Baillie Gifford China Growth Trust outperformed its benchmark in the first half of the year, despite falling in absolute terms, as its increasingly concentrated exposure to China's technology sector helped offset weakness elsewhere in the economy. The trust fell 0.9% on a net asset value (NAV) total
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FinTech Scotland has partnered with Tesco Insurance & Money Services to accelerate innovation and collaboration across Scotland’s growing fintech ecosystem. The cluster management organisation said the collaboration with Tesco Insurance will connect the business with leading innovators to
Former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane has warned Prime Minister Andy Burnham that his government's "Achilles' heel" is its inability to cut public spending. Mr Haldane, who advised Mr Burnham before he returned to Westminster, claimed the markets believed he is presiding over a "tradit
Caledonian Holdings has completed the launch of its multi-currency business current account, including a Mastercard world business debit card through its subsidiary Aspire Commerce Group. The AIM quoted investment company said the launch represents a commercial milestone for the company following it
Standard Life expects £800 million in ‘net synergies’ from its £2 billion acquisition of Aegon UK which will be complete by the end of the year. This is likely to be achieved by savings and adding value and noted it was poised for a “step-change” in strengthening
John Swinney has promised to advance the Scottish Government's £1.5 billion bond plans, nicknamed 'kilts', to help attract new investment into Scotland, as he unveiled his programme for government. The First Minister pledged to "deliver the investment needed to achieve Scotland’s economi
Aegon Asset Management has launched a new strategy aimed at providing a steady source of income with the potential for capital growth for investors. The Aegon Financial Credit Opportunities Fund will invest in capital securities from global banks and financial institutions. It will be managed by inv
Standard Life has launched a strategic pension risk transfer (PRT) partnership to target the large UK defined benefit schemes, backed by up to £2bn in capital commitments over the next five years. The transaction is structured with a consortium led by private equity firm CVC Capital Partners a
Royal London’s assets under management (AUM) have risen to a record £212 billion in the first half of 2026. The half-year report from the life and pensions firm shows the figure is up £13bn from the end of the last financial year.
Rathbones, the wealth manager, has reported funds under management and administration have grown by 11% to £121 billion in the first half of 2026. The increase comes in the face of a “demanding” six months, according to the firm, which saw net outflows for the period sit at £
New figures showing Britain's millionaire population has fallen to its lowest level since the 2008 financial crisis are much more than a London story, with the real cost being felt far beyond the capital and beyond the wealthy individuals themselves, according to Multrees Investor Services. Multrees
Over two thirds (68%) of private business owners in Scotland are confident in delivering growth in the second half of 2026, according to KPMG. At the start of 2026, KPMG's annual Private Enterprise Barometer surveyed 1,500 privately owned businesses across the UK, including 119 in Scotland, spanning
Another strong year of deal making has seen Edinburgh-based Shepherd and Wedderburn report a 6% rise in turnover to £83.1 million for the year ended 30 April, its ninth consecutive year of growth. Net profit improved by 2% to £36.7m, following the 20% increase in the previous financial y
A new British business investment visa (BBIV) aimed at high net worth individuals could add £900 million to the UK economy each year. Under proposals revealed today by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), applicants would invest £5 million over the lifetime of the visa made u
Deloitte in Scotland has announced a series of internal promotions with partners appointed in its Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen offices. Hayley Strachan has stepped up into the role in Aberdeen, alongside Ben Hacking in Glasgow and Joe Scott in the capital – all three having joined the firm
