Billions in banker bonuses paid 'by mistake' - papers

clock

Billions of pounds of banker bonuses may have been paid out "by mistake" as a result of miscalculations resulting from Britain's flawed accounting rules.

The House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee, which is investigating the role of auditors in the financial crisis, has been told the controversial International Financial Accounting Standards (IFRS) had allowed banks to hide risks so that profits and bonuses were inflated, the Telegraph reports. Iain Richards, of Aviva Investors, told the Lords the IFRS system of auditing the banks had had "a material cost to the taxpayer and to shareholders" because "as a result dividend distributions have been made and bonuses have been paid that were imprudent". Read more here Meanwhile, Ll...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Partner Insight: Tariffs are here to stay. What's next for investors?

Partner Insight: Tariffs are here to stay. What's next for investors?

The current outlook for US tariffs is complex and their full impact on growth remains to be seen. Columbia Threadneedle Investments explores what advisers need to know, key events to keep top of mind and how to navigate the uncertainty.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments
clock 23 October 2025 • 5 min read
IFS: Reeves must plug £22bn fiscal hole to restore 'tiny' headroom

IFS: Reeves must plug £22bn fiscal hole to restore 'tiny' headroom

Think tank urges chancellor to avoid 'limping from one forecast to the next'

Linus Uhlig
clock 16 October 2025 • 2 min read
Why higher bond yields aren't causing a Mini-Budget meltdown

Why higher bond yields aren't causing a Mini-Budget meltdown

'One thing we know about Rachel Reeves is she will live or die by her fiscal rules'

Laith Khalaf
clock 07 October 2025 • 5 min read