Barclays bank chief executive Bob Diamond received nearly £20-million last year even though the bank's profits fell and this has angered trade unions.

Britain's Financial Services Authority is asking insurance companies about their ability to withstand a deluge of claims on life insurance policies if the country were hit by a bird flu pandemic. The regulator has also asked financial firms to prepare plans to continue operating in the event of their staff being struck by the flu.

Bank of England policymakers have ordered British banks to make a more "honest" assessment of hidden losses on their balance sheets.

British Business Secretary Vince Cable will write to the bosses of the eight companies in the FTSE 100 index that still have men-only boardrooms..

Barclays bank chief executive Bob Diamond received nearly £20-million last year even though the bank's profits fell and this has angered trade unions.

The Bank of England's governor intervened to ensure that Bob Diamond vacated his post, writes Jill Treanor.

Britain's Financial Services Authority is asking insurance companies about their ability to withstand a deluge of claims on life insurance policies if the country were hit by a bird flu pandemic. The regulator has also asked financial firms to prepare plans to continue operating in the event of their staff being struck by the flu.

Bank of England policymakers have ordered British banks to make a more "honest" assessment of hidden losses on their balance sheets.