Risk Channel delivers the latest, most relevant and useful business intelligence to key decision makers and influencers, each weekday morning.

Over 100 MPs have urged the UK government to implement binding regulations on advanced AI systems. The cross-party initiative highlights concerns that AI could threaten national security. The campaign, co-ordinated by Control AI, calls for the UK to assert independence from US lobbying against regulation. Former Defence Secretary Des Browne said super-intelligent AI "would be the most perilous technological development since we gained the ability to wage nuclear war," arguing that only international co-operation "can prevent a reckless race for advantage that could imperil us all." Conservative peer Zac Goldsmith voiced concerns that "governments are miles behind the AI companies and are leaving them to pursue its development with virtually no regulation." A spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said: "AI is already regulated in the UK, with a range of existing rules already in place."

 

City AM

The Guardian

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The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has outlined new measures designed to boost retail investment in the UK. The City watchdog says firms can simplify legal jargon, making investment decisions clearer for consumers. As it looks to help consumers make better-informed decisions about investing in stocks and shares, the FCA has set out changes that will distinguish retail investors from professional traders and allow firms to offer a wider range of products. The City watchdog says there will be a shift away from investment disclosures with "prescriptive and complex templates that consumers don't find useful." It is also proposing to change regulations to allow firms to offer tailored support. Simon Walls, the FCA's executive director of markets, said the new measures will "support investment risk culture" and "ensure that firms can compete to give retail customers material that informs and engages them." 

 

Financial Times

The Daily Telegraph

The Times

The Independent

X has blocked the European Commission from advertising on its platform after receiving a £105m fine over its verified user system. The EU claimed X's blue tick system was misleading and failed to verify users adequately, exposing them to scams. X has 60 days to address these concerns or face further penalties. 

 

BBC News

Germany has seen a sharp rise in retail bankruptcies, with 2,490 insolvencies recorded between August 2024 and August 2025, nearly matching a decade-old record, according to Allianz Trade. Smaller shops are being hit hardest as they struggle to compete with large online and physical retailers and face high costs for digital upgrades and automation. The report describes the situation as a "David versus Goliath" battle. In contrast, prospects for restaurants have improved after parliament approved lower sales taxes for the sector.

 

Deutsche Welle

A recent survey shows that European CEOs are increasingly pessimistic about the continent's economic outlook, with many preferring to invest in the United States rather than Europe. Approximately 38% of executives indicated they would reduce their planned investments in Europe, because they believe the EU is too slow to enact necessary reforms. Business leaders have called for urgent action to enhance competitiveness, as they express dissatisfaction with the lack of positive impacts from recent EU initiatives.

 

Reuters

Europe captured a record $311bn share of private capital this year as global investors aim to profit from a government spending spree on infrastructure projects, according to PitchBook data.

 

Financial Times

Volkswagen will convert its Dresden assembly plant, which has ceased car production, into an innovation centre focused on artificial intelligence, robotics, and chip design. The initiative aligns with the company's commitment to keep its German factories operational while fostering technological advancements. The project, in collaboration with the state of Saxony and the Technical University of Dresden, will involve an investment exceeding €50m (approximately $58.3m) over the next seven years.

 

Bloomberg

L’Oréal will double its stake in dermatology company Galderma as the world’s biggest beauty group increases its interest in the aesthetic injectables specialist to 20%. The French company is purchasing the stake for an undisclosed sum from a consortium led by Swedish private equity firm EQT, which includes Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Auba Investment Pte. Ltd. The deal is due to close in the first quarter of 2026.

 

Bloomberg

Financial Times

Reuters

Ford CEO Jim Farley says the European Commission's planned new rules for the transition to electric vehicles, including the evolution of carbon emissions targets, "are out of step with market reality."

 

Financial Times

Europe is making strides to develop its rare earth sector to reduce reliance on China, but must also prevent being overshadowed by US interests, according to Bernd Schaefer, head of EIT RawMaterials. He welcomed the EU's REsourceEU plan, which allocates €3bn to enhance critical raw material projects, but emphasised the necessity for stronger negotiations with third-party suppliers and warned that US acquisitions could shift valuable resources away from Europe. Schaefer observed: "There is a danger we are moving into a situation where this rare earths value chain is pulled to a substantial level into the US."

 

Reuters

A surge in insurance prices for vessels trading in the Black Sea is set to continue following recent Ukrainian attacks on ships and ports in the region, insurance brokers say.

 

Financial Times

The Magnum Ice Cream Co. has debuted with a €7.8bn valuation following its spinoff from Unilever, listing in Amsterdam, London, and New York. The company, which owns Ben & Jerry’s and Cornetto, plans to target 3%–5% annual organic sales growth and €800m–€1bn in free cash flow by 2028–29, but faces index-related selling pressure following its exclusion from the FTSE 100 and Stoxx Europe 50. 

 

NL Times

Bloomberg

Reuters

Anglo American has withdrawn a proposed £8.5m share bonus for CEO Duncan Wanblad that had been put forward as it looks to complete a £38bn merger with Teck Resources, in response to shareholder concerns. The FTSE 100 mining company said that while investors supported the merger, they had raised issues regarding the remuneration plans. Legal & General, a significant investor, opposed the bonus, saying it breached its remuneration policies. Investor advisory group ISS also advised against the motion, citing poor practice in linking incentives to transaction completions. Anglo American has affirmed its commitment to engaging with shareholders on future remuneration policies.

 

City AM

Daily Mail

The Daily Telegraph

The Times