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Cryptocurrency flows to suspected human trafficking services, largely based in Southeast Asia, grew 85% in 2025, reaching a scale of hundreds of millions across identified services, according to a new report by US-based blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis. The analysis tracked four primary categories of suspected cryptocurrency-facilitated human trafficking, including Telegram-based “labour placement” services that facilitate kidnapping and forced labour for scam compounds.

 

Chainalysis

CNBC

The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has fined Bank of Ireland UK £3.7m for failing to implement a crucial fraud protection service on time. The bank missed the deadline by 14 months, leaving over 1.14m new payees and £6.9bn in payments unprotected. David Geale, managing director at the PSR, said: "Confirmation of payee is a vital tool to combat fraud and misdirected payments." The bank agreed to settle early, receiving a 30% discount on the penalty, which would have been £5.4m without the discount.

 

City AM

London Evening Standard

Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg repeatedly said during a landmark Los Angeles trial over youth social media addiction that the Facebook and Instagram operator does not allow children under 13 on its platforms. Zuckerberg maintained that lawyers were "mischaracterising" communications in multiple internal documents which suggested they were a key demographic. Mark Lanier, a lawyer for the woman suing Instagram and Google's YouTube for harming her mental health when she was a child, pressed Zuckerberg over a statement to Congress in 2024 that users under 13 are not allowed on the platform. Zuckerberg also told the jury that he overruled concerns about teen wellbeing from 18 experts to lift a ban on Instagram beauty filters because he was concerned about “free expression.”

 

CNBC

CNN

Financial Times

Reuters

BBC News

German labour union IG Metall has filed a defamation complaint against Tesla's factory manager in the Berlin area, accusing him of spreading false allegations amid deteriorating relations with the automaker. The union is also pursuing a temporary injunction to prevent further claims from the manager, who had previously filed a criminal complaint against an IG Metall member for allegedly recording a works council meeting without consent. Union representative Jan Otto emphasised that while legal disputes are not preferred, they are necessary to defend workers' rights against Tesla's aggressive stance on union activities.

 

Reuters

Asset manager Blue Owl has halted investor withdrawals from its $1.7bn Blue Owl Capital Corporation II fund. Initially, Blue Owl planned to allow withdrawals but reversed course, opting for quarterly repayments instead. The fund primarily invests in middle-market US companies and has provided loans to over 180 businesses. The news sent shares of the biggest private investment managers on Wall Street tumbling on Thursday. Bloomberg notes that Blue Owl’s decision highlights a key risk for retail investors drawn to private credit: such funds offer less liquidity than public markets, and firms can block their investors from cashing in.

 

Bloomberg

Financial Times

Reuters

Beazley's latest Risk & Resilience survey indicates that businesses are increasingly aware of interconnected risks in 2026. Conducted in January, the survey involved 3,500 leaders from various countries. It found that 94% of respondents plan to enhance resilience through insurance and risk management. Key concerns include technology and geopolitical risks, each at 25%, while climate risks account for 20%. Paul Bantick, Chief Underwriting Officer at Beazley, said: "Organisations are entering an era of converging risk, where digital, transitional, and geopolitical disruption are creating simultaneous pressures across every part of the business."

 

Reinsurance news

Insurers in the UK paid out a record £6.1bn in property claims in 2025, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). This figure marks the highest annual total since 2017. Weather-related claims alone reached £1.2bn, a 14% increase from 2024. Storm damage accounted for £244m, up 32% from the previous year, with average payouts rising to £2,450. Chris Bose, director of general insurance policy at the ABI, said: "Once again, we're seeing the toll that increasingly severe weather is taking on homes and businesses across the UK."

 

London Evening Standard

Polish consumer sentiment was mixed in February, with the Current Consumer Confidence Index rising 0.5 points to -9.1, reflecting improved views on the country’s economic situation and household finances. The index was 5.7 points higher than a year earlier. However, households were more cautious about spending, with the measure of current ability to make major purchases falling 3.2 points. The Leading Consumer Confidence Index, which tracks future expectations, slipped 0.3 points to -7.0, weighed by weaker outlooks for savings and employment. Despite the monthly dip, it remained 3.8 points above its level in February 2025.

 

Reuters

The Hydrogen Energy Association has urged the UK government to expedite the Hydrogen Allocation Rounds and a refresh of the Hydrogen Strategy. In a letter to government officials, the association highlighted the need for immediate publication of HAR 2 project outcomes and the HAR 3 market engagement exercise. CEO Emma Guthrie said: "Every day of delay . . . pushes projects, capital and skilled jobs elsewhere." A recent report indicated that with improved policies, the sector could generate approximately 17,000 jobs by 2030. The association said it is ready to collaborate with the government to accelerate these initiatives.

 

Renewables Now

Thyssenkrupp is contemplating the spin-off or divestment of its materials trading division, Materials Services (MX), potentially as early as this year. The move is part of a broader strategic overhaul under CEO Miguel Lopez, with MX's performance in the upcoming second quarter being crucial for a successful divestment. Following the news, Thyssenkrupp's shares surged by over 4%, reflecting investor optimism about the company's direction and future opportunities in the consolidating US market.

 

Reuters

Volkswagen has attracted bids from top private equity funds including Blackstone, EQT and CVC for its Everllence division, bolstering its plans to sell off the shipping engines unit.

 

Financial Times

January storms that forced KLM to ground hundreds of flights and source emergency supplies of de-icing fluid will cost the Dutch airline’s owner Air France-KLM €90m.

 

Financial Times

Pernod Ricard has reported a 19% fall in first-half operating profit as weaker demand in the US and China weighed on earnings, prompting a renewed focus on cost savings and cash generation. Revenue for the six months to December fell 15% year-on-year to €5.25bn ($6.19bn), hit by declining spirits consumption and adverse currency movements. US sales dropped 15% amid tighter consumer spending and health trends, while China revenue plunged 28% due to regulatory pressures and weaker demand for premium spirits. The group said fiscal 2026 would be a “transition year” and aims to protect margins through strict cost control, as part of a €1bn efficiency programme. Over the medium term, Pernod Ricard is targeting 3%–6% organic sales growth and margin expansion.

 

Bloomberg

Wall Street Journal

Supermarket chain Kaufland, part of Germany's Schwarz Group, is facing accusations from trade unions in Slovakia regarding its treatment of employees. Concerns include long working hours, pressure on staff taking family-care leave, and alleged misuse of surveillance. The union, ZO OZ KOVO Kaufland, reported that employees often work six consecutive days, which they argue harms work-life balance. Union chair Rastislav Hruška highlighted a case of a worker facing pressure after taking leave to care for a sick child. Kaufland stated it manages personnel matters responsibly but declined to address specific allegations during ongoing collective bargaining talks.

 

The Slovak Spectator

Foreign workers in Croatia face increasing violence and exploitation. Many report being attacked while working, with some suffering serious injuries. The country, which is experiencing a significant labour shortage, has witnessed a rise in foreign workers, particularly from Asia. Last year, four out of 10 work and residency permits were issued to Nepalis, Filipinos, Indians and Bangladeshis, mostly in the tourism, catering and construction industries. Public attitudes are hardening, with over 60% of Croatians expressing dissatisfaction with the presence of these workers.

 

France 24