BPI Asset Advisory was instructed to oversee the multi-site disposal of assets belonging to Subscan UDS Limited on behalf of FRP Advisory and several major finance houses. The brief, resulting from the company entering administration, involved the sale of a substantial range of drainage and surveying vehicles, plant machinery, and workshop equipment—amounting to a total of 467 lots. The sale achieved a hammer price exceeding £1.4 million, underscoring BPI’s established expertise in delivering complex, multi-vendor disposals with both efficiency and precision. Comprehensive Scope and Rapid Response The instruction covered a wide array of assets, including high-spec vehicles and specialist equipment…
Author: News Team
According to the World Health Organization, almost half of the global population experiences oral and dental health issues. Dr Wonder Clinic warns that these problems can affect emotional stability, confidence, and social interactions as much as they affect physical health. Speaking on the subject, Erhan Ceylan from Dr Wonder Clinic said: “As a clinic, we aim not only to provide solutions for existing problems but also to raise awareness about preventive oral and dental health measures. Preventive and regular dental care can significantly reduce the risk of disease, improve treatment success rates, and help people maintain healthy smiles for a…
Bitpanda, Europe’s foremost cryptoasset platform, has entered the UK market, providing local investors with access to more than 600 cryptoassets — the most extensive offering currently available in the country. With a user base exceeding 7 million across Europe and holding multiple regulatory licences outside the UK, Bitpanda is regarded as one of the continent’s most secure and reputable cryptoasset platforms. Now open to UK customers, it delivers a tailored experience supported by institutional-grade infrastructure, enabling trading in a vast selection of assets ranging from flagship cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum to an array of emerging tokens and stablecoins. Users…
TOI Commodities SA has secured enhanced financing to further strengthen agricultural trade in the Danube region, surpassing initial expectations. The company is delighted to confirm the successful execution of the Facility Agreement for the refinancing and enlargement of its Borrowing Base Facility (BBF), effective 1 July 2025. The Facility has grown from USD 182.5 million to USD 295 million — an increase of 78% — which includes a $30 million commitment scheduled to join at a later stage. Key transaction details: Total committed Borrowing Base Facility: USD 295 million (with plans to expand to USD 325 million)Facility structure: Two tranches…
Close Brothers Invoice Finance has introduced a dedicated new team, ‘Scale Up’, aimed at providing tailored support to start-ups and smaller SMEs. The initiative will offer facilities of up to £350,000, along with prepayments of up to 100%, enabling businesses to maximise liquidity from their very first day. Through this service, companies will also gain access to the funder’s IDeal platform, which facilitates the transfer of the cash value of newly raised invoices directly into customers’ bank accounts as soon as they are issued. Larger deals will continue to be supported by the Commercial team for facilities from £350k–£3m, while…
Luceco, a market leader in the design and manufacture of residential and commercial electrification solutions, has secured £25 million in funding from AIB. The investment forms part of an expanded syndicated multicurrency revolving credit facility (RCF), which has been increased from £80 million to £120 million, providing greater balance sheet flexibility in line with Luceco’s capital allocation strategy. The funding underscores AIB’s commitment to backing high-growth businesses with a strong focus on sustainability. It will enable Luceco, headquartered in London, to advance its innovation pipeline, broaden its product portfolio, and pursue strategic acquisitions. The company also plans to accelerate the…
New research from GetAgent.co.uk reveals that the UK property market is enjoying its strongest spell since 2022, with both mortgage approvals and housing transactions hitting their highest average monthly figures in the past three years. The analysis, based on data from HMRC and the Bank of England, examined residential property transactions and mortgage approvals recorded so far in 2025. By comparing average monthly figures between January and June this year with the same period in previous years, GetAgent assessed the market’s current performance trajectory. The research shows that a total of 623,500 property transactions have taken place across the UK…
Clear Junction, a leading provider of global payment and banking infrastructure for regulated institutions, has introduced a new on-chain stablecoin transfer service as part of the rapid expansion of its digital assets division. This innovative solution enables clients to send, receive, and convert stablecoins—initially supporting USDC (Circle) and USDT (Tether)—across Ethereum, Solana, and Tron networks. This development marks a significant step in bridging the gap between traditional financial systems and the dynamic world of blockchain-based finance. By facilitating seamless on-chain transactions, the solution caters to the needs of institutions seeking efficient, compliant access to digital assets. As the first in…
• Mortgages are designed for people from the African diaspora and other foreign nationals in the UK who struggle to get home loans• Products could support any borrower struggling to get a mortgage because of their circumstances such as the self-employed A newly launched bank aimed at addressing the needs of underserved communities—including individuals from the African diaspora and foreign nationals living in the UK—has been granted full authorisation by both the PRA and the FCA to begin operating. Afin Bank is entering the market with a mission to improve access to home financing for those who have traditionally faced…
Chetwood Bank has confirmed the appointment of Rob Pomphrett as its newest non-executive director (NED), bringing a wealth of experience to the Board. With a career spanning more than three decades in the banking and financial markets industry, Rob has developed deep expertise in trading risk management and has led global teams across a broad range of areas including credit, interest rate products, government bonds, and structured finance. Rob’s impressive track record includes nearly 20 years at the Royal Bank of Canada, one of the world’s top ten banks, where he held several senior leadership roles, including Global Head of…
HSBC has announced the appointment of Simon Russell as its new European Head of the Institutional Client Group (ICG), with the role taking effect from October 2025. In this leadership position, Simon will be responsible for shaping and executing an integrated service strategy for HSBC’s ICG client base across Europe. His remit will span a diverse range of institutional clients, including financial institutions, sponsors, the public sector, asset managers, hedge funds, and insurers. Operating out of London, Simon will report directly to Danielle Johnson, Global Head of ICG, who is based in New York. He joins from Standard Chartered where…
Aspray is proud to announce it has been shortlisted as a finalist in the esteemed 2025 BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards, competing in the highly regarded Franchise Support category. Headquartered in Lancashire, Aspray specialises in handling property damage insurance claims on behalf of policyholders throughout the UK. Since introducing its franchise model in 2005, the company has expanded its network to 45 franchisees nationwide. The BFA (British Franchise Association), established in 1977, is the UK’s foremost franchising authority. It champions ethical franchising practices and excellence in the sector, supporting both businesses and individuals through accreditation, education, and expert insight.…
Thanks to the substantial and continued advances in technology, modern consumers don’t have to do as much waiting as people have in the past. Not for a coffee order, a video to load, or a bank transaction to process. Thanks to the likes of Amazon, Netflix, and Uber, expectations for speed, personalization, and convenience have been permanently recalibrated. And now? Those expectations are knocking—loudly—on the doors of the banking industry. In this hyper-digital world, people want their finances to move as fast as their lives. It’s no longer enough for banks to be reliable; they must also be responsive, intuitive,…
Specialist mortgage lender Pepper Money has enhanced its residential lending criteria by accepting income from UK visa holders on applications up to 75% LTV, providing broader access to its comprehensive range of residential mortgage products where at least one applicant holds permanent right to reside. Renowned for delivering fair lending solutions to customers with non-standard financial backgrounds, Pepper Money will now include income from UK visa holders across all residential purchase and remortgage products. This move reinforces the lender’s ongoing commitment to making homeownership more inclusive and accessible. To qualify, visa holders must demonstrate a minimum of two years’ employment…
Altery is currently working closely with the DFSA to operationalise the licence, ensuring all compliance, operational and technical components are aligned for a smooth go-to-market rollout. The granting of the DFSA licence represents a strategic milestone, affirming its adherence to international financial standards and its commitment to delivering secure, innovative solutions within a trusted regulatory framework. UK-based fintech startup Altery Ltd has announced that its subsidiary, Altery MENA Ltd, has received a regulatory licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). This licence allows the company to facilitate local currency transactions (AED/GCC) within the UAE, marking a significant milestone in…
As financial services increasingly shift toward digital channels, one concept has become central to customer retention and satisfaction: personalization. In an environment where convenience is no longer a differentiator but a baseline expectation, leading digital banks are turning to tailored experiences to meet users’ unique financial needs. Black Banx, a global digital banking platform, is setting a benchmark in this domain by offering highly customizable and inclusive services that redefine what personalization means in the context of global finance. The Role of Personalization in Digital Banking Modern banking customers demand services that adapt to their lifestyles, not the other way…
HMRC has reported £1.5 billion in Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts for April–May 2025, up £98 million year-on-year. Over the past 12 months, IHT revenue reached £8.35 billion—an increase from £7.68 billion the year prior. The continued rise reflects growing estate values and frozen thresholds amid inflation. Charlotte de Vries, director at EXE Capital Management, the Exeter-based wealth planning firm, said: “We shouldn’t be surprised that Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts keep rising. Freezes on thresholds over the past few years together with decades of house price rises have brought more and more estates into the tax band. The HMRC’s inheritance tax…
Meta’s $15B investment in Scale AI marks a pivotal shift in its AI strategy—and global tech positioning. On Bloomberg Live, Alina Timofeeva explored how Meta, unlike its Big Tech rivals, lacks a cloud arm and is now leaning into infrastructure via Scale AI’s vast structured datasets. This move aims to boost AI reliability in sensitive domains such as military and regulated sectors. Rather than building alone, Meta is leveraging Scale AI’s capabilities to accelerate safe and powerful AI deployments across its ecosystem. The emerging “Defense Llama” initiative signals Meta’s pivot toward national security, potentially to gain favor with regulators. But…
Looking ahead, 2025 marks a pivotal year for the Paysend Enterprise, as the company forges new partnerships and delivers tailored solutions for institutions requiring speed, scale, and reliability. A key milestone includes the recent enablement of real-time messaging and settlement to Mexico via the Open Payment Network (OPN), allowing Enterprise clients to move funds instantly. This capability will soon be extended to other high-priority markets around the world. Among the upcoming innovations is Instant Settlement Accounts, a solution designed to address the $400 billion challenge of trapped liquidity. By giving institutions greater visibility and the freedom to move money instantly…
As a principal member of VISA, Altery is introducing business cards for the first time, expanding its offering to better serve digital-first, globally active businesses. Companies will be able to issue and manage cards through the Altery portal or automate processes via Altery’s API solutions. For individuals, it means more access and less delays. «Becoming a principal member of VISA gives us the flexibility to build and manage card products directly. It’s a major step in shaping the kind of infrastructure that supports scale, speed, and a better customer experience. From multi-currency support to smarter spend controls, this opens up…
Boodil, an innovative payments fintech, has partnered with Aquilium Travel, a leading luxury travel agency in Cheshire known for its bespoke experiences. This partnership represents a major step forward in Boodil’s goal to revolutionize payment processing within the travel sector through its cutting-edge open banking platform. Launched last year, Boodil’s travel payments platform is tailored to the specific needs of travel merchants, offering a secure, cost-efficient, and seamless alternative to traditional card payments by harnessing Open Banking technology. Having already partnered with major industry players like The Advantage Travel Partnership and more than 150 travel companies, Boodil’s collaboration with Aquilium…
Press Ganey Forsta, a top provider of experience measurement, data analytics, and insights, has announced the acquisition of InMoment, a leading customer experience technology firm known for its expertise in AI, natural language processing, and cross-industry solutions. United by their mission to help organizations improve experiences and outcomes, the combined company will offer cutting-edge experience technology that integrates employee, customer, and operational data to transform insights into actionable results. “In today’s competitive landscape, understanding customer sentiment and experience is one of the most powerful levers organizations have to build loyalty, earn trust, and drive growth,” said Patrick T. Ryan, Chairman…
The Urban Splash Residential Fund (USRF), advised by SURE Capital Partners LLP, has secured a new £50 million revolving credit facility (RCF) with Barclays. This replaces the previous £20 million facility agreed in 2023. The upgraded funding will enable USRF to expand its acquisition strategy as it continues building a large-scale portfolio of rental homes in key UK cities. This announcement follows USRF’s £200m agreement with sustainable single-family housing developer Citu in December, establishing a strategic partnership under a MoU for an initial 600 homes. Fund Manager Akeel Malik commented: “We are delighted to continue our recent growth, building on…
Finastra, a global financial software provider, and Apax Partners LLP have agreed that Finastra will sell its Treasury and Capital Markets (TCM) business unit to an Apax affiliate. After the deal closes, TCM will become a standalone company under new branding. With a client base of over 340 financial institutions, TCM is a trusted enabler of risk management, regulatory compliance, and capital markets operations. Its suite of software products – most notably Kondor, Summit, and Opics – supports front-to-back trade lifecycle management, risk, compliance, and operations. Built on decades of intellectual property and long-standing client relationships, TCM is deeply embedded…
Property finance specialist MSP Capital has secured a landmark £350 million funding facility with support from J.P. Morgan and Pollen Street Capital. The facility is aimed at accelerating MSP’s growth in the development and bridging finance sectors, empowering the firm to deliver more flexible and wide-ranging funding solutions to property developers focused on housing projects. The facility includes a senior-secured line from J.P. Morgan and will play a key role in expanding MSP’s support for UK real estate development. This, alongside the firm’s retained funding lines, with Pollen Street Capital and Shawbrook Bank, provides MSP Capital an increased total funding…
In a year characterized by regulatory uncertainty and geopolitical challenges, global Sustainable, Social, and Sustainability-Linked (GSS) bond issuances declined 25% year-over-year. US GSS bond issuance dropped to its lowest first-quarter level since 2017. Despite this slowdown, green bonds remain the foundation of sustainable finance, according to the latest GSS Bonds Market Trends Report by MainStreet Partners. Even amid shrinking volumes worldwide, green bonds continue to offer investors transparency, measurable impact, and strong regulatory alignment. Middle East and Asian Grow, Europe Stays Strong In recent years, the GSS Bond market in the Middle East has seen a significant increase in issuance,…
German expense management leader Circula has raised €15 million in a funding round backed by existing investors and strategic lender CIBC Innovation Banking. With a customer base of around 3,000 companies—including Aston Martin, DATEV, and Securitas—Circula continues to gain momentum in the mid-sized and enterprise space. Returning investors Capnamic Ventures, Alstin Capital, Peak, and Storm Ventures reaffirmed their support by increasing their commitments. This investment will accelerate the company’s path to solidify its position as the market leader in expense management. With a strong focus on advancing AI capabilities, Circula has been enhancing its product to reduce manual workload by…
Exol Lubricants has received the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category, one of the UK’s most esteemed business honours. The award highlights Exol’s exceptional international growth, driven by strategic planning, superior product quality, and a strong focus on customer service excellence. Exol is one of 197 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. With export markets spanning more than 45 countries, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, Exol has established itself as a trusted global supplier of high-performance lubricants for automotive, industrial, agricultural, off-highway and commercial applications for over…
Chetwood Bank has announced it has exceeded £4 billion in total customer deposits across its savings products and through its distribution partners. This significant milestone highlights the bank’s rapid growth and strong position as a challenger bank in the UK’s financial sector. Chetwood’s continued success reflects its strategy of offering competitive, dependable savings solutions tailored to the needs of modern savers. The bank remains focused on expanding its footprint and reinforcing its commitment to delivering value across its product range. The £4 billion figure, totalled from Chetwood Bank deposits, deposits to the bank’s SmartSave product and flows from distribution partners,…
Arbra Partners, the global asset management and wealth advisory firm, has launched its first High Conviction Private Markets Basket — a curated portfolio of high-growth private technology companies including SpaceX, Varda, and Ramp. Designed around Arbra’s proprietary investment thesis, the Basket targets breakthrough innovations and transformative tech trends expected to define the global economy of the future. Each investment undergoes rigorous due diligence, offering clients access to a diversified pool of tomorrow’s most impactful private market opportunities. The strategy is anchored in Arbra’s belief in core technology sectors — such as aerospace, AI, fintech, and next-gen manufacturing — that it…
Breathe Battery Technologies, a frontrunner in physics-driven battery software, has closed a $21 million Series B funding round. With this investment, Breathe is significantly broadening its offerings—transitioning from a singular embedded software solution to a robust suite that includes battery simulation tools, embedded systems, and end-to-end services. This expansion aims to support every stage of the battery development cycle and solidify Breathe’s role as a full-spectrum partner in energy innovation. The round brings in new investor Kinnevik AB, with continued backing from Lowercarbon Capital and Volvo Cars Tech Fund. The funding will accelerate Breathe’s growth, expand its physics-based battery software…
Birkett Long has announced the continued growth of its Commercial and Corporate Finance Team, now led by Tim Field, Head of Commercial. The team is enhancing its commitment to delivering bespoke legal solutions for clients ranging from entrepreneurs to global enterprises. Further strengthening the department, the firm has welcomed solicitors Dominic Lees and Sian Walker. Their combined experience boosts Birkett Long’s expertise in areas including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, private equity, and commercial transactions. Introduction of New Team Members Dominic Lees specialises in mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, company reorganisations, joint ventures, and private equity investments. His expertise ensures…
With the global race for critical raw materials intensifying, this year’s World Circular Economy Forum is focused on highlighting circular solutions that reduce reliance on virgin resources. The event will spotlight how innovation in circular practices can support economic growth, promote environmental sustainability, and accelerate the global green transition. Thousands of experts and policymakers will attend to share strategies and best practices. “Adopting circular economy models can reduce dependency on finite resources and help avoid the exploitation risks tied to resource colonialism,” said Kari Herlevi, Director of the Circular Economy Programme at Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund and the forum’s…
South-West London property developer Harepath has seen impressive growth over the past three years, supported by a strong partnership with Cynergy Bank. Since April 2022, Cynergy Bank has played a key role in Harepath’s expansion, providing over £20 million in funding. The latest milestone in their collaboration came in February with a £7.5 million deal, led by Mitesh Hathi and Kathryn Lillis. This continued financial backing reflects the strength of the relationship and Harepath’s growing presence in the regional property development space. The funding provided by Cynergy Bank has played an important role in allowing Harepath to improve on its…
Allianz Global Investors (AllianzGI), a leading global active investment manager, has announced its decision to vote against three items at Stellantis’ upcoming Annual General Meeting on April 15. These include item 2c, which concerns Stellantis’ remuneration report, and items 3a and 3f, related to the re-election of two Non-Executive Directors who are members of the Remuneration Committee. The remuneration report of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has faced notable dissent since the Fiat Chrysler and PSA merger, with opposition votes of 44% in 2021, 52% in 2022, 48% in 2023, and 30% in 2024.[1AllianzGI has consistently voted against the report, citing…
As the UK’s premier insurance industry gathering, the BIBA Conference stands as a key hub for networking, collaboration, and sharing market insights. Aspray’s participation at this high-profile event underscores its position as a leading name in property claims management and reaffirms its commitment to supporting insurance brokers across the country. Aspray specialises in supporting policyholders through successful building insurance claims. The company offers a comprehensive, end-to-end service that includes damage assessment, negotiations with insurers, and overseeing the repair work. With a dedicated network of skilled contractors, Aspray ensures that repairs are carried out to the highest standards, delivering quality results…
Doner Shack is continuing its expansion in Scotland with a new multi-unit franchise deal in Glasgow. Entrepreneur Abrar Khaliq has secured a three-site agreement, introducing the brand’s Berlin-inspired kebabs to one of the UK’s most vibrant food markets. This development marks a significant step forward in Doner Shack’s nationwide growth strategy. “Even though Doner Shack is now growing across four continents, there’s something deeply personal about expanding here in Glasgow. It’s our home city, where so much of our journey began, and seeing the brand grow locally means a lot. Abrar understands what we’re about which is great food, high…
XConnect, a Somos Company and leader in numbering intelligence solutions, has acquired the business of Sekura.id, a global provider of mobile identity, authentication, and fraud prevention services. This acquisition combines XConnect’s trusted expertise in telephone number intelligence with Sekura.id’s cutting-edge innovations in mobile ID verification and authentication, strengthening their position in the growing digital identity and fraud prevention market. Sekura.id’s seamless provision of mobile subscriber information will enhance XConnect’s portfolio of risk and identity services with APIs such as Know Your Customer (KYC), Number Verify and the growing list of authentication APIs being offered by MNOs. The acquisition provides Sekura.id with deeper levels of resources…
PXP, a leading global omnichannel payment platform, has entered a strategic partnership with PayXpert Ltd., a prominent provider of omnichannel payment solutions for both online and in-store transactions. This collaboration will empower UK merchants to accept QR-based payments, including Alipay+ and WeChat Pay—two of the most widely used mobile payment platforms among Chinese consumers. The partnership enhances payment flexibility for international shoppers, boosting accessibility and customer experience, especially for visitors from China. Simon Brayshaw, VP Solutions Ecosystem & Innovation of PXP, commented: “This partnership enables UK merchants to instantly tap into the £30 billion Chinese tourist market through familiar payment methods…
Key stakeholders from businesses, training providers, local authorities, and educators gathered at Kingston College this week to support the South London Employment and Skills Charter. Spearheaded by the South London Skills and Employment Alliance, the Charter amplifies the voice of businesses in shaping the future workforce. By signing the agreement, attendees demonstrated a unified commitment to aligning skills training with industry demands. A call to action for South London’s workforce Sarah Ireland, Chief Executive, Royal Borough Kingston upon Thames, emphasised the importance of collaboration: “It’s vitally important that we invest in the skills, talent and employment opportunities in South London.…