News

Twelve of Scotland’s leading accountancy students have been named recipients of the 2026 Charles Scott Prize by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS).   The prestigious annual prize recognises exceptional academic performance and potential in accountancy, with eac

HSBC posted a 23% surge in pre-tax profits for the first half to $19.5 billion (2025: $15.8bn), driven by higher net interest income and increased fee income, particularly from its wealth management and banking services. The increase was partly offset by higher than expected credit losses and operat

Transaction reporting requirements become smarter, simpler and more proportionate under new rules from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Bank unions are warning staff at Santander and TSB to prepare for job cuts following the Spanish group’s £2.65 billion acquisition of the former savings bank. Consultation is underway as management plans to remove duplicate roles among the 23,000 combined staff to save £400 million

Orkney-based accountancy and advisory firm CRC is expanding to the mainland with the acquisition of Aberdeenshire’s BBKS & Co. The Banchory practice has been owned for four decades by its founder Louise Birse who is retiring.

Aon, the global professional services firm, has bolstered its commercial risk business in Scotland with the appointment of Andy Hall, the former Barclays head of corporate banking for central Scotland, to the role of ambassador. With more than 30 years’ experience in senior banking roles, Mr H

Accountants and business advisors CT has announced that Michael Jamieson, from its personal tax team, has been promoted to partner.  Mr Jamieson joined the Edinburgh firm a year ago as a director, bringing 16 years of in-depth experience as a personal tax adviser and compliance specialist. 

The number of UK businesses entering insolvency-related processes fell in the second quarter of 2026 but a decline in new company registrations suggests business confidence remains subdued.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a package of reforms designed to improve transparency, strengthen access to market-wide information and support confidence in UK equity markets.

HMRC applied to shut down 4,761 businesses because of unpaid tax debts to the year end 31 March 2025, a 31% increase from 3,625 the previous year. The spike comes amid the tax authority stepping up its efforts to recover billions in outstanding tax liabilities, says the national accountancy group UH

Rising vehicle repair costs have increased the average motor insurance claim pay out to nearly £5000 in the second quarter of this year. The latest statistics from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) show that figure has jumped 4% on Q1 to sit at £4900.

NatWest, trading north of the border as Royal Bank of Scotland, has raised its guidance following a strong first-half performance. Operating profit before tax came in at £4.3 billion, from £3.6bn last time, while attributable profit rose to £3bn against £2.5bn for the first h

The Bank of England has held the cost of borrowing at 3.75% as it hardens its position on the impact of hostilities on the economy. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted 6-3 to leave rates unchanged, with more members voting for an increase. Last month the vote was 7-2. 

Lloyds Banking Group has reported a 23% rise in statutory half-year profit before tax to £4.3 billion as it benefited from higher total income and controlled costs. The result was above an average analyst forecast of £4.12bn and the bank’s £3.5bn profit in the same period &zw

The British Business Bank has allocated £3.5 million to Edinburgh-based Social Investment Scotland (SIS) to support underserved smaller businesses across several regions. SIS is the 8th Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) lender accredited by the British Business Bank under its Co