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FXGiants has taken a strategic step to widen its trading portfolio by adding over 300 assets, giving clients more financial instruments to interact with.

This addition includes forex pairs, commodities, metals, indices, shares, and the notable addition of futures CFDs. The extended index is intended to cover the changing requirements of traders who seek to broaden their CFD trading portfolios and tailor strategies according to their market objectives.

The incorporation of futures CFDs is a significant component of this move, highlighting the increased focus of modern clients on advanced trading options. Adding these contracts gives FXGiants’ traders the chance to explore both short-term and long-term market movements. CFDs generally provide clients with more market exposure due to leverage and flexibility compared to traditional financial assets.

This latest expansion underscores the firm’s willingness to adapt its offerings in line with the latest trends, making it a notable choice across different trader demographics.

Robust Trading Infrastructure and Comprehensive Services

FXGiants remains dedicated to providing an environment built on convenience and client-centric services. Since its inception in 2015, the broker has listed a range of services to improve the trading experiences. They put forward competitive spreads, deposit bonuses, adjustable leverage options, and efficient fund transfer processes so that clients can focus on their trading strategies alone.

Also, the broker’s key trading platform, MetaTrader 4, features a variety of components, such as analytical tools, charting capabilities, and customisation options that can enable users to tailor the platform to their unique trading style. Moreover, the firm provides two account types for CFD trading, including Live and STP/ECN, both structured with zero commissions and zero spread options. For deposits and withdrawals, the broker offers instant processing through various payment methods, striving to give users flexibility in managing their funds.

In addition to these offerings, FXGiants has integrated a variety of partnership programs, including Introducing Broker (IB), Affiliate scheme, and White Label for clients and businesses who want to expand their income streams. Through these programs, the company aspires to help partners establish their professional presence in the trading sector.

Adapting to Market Needs and Client Expectations

FXGiants’ decision to expand its CFD trading offerings come amid an environment where market trends and client needs are constantly shifting. The addition of futures CFDs and other financial instruments reflects the company’s proactive approach to staying ahead in the competitive brokerage space. With traders looking for brokers who provide a full suite of financial products, FXGiants responds with a broadened range, aligning with trader preferences for adaptability.

From the very start, FXGiants has signaled its commitment to providing an infrastructure that keeps pace with the demands of modern trading. The broker’s blend of diverse assets, advanced technology, and multi-faceted services is directed to support a trading environment that appeals to a global client base. Overall, the company is set on fostering a trading landscape where each user can advance confidently, backed by a reliable and forward-thinking platform.

All trading involves risk. It is possible to lose all your capital.

FXGiants is a trade name of Notesco Int Limited; a company incorporated in Anguilla with registration number A000001800 and registered address The Valley, AI2640, Cosely Drive, 1338, AI.

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FXGiants Adds Futures to Its Lineup, Now Offering 300+ CFD Trading Assets

As a homeowner, securing a favourable loan rate can make a significant difference in your long-term financial well-being.

Homeowner loans, also known as home equity loans or second mortgages. This type of loan allows you to leverage the equity built up in your property to access additional financing.

Despite that, it’s still challenging to navigate the complexities of homeowner loan rates, which can be a daunting task. Professional companies can help you get a deeper understanding of the factors that influence them and all you need to know.

A Professional Take

“Homeowner loan rates are a crucial consideration for any property owner looking to access the equity in their home. By understanding the key drivers behind these rates, homeowners can make informed decisions and secure the best possible deal for their financial needs,” according to Gary Hemming, Finance Expert at ABC Finance.

Homeowner rates have many core elements. Influences include the prevailing market interest rates, your credit profile, the amount of equity you have in your home, and the loan term you select. Let’s explore these factors in more detail.

What Influences Homeowner Loan Rates?

Market Interest Rates

The broader economic conditions and the overall interest rate significantly impact the determining factor of homeowner loan rates. When the Bank of England raises benchmark interest rates, it increases homeowner loan rates in a domino effect.

Credit Score and History

Your credit profile is an important factor in the interest rate you’ll receive on a homeowner loan. Lenders assess your creditworthiness by looking at your credit score, payment history, and debt-to-income ratio to determine the level of risk associated with your loan. Borrowers with stronger credit profiles generally qualify for lower interest rates.

Equity in Your Home

The amount of equity you have built up in your property is a key consideration for lenders. The more equity you have, the lower the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which can translate into more favourable interest rates. Homeowners with significant equity are seen as lower-risk borrowers.

The Loan Term

Shorter-term homeowner loans, such as 5-year or 10-year loans, typically come with lower interest rates compared to longer-term options like 15-year or 20-year loans. With a shorter loan term, the lenders have lower risk.

“Longer-term loans may provide more manageable monthly payments, but a shorter-term option can result in significant interest savings over the life of the loan,” Hemming said.

Strategies for Securing the Best Homeowner Loan Rates

Watch the Market Trends

Stay informed about the current interest rate environment and watch for any changes or fluctuations in the market. This will help you time your homeowner loan application to take advantage of favourable market conditions.

Improve Your Credit Profile

Experts at ABC Finance like Hemming suggest working towards improving your credit score and reducing your debt-to-income ratio. It’s best to do so before applying for a homeowner loan. This will demonstrate to lenders that you are a low-risk borrower, potentially qualifying you for lower interest rates.

Maximise Home Equity

Consider making extra mortgage payments or investing in home improvements to increase the equity in your property. The more equity you have, the better the loan terms you can expect.

Shop Around with Multiple Lenders

Don’t settle for the first offer you receive. Compare rates and terms from multiple lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online providers, ensuring you get the best possible deal.

Negotiate with Lenders

Once you’ve gathered quotes from several lenders, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Lenders may be willing to offer a lower interest rate or more favourable terms to secure your business.

Making It Work

Homeowners can unlock the full potential of their home equity and achieve their financial goals by understanding and using the best strategic approaches. Whether you’re looking to consolidate debt, fund home renovations, or finance a major purchase, a well-structured homeowner loan might be the perfect answer.

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Homeowner Loan Rates: Unlock the Best Deal for Your Home

On Tuesday, I’ll be joining a Westminster protest for the first time in my life. Yes, me—a man more comfortable behind a laptop than in front of a megaphone, who once thought the height of rural activism was separating the recycling correctly. But something has stirred me into action: the plight of British farmers under proposed changes to inheritance tax.

Now, I’m not a farmer. But for five years, I lived in Little Brington, a beautiful farming village in rural Northamptonshire. It was there that I truly grasped the essence of multi-generational farming. Families whose names have been etched on the same fields for centuries, their livelihoods tied to the land like ancient roots. These families don’t just work the land—they are the land.

When I heard Rachel Reeves announce the proposed changes to inheritance tax, my first reaction was disbelief. These policies feel like they’ve been dreamt up in some Whitehall echo chamber by people who think milk comes from Tesco and wheat arrives pre-sliced. The new rules, which could force families to sell parts of their land to pay inheritance tax, don’t just threaten their livelihoods—they threaten their legacies, their histories, and, frankly, our food security.

If you’ve ever watched Clarkson’s Farm, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Jeremy Clarkson, that unlikely champion of agriculture, peeled back the pastoral curtain to reveal the grim economics of British farming. A farmer might own 400 or 500 acres of land worth £10,000 per acre, plus a farmhouse and some battered machinery totalling another couple of million. On paper, they’re millionaires. But in reality? The average British farmer scrapes by on a profit of around £75,000 in a good year. Factor in bad weather, fluctuating market prices, and skyrocketing costs, and it’s easy to see how the balance sheet ends up looking like a punchline to a bad joke.

Yet under these proposed inheritance tax changes, farmers are being treated like cash-rich oligarchs. Imagine a family that’s spent generations stewarding 500 acres of farmland, only to find that the tax bill when the patriarch or matriarch dies forces them to sell off large chunks of their estate. It’s not just a financial blow—it’s an emotional and cultural gut-punch. And it’s happening at a time when we should be doing everything in our power to protect British farming.

Because let’s be clear: farming is not just about fields and tractors. It’s about feeding a nation. British farmers already face relentless competition from cheap imports and the looming uncertainty of trade agreements. Add punitive inheritance taxes to the mix, and you’re essentially dismantling an industry that’s already hanging by a thread.

Living in Little Brington gave me a front-row seat to the quiet heroism of farming life. I remember waking up to the hum of tractors before sunrise, seeing sheep huddled against winter winds, and chatting with neighbours, who could tell you the exact day their grandfather bought the land we were standing on. Farming isn’t just a job—it’s an identity, a legacy, a calling.

But it’s also relentless, underpaid, and often thankless. Watching Clarkson’s Farm drove home the point that farming isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s a high-risk, high-stress business where one bad season can spell disaster. And yet, these are the people who ensure that milk, meat, and veg end up on our plates. It’s a responsibility they carry with dignity, even as policymakers pile more weight onto their already bowed shoulders.

This is why I’m standing with British farmers next Tuesday. I’ll be there in my decidedly non-rural coat, probably clutching a thermos of coffee and wondering how exactly to chant without feeling like an idiot. But I’ll also be there because this isn’t just a fight for farmers—it’s a fight for all of us. A fight for the landscapes we love, the food we rely on, and the communities that make Britain what it is.

The proposed inheritance tax changes are not just bad policy—they’re a betrayal of the people who keep this country fed. We’re talking about families who work seven days a week, 365 days a year, in conditions most of us wouldn’t last a day in. And yet they’re expected to swallow the idea that the government can swoop in and take a massive chunk of their estate simply because they’ve had the audacity to die.

This isn’t about special treatment for farmers—it’s about fairness. It’s about recognising that farming is not like other businesses. You can’t liquidate a few hundred acres without fundamentally destroying the operation. You can’t put a price tag on centuries of heritage. And you certainly can’t replace British farmers with faceless conglomerates and expect the same care and commitment to the land.

Ex-Labour adviser John McTernan has suggested that what Starmer is doing to farms is ‘what Thatcher did to coal mines’.

So, yes, I’ll be at Westminster. And I won’t just be protesting the tax changes—I’ll be standing up for the farmers of Little Brington and everywhere else. For the people who rise before dawn to tend to their herds, who battle through rain and snow to harvest their crops, who live and breathe the land in a way most of us will never understand.

This isn’t just their fight—it’s ours too. Because when the farms are gone, we’ll realise too late what we’ve lost. And I, for one, refuse to let that happen without a fight.

If you’d like to join the protest on Tuesday 19th November the organisers are asking people who plan to attend to register online first so they can work with the Metropolitan Police on managing numbers and also communicate maps and itineraries.

Read more:
Why I’m Supporting British Farmers Against Ill-Thought-Out Inheritance Tax Changes

AN online gaming platform is looking for a new CEO to join the company with the power to ‘name their own salary’ and help ‘shape the future of gaming’.

In what it claims is an ‘industry first’, Ancient Gaming is giving an ambitious professional over the age of 21 the chance to step up and help lead ‘one of the industry’s most influential skin gambling’ companies.

‘Skin gambling’ offers a variety of virtual games for players to bet and win ‘new skins’ otherwise known as virtual items within a computer game that can be bought for money or won as a reward for playing good gameplay. These virtual items are contained in ‘loot boxes’ or ‘cases’ which gamers pay small sums for such as a devastating weapon for a shooter game or a striker in a football game who could make the difference in winning a league title.

Skins can be bought through the CSGORoll marketplace, transferred between players into a game in order to give them a competitor advantage. Players can also load up their accounts with funds and place bets on the platform.

Elnaz Gerami, CEO, from This Is It Marketing, who are behind the campaign, said: “Have you ever applied for a job where you get to set your own salary? At CGSORoll, we’re giving ambitious young professionals under 30 the chance to do just that by inviting them to step up and lead us on the next part of our journey. This isn’t your typical role – it’s an unprecedented chance to help shape the future of gaming while setting the terms of your own success.

“Designed to attract passionate, driven individuals, this role offers a fresh approach to leadership, emphasising freedom, creativity, and a bold vision. We’re not looking for someone who just wants a job. We’re seeking someone with a true passion for gaming, a vision to inspire, and the drive to change the game.”

CSGORoll was founded in 2016 by a group of enthusiasts who wanted to create a ‘fair and transparent platform’ for skin gambling. It has become one of the most well-known skin gambling sites in the world. The platform uses a provably fair system to ensure the fairness and transparency of the gameplay. CSGORoll offers a wide variety of virtual games, including roulette, dice, jackpot as well as match betting and more.

The recruitment process for the CEO post involves applicants submitting a 45-second video introducing themselves and their professional background. Once this is reviewed and approved by CSGORoll, participants receive their first clue and are directed a ‘digital scavenger hunt’.  This gaming-inspired hunt features clues hidden as fun symbols, gaming terms, with hints and clues popping up on social media to guide applicants through what is an unconventional application journey.

Elnaz added: “This is a competitive and challenging opportunity, open only to those prepared to bring a fresh perspective to the world of gaming and lead with confidence.

“This rare role invites candidates to become a central figure in the gaming industry, work alongside one of the industry’s most influential skin gambling companies with the freedom to set their own salary. For those who love gaming and are ready to redefine what it means to lead, this is the opportunity of a lifetime.”

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Set you own salary as gaming’s new boss

The UK housing market showed unexpected resilience in October, with estate agents reporting increased sales, rising buyer inquiries, and a brighter outlook following the Autumn Budget.

Despite pre-budget apprehension, the housing market outperformed expectations, according to the latest survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics). Of the 269 estate agents polled, a majority reported more sales in October compared to September, driven in part by buyers seeking to complete transactions ahead of potential budget-related tax changes.

While some agents observed a slowdown in the weeks leading up to the October 30 budget, the overall sentiment was optimistic. “We have had a wave of exchanges and completions, probably prompted by a desire to exchange before the budget,” said Simon Milledge of Jackson-Stops in Blandford Forum, Dorset.

Similarly, John King from Andrew Scott Robertson in Merton, southwest London, attributed October’s surge in activity to a combination of media coverage on potential tax rises and easing mortgage rates.

Ian Perry of Perry Bishop in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, noted: “[There was] a slight hiatus ahead of the budget but the market [is] now perking up again.”

Looking ahead, 34 per cent of estate agents anticipated selling more homes within three months, with even greater confidence about activity levels this time next year.

The survey also found a continued rise in buyer inquiries for the fourth consecutive month, alongside an increase in new listings, creating what the Rics described as a “relatively solid” near-term pipeline. Reflecting this recovery, 16 per cent of respondents believed house prices were rising, a significant shift from two months ago when prices were seen as static.

Tarrant Parsons, head of market analysis at the Rics, highlighted the momentum: “The recent improvement in buyer demand is translating into growth in the number of sales being agreed. Forward-looking sentiment points to this brighter trend continuing in the months ahead.”

However, he warned that a post-budget rise in bond yields, which influence mortgage rates, could pose challenges in the short term.

In the lettings market, tenant demand remained robust over the summer, but supply constraints intensified. A net 29 per cent of letting agents reported a decline in landlord instructions, marking the most negative reading since late 2021.

With rental homes in short supply, most agents expected rents—already at record highs—to continue climbing, further squeezing tenants in a highly competitive market.

Read more:
Housing market rebounds after budget as buyer demand surges

Today, around 99% of all businesses in the UK are classed as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), employing around 61% of the private sector workforce.Yet, despite their critical role in the UK economy, many SMEs are struggling.

A recent study found the number of small businesses in the UK has dropped from 5.9 million in 2020 to 5.5 million today. Many businesses are feeling the squeeze from increased operating costs, slow revenue recovery and, crucially, the ongoing struggle to secure funding.

Addressing these funding challenges is essential to help SMEs to survive and grow, and fintech solutions are making a real impact in this space. PayPal, for example, has stepped in to address a £2.5 billion funding gap facing UK small businesses in the last 10 years through its PayPal Working Capital solution. With its agile approach, PayPal Working Capital offers SMEs a fast and flexible way to access the capital they need, based on their sales history.

 Traditional funding avenues can present roadblocks for small businesses

The UK’s traditional lending system can present challenges to smaller and newer businesses, with extensive documentation, lengthy approval times, and strict lending criteria creating barriers for SMEs. In April 2024, for example, the Treasury Committee reported that small businesses face ‘needlessly tougher’ conditions due to restrictive measures from banks and regulators, which can hold them back from securing essential funds.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has also voiced concerns over declining funding success rates. Prior to the pandemic, 65% of SMEs were able to secure funding, a figure that fell to 61% in 2023. As a result, businesses seeking reliable financing are increasingly turning to fintech options as a more accessible and adaptable alternative. In fact, according to research done by Sonovate in 2023, four in ten SMEs prefer fintech lenders over mainstream banks when seeking business finance.

 Fintech solutions provide SMEs with alternative funding options

From managing cash flow to purchasing inventory, investing in technology or upskilling staff, SMEs depend on financing to support their growth. Fortunately, fintech solutions, like PayPal Working Capital, present SMEs with alternative financing options that are easy to apply and manage.

SMEs need modern funding solutions suited to the realities of running a small business, and options such as PayPal Working Capital present an appealing alternative. Unlike traditional business loans from banks, PayPal Working Capital provides funding based on an SME’s PayPal sales history. This helps to enable businesses to borrow up to 35% of their annual PayPal sales without the need to demonstrate extensive financial forecasts. The application process is quick and straightforward, with funds available fast.

Moreover, with PayPal Working Capital small businesses choose the percentage of their PayPal sales that will go toward repaying the cash advance so it can be tailored to suit the business’ cash flow needs. Repayments are tied to daily sales, which means businesses pay more when they have high sales and less during slower periods. With a single fixed fee, business owners are freed from ongoing interest charges and have a clear view of total repayment costs, meaning no unwelcome surprises.

How can fintech solutions help your business to grow?

Since its inception in 2014, PayPal Working Capital has distributed £2.5 billion to 58,000 UK businesses across a variety of sectors. From fashion to auto-parts, these cash advances have allowed small businesses to flourish in today’s challenging economic landscape3. Nine out of 10 (91%) of these businesses have said their revenue either increased or remained steady thanks to the funding they received.

The London Candle Company is one of the businesses that has benefitted from PayPal Working Capital. A small business focused on selling high-quality, competitively priced candles in bulk to businesses in the catering and hospitality industry, The London Candle Company took advantage of PayPal Working Capital’s innovative approach to repayments.

“PayPal Working Capital has been so helpful when I’ve needed to stock up on bulk candles ahead of the busy winter months, especially because I need to pay my suppliers right away,” Founder and Managing Director, Jonathan Welland explains, “I’ve found it simple and easy to use too, as you choose the percentage of your sales that you pay towards the advance – you’ve still got cash flow coming in but you’re only losing a portion of it. And before I know it, it’s been paid.”

Small business owners across the UK, like Jonathan, are already making the most of fintech models, which are rapidly transforming the traditional lending industry. Could your business be next? Discover more information about PayPal Working Capital and empower the expansion of your business.

Any information provided is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs.

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How fintech financing is plugging the £2.5 billion funding gap for small businesses in the UK

UK export growth could shrink by up to £8.5 billion over two years if a full-scale US-China trade war erupts, Allianz Trade has warned.

A protracted trade conflict between the world’s two largest economies could severely impact the UK’s manufacturing sector, according to Allianz Trade, the trade credit division of the global insurance and investment manager Allianz, formerly known as Euler Hermes.

The organisation cautioned that an escalation of US tariffs on China to 60 per cent for all goods—both critical and non-critical—and 10 per cent for imports from the rest of the world could result in significant economic fallout. However, Allianz Trade described such a scenario as “unlikely,” highlighting the detrimental effects on the US economy itself, including a projected 1.2 percentage point hit to GDP growth and a 0.6 percentage point rise in inflation by 2026.

Global trade would also feel the pinch, with growth potentially slowing by 2.4 percentage points under the maximum-tariff scenario.

A more moderate tariff increase—raising existing US tariffs on Chinese imports from 13 per cent to 25 per cent and introducing smaller hikes of 5 per cent for imports from other countries (excluding Mexico and Canada)—could still hinder UK export growth by approximately £2.2 billion over two years. It would also reduce global trade growth by 0.6 percentage points, Allianz Trade noted.

Capital Economics offered a more optimistic view, arguing that the UK’s direct exposure to potential Trump-era tariffs would be limited. Unlike China, Mexico, or the European Union, the UK does not run a significant trade surplus in goods with the US. Trade in goods between the two nations is broadly balanced, with the UK’s services exports—twice the value of its goods exports—unlikely to be affected by tariffs.

Capital Economics estimated that a hypothetical 10 per cent tariff on all UK goods exported to the US would result in a negligible impact on UK GDP, ranging from -0.1 per cent to +0.1 per cent. This is due to the likely exemption of services exports and the offsetting effect of a weaker pound, which would make UK goods more competitively priced in US markets.

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US-China trade war risks wiping £8.5bn from UK exports, warns Allianz Trade

Understanding the regulations surrounding online gambling is essential for a good gaming experience in the UK. Learn more on how Hong Kong expats can navigate these regulations to avoid risks and stay safe when playing casino games online.

The UK’s gambling industry is one of the largest in Europe and the world – according to a report by Euronews, the country is now second on the list of top online gambling nations in 2024. It boasts a projected revenue of about £11.01 billion or €12.80 billion. With the convenience and inclusivity that comes with online gambling, along with its affordability and tax-free winnings, it makes sense that Hong Kong expats want to try their hands at online casino games. However, the UK’s online gambling market is one of the most regulated worldwide, but understanding and knowing how to navigate the ever-evolving regulations can keep them safe. In this article, we’ll talk about what Hong Kong expats should know when trying out online gambling here in the UK. First, let’s understand why these regulations are necessary in the first place.

Understanding the Necessity of Online Gambling Regulations

Hong Kong expats may already know about the best online gambling sites in Hong Kong which prove their credibility with licences and prioritise their players’ security. This way, users can have a good online gaming experience without having to worry about being scammed. Just like Hong Kong, the UK is also particular about players’ safety and security when gambling online, which is why these regulations are necessary. Although the industry is relatively new in the UK and is very convenient and accessible, the risks are also quite higher than in traditional casinos.

For starters, several illegal sites are out there, and without these measures to keep them at bay, players would be at a higher risk of being duped, or their sensitive information stolen and used for identity fraud and other vices. But there’s more! Due to the ease of access to gambling sites, it’s easier for people to abuse them, often leading to addiction and other destructive habits.

For these reasons, the UK government has set up the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) under the Gambling Act 2005, which is primarily responsible for everything related to gambling regulations in the UK. Their job is to maintain a gambling environment that’s fair, safe, and free from criminal activity, which they achieve by issuing licences to online operators, setting strict rules for marketing and advertising, and encouraging responsible gambling initiatives. With that being said, Hong Kong expats who are interested in the UK gambling market should understand how the UKGC works and how they keep players safe.

What Hong Kong Expats Should Know About Online Gambling Regulations in the UK

For Hong Kong expats looking to test online gambling in the UK, these are very important things they should know about the regulations that keep the industry in check, and online gaming safe for them.

Licencing From the UKGC

For an online casino to be recognised as credible and legal in the UK, they must receive a licence from the UKGC before starting its operations. With that being said, it’s important for Hong Kong expats to determine if a chosen platform has this licence before depositing and playing; this will assure them that the operator is complying with the regulations in the Gambling Act 2005 and other legislation.

It’s also worth noting that there are different licences for each platform. For instance, sites with casino-style games such as slots, roulette, blackjack, and poker need the remote casino licence, while the sports betting operators require the remote betting licence. In the same vein, online bingo platforms will use the remote bingo licence.

UK Gambling Laws Regarding Expats

It’s equally necessary for expats to understand how the UK gambling laws apply to them. For starters, expats are free to bet on any online platform, regardless of their nationality, as long as they live in the UK, as dictated by the Gambling Act 2005. Equally noteworthy is the fact that these laws also apply to the UK citizens – the goal of these laws is to make sure operators provide gambling services that prevent harm to individuals and the broader community.

Hong Kong expats who aren’t currently in the UK can still gamble on these online platforms if they want to. They just need to verify if their preferred platforms accept players from their home jurisdiction. This process shouldn’t be so difficult, as Most UK-based operators allow foreign nationals to play as long as they comply with the gambling regulations of their own country. In a bid to promote responsible gambling, the government has implemented GAMSTOP, encouraging players to exclude themselves from all UK-licensed websites if they are becoming addicted to gambling or developing other problematic habits.

Identity Verification and Age Restrictions

The UK frowns on underage gambling, which is why there are strict restrictions to ensure that only the appropriate age group can access online gambling platforms. With that being said, individuals must be at least 18 years old to participate in gambling activities, whether it’s betting, casino gaming, or using other online gambling services. Operators also have a part to play in upholding this regulation – they are required by law to verify the ages of anyone registering on their sites.

Failure to comply may cause the government to revoke their licences or face other penalties. Therefore, Hong Kong expats can expect UK online casinos or sports betting sites to request for documentation like driving licences or passports to confirm their identity and age before they can register successfully. This way, online gambling will be for the adults only, and minors trying to break the rules can be stopped immediately.

Taxation on Gambling Winnings

Gambling winnings are generally tax-free in the UK, which means Hong Kong expats don’t need to pay tax on their winnings, no matter how much it is. This feature makes online gambling in the UK quite attractive to players from jurisdictions where gambling winnings are taxed. However, they (as well as other expats) must figure out what their home country’s tax laws regarding foreign gambling winnings so they don’t run into legal troubles.

The UK gambling industry is huge, with very strict laws and regulations that keep both operators and players in line. Admittedly, it can be quite challenging to navigate them all as an expat, but it’s worth it. By understanding these requirements, they can protect their sensitive data and play in a safe online environment. Hong Kong expats will find it helpful to understand the role of the UK Gambling Commission, using only licenced platforms, and being aware of potential regulatory changes.

Read more:
Navigating UK Online Gambling Regulations: What Hong Kong Expats Should Know

Meta Platforms has been fined €797.72 million (£663 million) by the European Commission over alleged anti-competitive practices involving Facebook Marketplace.

The European Union regulator ruled that Meta breached competition laws by linking its social network with Facebook Marketplace, giving it an unfair advantage over rival online classified services.

Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission’s executive vice-president for competition policy, stated that Meta’s actions provided the company “advantages that other online classified ads service providers could not match,” deeming it illegal under EU antitrust regulations. “Meta must now stop this behaviour,” Vestager said.

Meta has announced plans to appeal the decision. The company, which also owns Instagram and WhatsApp, claimed the ruling fails to prove “competitive harm” to its rivals or consumers and “ignores the realities of the thriving European market for online classified listing services.” Meta argued that many Facebook users choose not to engage with Marketplace, highlighting that it remains an optional feature.

Facebook launched its Marketplace platform in 2016 and expanded it across Europe a year later. The European Commission initiated its investigation into Meta’s practices in 2021. Under EU antitrust rules, companies found in violation risk fines of up to 10% of their global revenue.

The ruling is part of an ongoing regulatory clampdown on Meta within the EU. Last year, the company faced a record €1.2 billion fine for breaching EU data privacy regulations. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission found that Meta failed to adequately protect European users’ data when transferring it to the United States, where it was exposed to surveillance by U.S. authorities. Meta’s European operations are headquartered in Dublin.

In the United States, Meta is also under scrutiny. The Federal Trade Commission has sued the company over its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, alleging they were intended to eliminate competition. Meta has defended these acquisitions, asserting they have “benefited competition and consumers alike.”

As the EU continues to tighten its grip on major technology firms, Meta has delayed the release of its latest AI model in Europe, attributing the delay to “unpredictable” regulatory conditions. This latest antitrust fine underscores the European Union’s increasing resolve to regulate the market dominance of US-based tech giants.

Meanwhile, changes to the EU’s approach could be on the horizon as Margrethe Vestager, who has championed significant fines against US tech firms, prepares to step down as competition commissioner. She is expected to be succeeded by Teresa Ribera, Spain’s environment minister, who is anticipated to balance oversight of technology companies with support for European businesses.

Read more:
Meta hit with €800m fine by EU for antitrust breach in Facebook Marketplace case

The Bank of England’s ability to set effective interest rates is being hindered by unreliable labour market statistics, according to governor Andrew Bailey, who has highlighted the shortage of accurate data on the UK’s workforce as a “substantial problem.”

Speaking at Mansion House to an audience of City financiers, Bailey voiced his concerns over the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) failure to obtain sufficient responses for its Labour Force Survey, which has plagued data collection for the past 18 months. This lack of reliable information on employment status has forced the Bank to lean on alternative data measures as it navigates crucial monetary policy decisions.

“Labour Force Survey challenges are widely recognised,” Bailey commented. “It’s a substantial issue – not just for monetary policy – when we lack clear insight into workforce participation. We could certainly benefit from more engagement across the UK with ONS survey efforts.”

Bailey’s remarks underscore his growing frustration with the UK’s inability to maintain robust workforce data. He highlighted that, alongside the Treasury and other key stakeholders, the Bank continues to work closely with the ONS to improve the quality of UK labour data.

While other advanced economies have seen labour market re-entry post-pandemic, the UK has struggled with a decline in labour force participation, a trend Bailey warns could hamper economic performance. The ONS has attempted to address the issue by increasing its survey participants from 44,000 in 2022 to 59,000 this year, though it has cautioned users against relying too heavily on short-term Labour Force Survey data for decision-making.

Bailey emphasised that understanding labour supply dynamics is essential for gauging the UK’s overall economic capacity, which has been further pressured by Brexit-related trade restrictions, energy price shocks, and sluggish investment.

Investment boost for UK economy through isa reform proposed by lord mayor

At the same Mansion House event, Alastair King, lord mayor of London, proposed reforms to the UK’s Individual Savings Accounts (Isas) that would encourage investment in domestic assets. King urged the government to incentivise investors, suggesting that full tax relief could be contingent on funds directed towards UK-focused investments.

“Redirecting funds from non-productive to productive assets could scale up British firms, enhance returns for savers, and broaden market participation,” King stated. His proposal, which he argued would not require additional government funding, aims to align UK practices with those of international counterparts.

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Bank of England governor highlights ‘substantial problem’ with UK labour data accuracy in Mansion House speech