BoE cuts rates to 4% as growth falters and inflation picture shifts
by Ben Poole
In a closely split decision, the BoE made its third rate cut in the past 12 months.
Best Practices & Benchmarking
Background
There is no such thing as general Best Practice, only Good Practices that might be worth using as an indicator of possible practices in your department. Similarly, Benchmarks are not absolute truths.…
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Global growth divides as Eurozone steadies, UK cools and US powers ahead
by Ben Poole
The latest Flash Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) surveys show how trade policy shifts and cost pressures are influencing business conditions.
Tariff turbulence triggers cash flow strain and supply chain risk
by Ben Poole
US businesses are facing rising costs, late supplier payments and a growing risk of fraud as they scramble to manage the fallout from trade tariffs.
How tokenisation is rewriting the fund model
by Ben Poole
New research shows how tokenisation cuts fund costs, reduces errors, and accelerates launches by overhauling back-office infrastructure.
Treasury teams double down on cash, risk and AI amid mounting volatility
by Ben Poole
Global headwinds are forcing finance teams to focus on real-time insights, risk resilience and operational agility.
Flickers of resilience emerge in global PMI data despite patchy progress
by Ben Poole
Global business activity showed faint signs of recovery in June, with the eurozone, UK and US all reporting growth.
Global trade disruption forces UK CEOs to re-evaluate investment strategies
by Ben Poole
UK CEOs are adjusting their strategic investment plans as geopolitical, macroeconomic and trade uncertainties continue to disrupt global markets.
Tech vs turbulence: how finance leaders are rewriting the playbook
by Ben Poole
Finance leaders are tightening their grip on cash while doubling down on technology investments.
UK CFOs turn defensive as geopolitical risks and cost pressures mount
by Ben Poole
Finance leaders at the UK’s largest businesses have entered 2025 with a markedly defensive outlook.
Finance leaders turn to automation as cash flow pressures mount
by Ben Poole
Finance professionals are adopting AI and automation at increasing scale to overcome liquidity constraints and operational complexities.
CFOs facing AI productivity paradox
by Ben Poole
Despite AI's promise for enhancing efficiency, many organisations struggle to turn investments into material improvements in worker productivity.
Finance leaders embracing AI-generated data for key business decisions
by Ben Poole
AI-generated data has become the single most important tool in financial leaders’ decision-making process.
Finance leaders should temper expectations around GenAI - Gartner
by Ben Poole
GenAI hype could lead to a period of disillusionment with various technologies in this space.
China surprises with interest rate cut – Industry roundup 23 July
by Graham Buck
China to raise retirement age; ANZ launches real-time payments; Singapore commits US$74m for AI in finance; Bank of Canada expected to cut rates
Next industrial revolution underway, says Nvidia – Industry roundup: 23 May
by Graham Buck
BNP Paribas steps up decarbonisation drive; Yellen urges tougher Russia sanctions; World Bank first with CHF digital bond; Qatar US$2.5bn green bond
US restaurant chain Red Lobster joins retail casualties – Industry roundup: 21 May
by Graham Buck
China tariffs threat to EU wine exports; Microsoft tells suppliers to go green; Japan investors await rate hikes; SocGen invests in energy transition
Riksbank is ahead of the ECB with interest rate cut – Industry roundup: 9 May
by Graham Buck
South Africa's post-election prospects; Global debt load at record US$315 trillion; CEOs prioritise sustainability; Argentina adds 10,000 peso notes
US Treasury prepares to strengthen bond market – Industry roundup: 25 April
by Graham Buck
EU bans goods linked to forced labour; Firms sceptical on demise of cash; Growing demand for active ETFs; Bank of Japan discusses yen's weakness
Supply chain shocks “impact emerging nations more” – Industry roundup: 23 April
by Graham Buck
Cash flow crunch for Australian SMEs; Italy prepared for EU budget rules; India's farmers get e-rupee payments; New Zealand consults on CBDCs
Europe’s banks complain about ESG demands – Industry roundup: 9 April
by Graham Buck
TSMC lifts US investment to US$65bn; IFC and DBS aim to boost trade flows; China launches tech funding programme; Grocery giants form investment fund
Swift plans new CBDC platform by 2026 – Industry roundup: 26 March
by Graham Buck
China woos foreign investors; Boardroom reshuffle at Boeing; Bombardier raises US$750m via junk bond; More central banks shift rate policy
Deloitte restructures amid dealmaking drought – Industry roundup: 19 March
by Graham Buck
Japan agrees first rate hike since 2007; Unilever loses taste for ice cream; M&S plans new deal with HSBC; EU progresses on supply chain law
India’s economic boom echoes 2003-07, says Morgan Stanley – Industry roundup: 14 March
by Graham Buck
Japan's unions win major pay hikes; Swift to assist Bangladesh central bank; Israel plans for shekel CBDC; €240m funding for sustainability in Africa
US bank secures US$1 billion rescue deal – Industry roundup: 7 March
by Graham Buck
China's foreign trade rebounds; EU to water down supply chain law; UK's Nationwide to acquire Virgin Money; South Africa records 0.6% growth in 2023