United Kingdom (UK)
Solvency II for pensions could be ‘killer blow’ for UK schemes
Solvency II for pensions could be ‘killer blow’ for UK schemes
Trade bodies gear up for Solvency II impact studies
Trade bodies gear up for Solvency II impact studies
Investment structure key to attracting pension funds to UK infrastructure plan
Investment structure key to attracting pension funds to UK infrastructure plan
Outlook for UK natural gas
Where to next for the UK nat gas curve?
Mixed opinion over compensation for energy intensive firms
The recently released autumn statement shows compensation will be offered to energy-intensive companies as a result of UK climate policy, but questions remain around the details of the initiative and the level of compensation on offer
Axa IM fixed-income head says euro collapse more inflationary than ECB printing euros
It is difficult to foresee borrowing costs for Italian, Spanish or other troubled debt falling permanently with "anything other than the ECB being used as a lender of the last resort", says Chris Iggo
Eurozone volatility set to affect structured product pricing and payouts in the UK
A surge in implied and realised volatility in the eurozone will significantly impact the pricing of structured products in the UK market, say market participants
Cyber Security Strategy needs regulatory backing, expert says
UK government's Cyber Security Strategy release needs regulatory backing, according to one industry expert
Inflation-linked structured products on the menu for UK investors
UK distributors are capitalising on rising inflation with structured products that offer returns linked to the Retail Prices Index
Tough Middle East sanctions put AML under spotlight
Banks' anti-money-laundering processes will come under scrutiny in the face of tougher sanctions in the Middle East
German CDS spreads level out after weak debt auction spooks markets
Cost of insuring against a German government default remains stable after yesterday’s lacklustre debt auction, but risk perceptions on German banks surge
UK power chiefs call for more clarity on UK’s Electricity Market Reform
With the UK's power sector estimated to need some £200 billion ($317 billion) worth of investment in the next 10-15 years, much is riding on the Electricity Market Reform, which so far lacks detail, say top power executives
Sweden will go beyond Basel III capital rules, says Ingves
Riksbank governor Stefan Ingves says Sweden will follow Switzerland and UK in implementing higher capital adequacy requirements than Basel III for largest banks; details to be released soon
RWE npower: Challenges to UK power sector could provide revenue source for end-users
A potential revenue stream will open up over the next few years for energy-intensive corporations in the UK to sell back-up power to fill supply gaps left by retired plants, says RWE npower
Asset allocation plays 'thin on the ground' as UK market continues to favour FTSE
Amid tougher market conditions and regulatory scrutiny, FTSE-only products remain the norm for UK investors, but adapting to stricter regulations could strengthen structured products’ position as an investment proposition, say market participants
Best in the UK
Best in the UK
The Structured Products Independent Financial Adviser survey
IFAs fight the flak
CDS spreads in holding pattern as row delays eurozone deal
Spreads flat or slightly tighter despite political squabbling over size of EFSF
Morgan Stanley offers inflation-linked income product
Inflation meets the FTSE
European bank spreads decline amid talk of recapitalisation plans
Risk perceptions on European banks fall as Merkel and Sarkozy agree to produce a recapitalisation plan within the month
BoE injects £75 billion to save stalling economy
Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee votes for further round of quantitative easing; increases size of asset purchase programme to £275 billion
ICB report: banks face higher costs, lower ratings
Ring-fence furore
Audio: Hedge funds face funding squeeze under Vickers report recommendation
UK-based hedge fund management companies could have problems accessing working capital if a provision in the ring-fencing chapter of the Independent Commission on Banking (Vickers report) stands
UK’s FPC changes tack on capital requirements
Loosely worded document does not clarify FPC’s demands on banks; new regulatory body asks for more powers in new legislation