Banking
CreditExpert: 'Koobface' virus
Commenting on the recent ‘Koobface' virus on Facebook, Darryl Bowman Director of CreditExpert.co.uk, said: "Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace are a magnet for identity thieves seeking innovative ways to source credit information from their potential victims.
first direct launches the Little Black Book
first direct has launched the Little Black Book, an online community site exclusively for its customers. The first site of its kind to be offered by a UK bank, it is a unique source of information and personal recommendation, where first direct customers can share their insights into and experiences of the UK's ‘hidden gems'.
Financial crisis triggers surge in bank switching
The financial crisis appears to have overcome the inertia surrounding the current account switching market according to figures by The Co-operative Bank.
Bank interest rate shocker
In January 2008, one third of Brits predicted that at the end of this year, the Bank of England base rate would be 5 per cent or more, yet it stands at just 2 per cent!
East London tops UK fraud hotspots
East London has been unveiled as the region most at risk of ID fraud in the British Isles, according to a new fraud ranking developed by credit reference agency Callcredit. The news comes as a further blow for East London, which only last month was named as the most indebted area in the UK.
Nationwide International Issue 8 Lifetime Guarantee account
Nationwide International Ltd, the offshore subsidiary of Nationwide Building Society, has announced details of its latest issue of the Lifetime Guarantee account.
Natwest and RBS business support initiatives
NatWest and RBS have announce the introduction of a raft of further practical initiatives to give small businesses added peace of mind while trading through the current economic downturn.
Savvy shoppers exchanging foreign currency for sterling at M&S
As the pound continues to fall in strength against foreign currencies, Christmas shoppers have been digging-out their old foreign currency and exchanging for sterling.
HSBC $5 billion global fund to support businesses
HSBC has announced a $5 billion global working capital fund for small and medium-sized businesses to ensure they have access to appropriate credit through the current economic crisis.
Is Sterling set for a winter of discontent?
Commenting on the future of Sterling after yesterday's base rate cut, Stephen Heath, Chief executive of FairFX.com, said: "Yesterday was key for understanding where the Pound is heading. All the key technical indicators show we might see Sterling strengthen against the Dollar.
FSA confirms Cheshire merger with Nationwide Building Society
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has announced that it confirmed the proposed transfer of the engagements of the Cheshire Building Society to the Nationwide Building Society on 4 December.
Lloyds TSB announces multi-brand strategy
Lloyds TSB has announced the main elements of its multi-brand banking strategy once the proposed acquisition of HBOS plc completes in January 2009.
Bank of England decisions used by banks to increase margins
Most banks and building societies have been using Bank of England decisions to reduce interest rates as an excuse to cut credit interest, but they have failed to do likewise with overdraft rates.
Homeowners and small businesses to benefit as Barclays cuts rates
Barclays customers are benefiting from the announcement that the Bank of England base rate will decrease by 1 percentage point.
BoE rate decision leaves sterling likely to continue underperforming
Marc Cogliatti, Currency Strategist at HiFX comments "After intense speculation, the Bank of England slashed interest rates by 1.00% today, bringing the UK base rate to 2.00%, as the Central Bank attempts to prevent Britain falling into a prolonged recession.