In the City

On this week’s In the City, hosts Allegra Stratton and Francine Lacqua are joined by James Kanagasooriam, chief research officer at Focaldata, to unpack how AI is reshaping employment. The conversation explores how AI’s ripple effects are hitting the white-collar sector in the UK, from shrinking graduate job pipelines to the potential collapse of middle-class tax bases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katherine Griffiths, Bloomberg’s City Editor, dives into the aftermath of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Mansion House speech. She highlights the Chancellor's ambitious vision for the UK financial sector, stirring positive reactions among industry leaders. The discussion includes the hot button topic of ring-fencing regulations and how banks are grappling with their implications. Additionally, they explore the Labour Party's evolving relationship with the City, touching on non-domiciled taxation and new mortgage regulations, all aimed at invigorating the UK's economic landscape.

Earlier this year, the UK government directed its antitrust watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority, to be "less risk averse" and to align more closely with its pro-growth agenda. We invited the CMA's interim chair Doug Gurr to update us on that mission and to explain what the group is doing to support the government's pledge to make it easier for businesses and the economy to grow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this insightful discussion, financial expert Marcus Ashworth, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist, sheds light on the troubling trends within the UK housing market. He reveals how rising transaction taxes and high borrowing costs have shocked buyers, leading to the lowest house price growth in two years. The conversation uncovers the plight of the luxury sector in London and critiques government policies that are fueling market stagnation. Ashworth emphasizes the need for a reevaluation of current practices to navigate these economic challenges.

According to new polling, the party led by Nigel Farage now stands at 34% support, nine points ahead of Labour and well ahead of the Conservatives. Hosts Francine Lacqua and David Merritt sit down with Zia Yusuf, head of Reform UK’s own “Department for Government Efficiency,” to explore the party’s rapid ascent and the political undercurrents driving it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s no secret the Labour government’s policy to tax the UK’s wealthiest as part of its effort to fix a budget crisis left by the Conservatives has caused Prime Minister Keir Starmer some headaches. The biggest exodus of wealth in the UK’s recent history appears to be underway, and the data shows the departure is likely to be a drain on the economy. But is it enough for Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves to change course? And should she?Bloomberg reporter Benjamin Stupples joins host Allegra Stratton to discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

London has long prided itself on being a global tech hub, promoting the image of a thriving and ambitious capital for innovation. But that reputation is beginning to slip. Major UK fintech firms like Revolut and Wise are shifting their focus—and listings—to the US, drawn by stronger valuations, deeper market liquidity and better access to compute infrastructure. As more companies look across the Atlantic, can London live up to the tech center image it projects? In this week’s episode of In the City, host Francine Lacqua speaks with Bloomberg editor Amy Thomson to explore whether London is keeping pace or simply masking its decline.Read more: https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2025-european-startups-to-watch/ https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-10/europe-s-ipo-drought-has-stock-exchanges-battling-for-listingsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Richards, chief executive of Britain Remade and a former special advisor at Number 10, joins the hosts for a deep dive into the UK's upcoming spending review. The discussion highlights a potential shift towards infrastructure funding, examining its implications for energy, housing, and transportation. They tackle the complexities of major projects, the need for regulatory reforms, and the challenges of balancing development with environmental concerns. Richards emphasizes the importance of strategic investment to avoid bureaucracy and ensure sustainable growth.

In this conversation, Yolande Barnes, a Professor of Real Estate at University College London, offers a deep dive into the current state of the UK housing market. She discusses the stagnation of house prices and its impact on first-time buyers. Despite fears, she sees no imminent crash, advocating for a mindset shift towards long-term ownership. Barnes also critiques government strategies, suggesting a focus on retrofitting homes instead of relying on speculative building. With regional trends in flux, her insights are essential for anyone navigating today's market.

Matthew Martin, Bloomberg's Chief Correspondent for MENA Sovereign Wealth Funds, and Dinesh Nair, Chief Correspondent for Global Deals, dive into the booming deal-making landscape in the Middle East. They discuss over $1 trillion in economic commitments from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, focusing on sectors like defense and AI. The duo examines the implications of American investments and the growing interest in sports ownership as a way to enhance regional influence. Finally, they address the shift of investment capital away from Europe towards the US and emerging markets.