Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

FCA’s new cash access rules show immediate impact

These rules require banks and building societies to assess whether changes like branch or cash machine closures leave communities without ways to withdraw or deposit cash.

FCA’s new cash access rules show immediate impact

THE FINANCIAL Conduct Authority’s (FCA) new rules aimed at protecting access to cash have started to affect local communities.

These rules, introduced in July, require banks and building societies to assess whether changes like branch or cash machine closures leave communities without ways to withdraw or deposit cash.


As a result, LINK, which oversees the UK’s cash access network, reassessed various communities.

Fifteen communities, previously not identified as needing banking hubs, will now receive one. Six will have an ATM at their hub, and six others will gain an automated deposit service or enhanced post office. Existing services will remain in place until the replacements are ready.

Under the new guidelines, residents, businesses, and charities can request a review if they feel their access to cash has been disrupted.

LINK then has 12 weeks to assess the situation and, if significant gaps are found, banks and building societies must provide additional cash services such as banking hubs, ATMs, or Post Office facilities.

Sheldon Mills, FCA’s executive director for consumers and competition, said, "The way we spend money is changing, and far fewer of us use cash day-to-day. We don’t want to stand in the way of change, but we do want to ensure reasonable access for those who continue to rely on cash."

The FCA’s Financial Lives Survey in 2022 revealed that 3.1 million adults still use cash for everyday payments, highlighting the importance of the new rules in maintaining access to cash for individuals and businesses reliant on it.

More For You

London Tech Week: Indian firms show investment intent

Keir Starmer at London Tech Week in London on Monday (9)

London Tech Week: Indian firms show investment intent

MORE THAN 350 technology companies from India joined London Tech Week, which began on Monday – making it the largest-ever delegation from the country to attend the event.

London mayor Sadiq Khan’s office, City Hall, described the rise in Indian participation as a reflection of deepening ties between India and London’s tech sectors, following the recent signing of the India– UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Keep ReadingShow less
London Tech Week

The discussion around inclusivity and parenthood is likely to remain in the spotlight.

Getty Images

London Tech Week: Woman entrepreneur says she was humiliated after being denied entry for bringing baby

A female entrepreneur has said she felt “absolutely humiliated” after being denied entry to London Tech Week because she was accompanied by her 18-month-old daughter.

Davina Schonle, founder and chief executive of AI start-up Humanvantage AI, had travelled from her home to attend the event at Olympia on Monday, 10 June. She said she had made a three-hour journey to London with her daughter, Isabella, only to be turned away on arrival because children were not allowed into the venue.

Keep ReadingShow less
Smartless Mobile launched by podcast trio

The move marks the first commercial spin-off from the Smartless podcast

Getty Images

Smartless podcast trio launches Smartless Mobile as low-cost phone service

The hosts of the popular Smartless podcast, actors Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes, have launched a new mobile phone service in the United States. Called Smartless Mobile, the service offers a budget-friendly alternative to traditional phone plans and is aimed at users who spend most of their time connected to WiFi.

The move marks the first commercial spin-off from the Smartless podcast, which is known for its celebrity interviews and humorous tone. The new venture was announced in early June 2025 and has already begun accepting sign-ups across the US mainland and Puerto Rico.

Keep ReadingShow less
bestway

Bestway began its anniversary year in January with its annual ‘Thank You’ campaign, offering deals on products in-store and online.

Getty images

Bestway celebrates 50 years in wholesale sector

BESTWAY Wholesale is marking its 50th anniversary in 2025. Founded in 1975, the company opened its first warehouse in Acton, West London, and has since grown into one of the UK’s largest independent wholesalers.

The business was started by Sir Anwar Pervez. He was awarded a knighthood in 1999 for his contributions to the food wholesale sector. Under his leadership, Bestway achieved £12 million in turnover within its first 18 months, launched the best-one symbol group in 2002, acquired Batley’s in 2005, Costcutter Supermarkets Group in 2020, and Adams Foodservice in 2024.

Keep ReadingShow less