipline of Market Leaders to talk about the business model of banking.  The book claims that all companies are comprised of three major components: a manufacturer, a processor and a retailer.  The book claims that most companies are only good at one of these things, and few…

Should I buy some bitcoin now?

I’m being asked this a lot as the value of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have increased ten-fold in the past few weeks.  Good for those who have some.  Bemusing for those who don’t.  There are a range of factors driving the rise in cryptocurrency prices, particularly the craze for Initial Coin Offering (ICOs).  An ICO…

We need some education (but no thought control)

I often think we need a reality check when it comes to digital finance.  Many of the pundit analysts and influencers out there believe no one needs a branch visit and that everything can be done remotely on devices.  I don’t.  I’ve mentioned this many times and, psychologically, customers need the reassurance that they can…

The challenge of being a challenger bank

I recently met a start-up bank.  They were depressed.  Having submitted their third proposal for the bank, the regulator was still pushing back.  This felt familiar.   Having seen so many new start-up banks in Britain, I was familiar with the start-up process.  It involves hellishly detailed documentation showing effective plans, governance and funding.  The first…

This Town is coming like a Ghost Town

I grew up in an era of Ska music with the Specials, Madness and The Selector being regulars on the University circuit.  One song that brought back memories of this era played on the radio the other day: Ghost Town. The main line repeated throughout the song is This town … is coming like a…

Things worth reading: 8th May 2017

Things we’re reading today include … Is your money safe? Why are analysts so bullish on Lloyds Banking Group plc? Australia to hold new inquiry into ‘Big Four’ banks Goldman Sachs wins largest concessions on Volcker rule Upstart challenger banks eye consolidation Debit card control lets you ‘turn off’ card to beat scams Rich List…