Consumer confidence dipped to its lowest level in more than four years during November, a study suggests.

Michael Foot will lead the independent review of British offshore financial centres, announced in the Pre-Budget report.

Abbey International has adjusted interest rates on its limited offer fixed rate contracts, to pay 5% AER.

The Government will take steps to 'strengthen' the UK financial sector to safeguard the economy, though it has played down talk of fining banks over their treatment of customers.

The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) says even a 1% cut in interest rates this week will not be enough to get the market back on its feet.

Financial services firms are backing a 'strong push' towards compulsory continuing professional development (CPD), as supported in the RDR.

Michael Foot, currently chairman of the UK office of Promontory Financial Group will lead the independent review of British offshore financial centres, announced in the Pre-Budget report.

Bank of Scotland (BoS) is finalising negotiations with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to secure £250m in funding to support its SME customers during difficult trading conditions.

The FTSE was threatening to slip below 4,000 on Wednesday as consumer confidence slumped.

Legal firm Salans has urged caution following Royal Bank of Scotland's (RBS's) and Northern Rock's commitment to not start repossession proceedings until six months after a customer has fallen into arrears.