HMRC has warned home buyers about fraudulent firms offering to reclaim stamp duty on properties needing renovation by falsely classifying them as non-residential. Anthony Burke, HMRC’s deputy director, cautioned buyers against allowing agents to make repayment claims on their behalf, stating: “If the claim is inaccurate, you could end up paying more than the amount…

New capital gains tax rules are driving a surge in gold investment, according to Solomon Global. The firm reported a 72% increase in inquiries from private investors between H2 2024 and H1 2025. Paul Williams, managing director, noted that 41.9% of potential investors cited gold’s tax-free status as their main motivation, up from 37.5% previously….

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to overhaul capital markets regulations to better accommodate cryptocurrencies and blockchain trading. SEC Chair Paul Atkins announced plans for new guidelines to clarify when a crypto token qualifies as a security. The proposals will also include various disclosures and exemptions aimed at supporting the digital asset…

Georges Elhedery, CEO of HSBC, has joined a raft of banking leaders to warn against increasing taxes on banks in the upcoming autumn budget. He said that UK banks already face the highest tax rates compared to other sectors, which could hinder investment and economic growth. Elhedery remarked: “Additional taxation on banks does run the…

US President Donald Trump has condemned the UK’s high taxes on North Sea oil, labelling it a “treasure chest” for the nation. In a post on Truth Social, he urged the UK to incentivise drillers to unlock wealth and reduce energy costs. The UK currently imposes a 38% energy profits levy, contributing to a total…

Ministers have called for an end to tariffs on steel exported from the UK to the US, with a 25% charge still in place despite a deal to cut it to 0% being agreed in May. Gareth Stace, director general at UK Steel, said: “There has been nearly three months of uncertainty for business, of…