Search: financial focus

In a five part series for Scottish Financial News this week, BTO partner Cat MacLean tells the story of an epic legal battle with the Clydesdale Bank. She explains the reality of litigating against a huge opponent with bottomless pockets, the cost and funding of litigation and the need to find

Over £18 billion worth of Russian assets have been frozen as a result of UK sanctions, according to the first official figures. The figures have been published by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) in its first annual review since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which led to

Amid the rising cost of living facing the UK, women are less likely to contact their financial services providers for advice than men according to new research from Deloitte. A survey of over 3,000 UK consumers conducted in August 2022 found that more than three-quarters of women (72%) did not conta

Young Enterprise (YE) Scotland has appointed two young entrepreneurs as its newest ambassadors in its drive to promote enterprise and financial education in Scotland’s schools. Karis Gill, co-founder of Social Stories Club, and Craig Johnstone, the founder of Giglets (a company first conceived

Santander has announced it will start capping bank transfers to crypto exchanges starting this month. Following warnings from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on the risks of investing in cryptoassets, the bank has been gradually taking more steps to reduce the risk to consumers falling prey to

Acumen Financial Planning has been selected as a Citywire New Model Advisor (NMA) Top 100 Firm. Receiving the honour for the sixth consecutive year, the Aberdeenshire based company, which also has offices in Edinburgh, Elgin and Glasgow, received the recognition for making its mark on clients and co

Fife-based home improvements firm CR Smith has reported an increase in profits after tax of 10% for the financial year to December 2021, with turnover exceeding £20.2 million. The accounts lodged for CR Smith Glaziers (Dunfermline) Ltd, the company’s domestic sales business, show that it

Mark Steward has announced he will be stepping down as the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) executive director of enforcement and market oversight after seven years with the regulator. Since joining the FCA in 2015, Mr Steward has led the delivery of some of the FCA’s most complex, hi

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has hardened its stance on bank closure, setting additional expectations for lenders that are considering branch or ATM closures. The guidance, which already expects banks to carry out thorough checks on the impact permanent closures will have on customers, has

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has commenced an investigation in relation to the audit conducted by Mazars LLP of the financial statements of Studio Retail Group plc. The investigation concerns the period ended 26 March 2021, a month after the group was purchased by Mike Ashley's Frasers Grou

Glenfiddich Scotch whisky and Hendrick's Gin owner, William Grant & Sons, has seen a 3% rise in profit in the last financial year. The firm's turnover rose by 12% to £1.4bn, while profits after tax rose to £248m from £240.4m, according to its latest full year report.

Deloitte UK has released its 2022 financial results showing an increase of 21% in distributable operating profit to £711 million, bringing the average UK partner payout to £1.025m this year - inclusive of £105,000 from the sale of a business. The big four firm's revenue for th

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is concerned that as pressure mounts on household budgets some customers may cut-back on the insurance they need, leaving them without protection.

Scottish commercial law firm MacRoberts has posted a 10% rise in turnover in the financial year to 30 April 2022 to £20.6 million. The firm’s profits rose by 17% for the same period. Highlights include an exceptional year from the firm’s credit management specialist Yuill+Kyle, a p

Young Enterprise (YE) Scotland, enterprise and financial education provider, has appointed Emma Soanes as its new chief executive to succeed Geoff Leask. Taking up the post in October, Ms Soanes, who will step down as CEO of Unity, brings 30 years’ knowledge and experience in the thi