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Bank Of England Governor Dismisses Government Rift Amid Revolut License Delays


Bank Of England Defends Government Relations

London – In a recent discussion with CNBC, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey dismissed speculation of any discord between the central bank and the U.K. government over delays in fintech giant Revolut’s progression toward full banking status. Bailey confirmed that interactions with Finance Minister Rachel Reeves have remained constructive, refuting reports of a falling out.

Revolut’s Journey Toward Full Banking Authorization

Revolut’s lengthy application process, which began in 2021, culminated in the granting of a restricted banking license in July 2024 by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Despite this milestone, the digital bank remains confined to a transitional ‘mobilization’ phase, limiting customer deposits to £50,000— a stark contrast to the extensive deposits handled by established high-street institutions like Barclays, HSBC, and Santander.

Regulatory Engagement And Market Implications

Although Revolut’s U.K. customers are currently served through its e-money unit and lack the direct protection of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the Prudential Regulation Authority is actively engaged in facilitating the digital bank’s transition. Bailey emphasized that there is no inherent trade-off between maintaining financial stability and fostering economic growth, and he expressed an openness to regulatory adjustments to support innovation in the fintech sector.

Industry Scrutiny And Government Response

Delays in granting full banking licenses to fintech firms have sparked criticism from the U.K. tech industry, which argues that more robust support is needed for the country to remain competitive on the global stage. The governor’s remarks underscore a commitment to balance rigorous oversight with a willingness to adapt policies that encourage a thriving digital financial landscape.


Strained Household Finances: Eurostat Data Reveals Persistent Payment Delays Across Europe and in Cyprus

Improved Financial Resilience Amid Ongoing Strains

Over the past decade, Cypriot households have significantly increased their ability to manage debts—not only bank loans but also rent and utility bills. However, recent Eurostat data indicates that Cyprus continues to lag behind the European average when it comes to covering financial obligations on time.

Household Coping Strategies and the Limits of Payment Flexibility

While many families are managing their fixed expenses with relative ease, one in three Cypriots struggles to cover unexpected costs. This delicate balancing act highlights how routine payments such as mortgage installments, rent, and utility bills are met, but precariously so, with little room for unplanned financial shocks.

Breaking Down Payment Delays Across the European Union

Eurostat reports that nearly 9.2% of the EU population experienced delays with their housing loans, rent, utility bills, or installment payments in 2024. The situation is more acute among vulnerable groups: 17.2% of individuals in single-parent households with dependent children and 16.6% in households with two adults managing three or more dependents faced payment delays. In every EU nation, single-parent households exhibited higher delay rates compared to the overall population.

Cyprus in the Crosshairs: High Rates of Financial Delays

Although Cyprus recorded a notable 19.1 percentage point improvement from 2015 to 2024 in delays related to mortgages, rent, and utility bills, the island nation still ranks among the top five countries with the highest delay rates. As of 2024, 12.5% of the Cypriot population had outstanding housing loans or rent and overdue utility bills. In contrast, Greece tops the list with 42.8%, followed by Bulgaria (18.7%), Romania (15.3%), Spain (14.2%), and other EU members. Notably, 19 out of 27 EU countries reported delay rates below 10%, with Czech Republic (3.4%) and Netherlands (3.9%) leading the pack.

Selective Improvements and Emerging Concerns

Between 2015 and 2024, the overall EU population saw a 2.6 percentage point decline in payment delays. Despite this, certain countries experienced increases: Luxembourg (+3.3 percentage points), Spain (+2.5 percentage points), and Germany (+2.0 percentage points) saw a rise in payment delays, reflecting underlying economic pressures that continue to challenge financial stability.

Economic Insecurity and the Unprepared for Emergencies

Another critical indicator explored by Eurostat is the prevalence of economic insecurity—the proportion of the population unable to handle unexpected financial expenses. In 2024, 30% of the EU population reported being unable to cover unforeseen costs, a modest improvement of 1.2 percentage points from 2023 and a significant 7.4 percentage point drop compared to a decade ago. In Cyprus, while 34.8% still report difficulty handling emergencies, this marks a drastic improvement from 2015, when the figure stood at 60.5%.

A Broader EU Perspective

Importantly, no EU country in 2024 had more than half of its population facing economic insecurity—a notable improvement from 2015, when over 50% of the population in nine countries reported such challenges. These figures underscore both progress and persistent vulnerabilities within European households, urging policymakers to consider targeted measures for enhancing financial resilience.

For further insights and detailed analysis, refer to the original reports on Philenews and Housing Loans.

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