Banking giant HSBC has reported a surprise rise in profits but still plans to shed thousands of jobs and exit operations in 20 countries.

Peter Dew has stepped down as chairman of wealth manager Ashcourt Rowan after just over a year in the role.

The UK economy will only grow at a "sluggish" rate this year, according to the CBI.

Danny Alexander, the chief secretary to the Treasury, has ruled out cutting the top rate of tax, after former Tory chancellor Lord Lamont called for tax cuts over the weekend.

The chairman of HM Revenue & Customs(HMRC) has apologised for the treatment of taxpayers after the service was attacked by MPs.

Fidelity's Anthony Bolton has said he expects changes to US listings regulations following concerns over reverse takeovers and admitted market conditions in China have surprised him.

A group of millionaire investors, including insurance entrepreneur Hugh Osmond, have become the third group to submit a bid for the 632 bank branches being sold by Lloyds Banking Group.

Public sector workers will have to pay up to £3,000 a year more into their pensions to keep their "gold-plated" retirement schemes, ministers are set to announce.

George Soros is set to retire from managing money for outside investors after more than 40 years running hedge funds.

This week, more details were published about the new look regulator post the split-up of the FSA.