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30/07/2002
Commons Committee calls for banking probe
A House of Commons Treasury Committee has hit out at the UK banks over the difficulty consumers have in understanding credit card interest rate charges.
MPs urged an official probe into the small business market after a Cambridge University mathematics professor, who was asked to investigate one deal, took most of an afternoon to calculate the annual interest rate.
The all-party committee also called for action to be taken in the banking market for smaller companies, over fears that the 'Big Four' UK banks, Barclays, Lloyds TSB, HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland, operated a joint monopoly.
The committee said it was also concerned that comprehending deals required "an unreasonable amount of time and effort".
The Competition Commission last year warned of a "complex monopoly" operated by the 'Big Four'.
(MB)
MPs urged an official probe into the small business market after a Cambridge University mathematics professor, who was asked to investigate one deal, took most of an afternoon to calculate the annual interest rate.
The all-party committee also called for action to be taken in the banking market for smaller companies, over fears that the 'Big Four' UK banks, Barclays, Lloyds TSB, HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland, operated a joint monopoly.
The committee said it was also concerned that comprehending deals required "an unreasonable amount of time and effort".
The Competition Commission last year warned of a "complex monopoly" operated by the 'Big Four'.
(MB)
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20 August 2009
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EBS Building Society has expanded its share of the retail mortgage business The company's stake has grown by 5% to 18.5%. It also boosted its slice of the first-time buyer market during the first half of 2009 by 5%. The figures have been released by the Irish Banking Federation.
Building Society's Mortgage 'Surge'
EBS Building Society has expanded its share of the retail mortgage business The company's stake has grown by 5% to 18.5%. It also boosted its slice of the first-time buyer market during the first half of 2009 by 5%. The figures have been released by the Irish Banking Federation.
02 May 2012
McGlone Raises Banking Issue With Influential Oireachtas Committee
SDLP Economy spokesperson Patsy McGlone has said banks must work better with small businesses in assisting lending if our economy is to be reinvigorated. The Mid Ulster MLA was speaking after a meeting with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, whereby he pressed TDs to also raise the issue with Southern banks.
McGlone Raises Banking Issue With Influential Oireachtas Committee
SDLP Economy spokesperson Patsy McGlone has said banks must work better with small businesses in assisting lending if our economy is to be reinvigorated. The Mid Ulster MLA was speaking after a meeting with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, whereby he pressed TDs to also raise the issue with Southern banks.
26 August 2010
NAMA Applauded At Stormont
There has been high-level support expressed for the work of the Irish Republic's National Asset Management Agency, (NAMA) and its impact on NI finances.
NAMA Applauded At Stormont
There has been high-level support expressed for the work of the Irish Republic's National Asset Management Agency, (NAMA) and its impact on NI finances.
24 January 2012
Businesses Enter Ulster Bank Awards
Businesses have come out in force to highlight their good work in this year's Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards. Almost 400 entries have been received for the prestigious scheme, with strong entry levels in categories such as 'International Business'; 'Best Business Start-Up'; and 'Innovation and Emerging Technology'.
Businesses Enter Ulster Bank Awards
Businesses have come out in force to highlight their good work in this year's Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards. Almost 400 entries have been received for the prestigious scheme, with strong entry levels in categories such as 'International Business'; 'Best Business Start-Up'; and 'Innovation and Emerging Technology'.
07 October 2011
Bank Of England Bolsters Economy
The UK's central banking organisation, the Bank of England is to inject a further £75bn into the economy through a process known as quantitative easing (QE).
Bank Of England Bolsters Economy
The UK's central banking organisation, the Bank of England is to inject a further £75bn into the economy through a process known as quantitative easing (QE).
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
