Article Abstract:
Don Cruickshank has reported on the British banking industry, and banks are relieved that tough action is not planned on personal banking. New internet banks are seen as providing sufficient competition for the government not to have to intervene. Cruickshank is, however, concerned about bank lending to small firms, and he argues that there is a need for more competition in this market. Small business banking has been referred to the Competition Commission. Small business lending involves risks, and there may be few changes recommended.
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Article Abstract:
A dispute between Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS) and BK Vision is benefiting law firms but not the shareholders of UBS. The Swiss authorities are also investigating dealing in the bank's shares before an important shareholders' meeting. BK Vision argues that there were illegal transactions prior to this vote. UBS should benefit from changing to a simpler share structure in the long term, but the banks' shareholders are being affected in the short term, argues an analyst.
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Article Abstract:
A pensions dispute could affect a parliamentary bill which is geared to allowing Lloyds TSB to make cost savings. The dispute relates to Hill Samuel which TSB acquired in 1987. Hill Samuel's chairman prior to the acquisition, Robert Clark, wants some to the large pension fund surplus of Lloyds TSB to be paid to former staff of Hill Samuel. The parliamentary bill is needed to allow Lloyds TSB to carry out branch closures which will allow savings from the TSB merger with Lloyds.
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