ICB: Retail banks should be ring-fenced

clock

The Independent Commission on Banking has recommended UK banks' retail operations should be "ring-fenced" from their investment banking arms.

In its interim report, the commission also says Lloyds Banking Group should sell off more of its branches in order to increase competition on the high street, the BBC reports. However, it falls short of recommending the separate arms within the banks should be completely split up, although it criticises lenders and borrowers for taking on "excessive and ill-understood risks" in the build-up to the financial crisis. It also says the ring-fenced operations should hold more capital than currently required, suggesting a 10% core tier one ratio. The report also suggests creditors not ta...

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

UK inflation rises to 3.8% in July

UK inflation rises to 3.8% in July

Core CPI also up to 3.8%

Sorin Dojan
clock 20 August 2025 • 2 min read
Bank of England meets expectations and cuts rates to 4%

Bank of England meets expectations and cuts rates to 4%

Lowest level in two and a half years

Isabel Baxter
clock 07 August 2025 • 4 min read
Think tank warns UK fiscal hole could surpass £50bn by 2030

Think tank warns UK fiscal hole could surpass £50bn by 2030

Government not on track to meet ‘stability rule’

Sorin Dojan
clock 06 August 2025 • 1 min read