More than half of all new board appointments at UK financial services firms over the past year brought technology expertise, as companies respond to rapid advances in AI and emerging technologies. According to the latest EY UK Financial Services Boardroom Monitor, 52% of directors appointed in the twelve months to June 2025 had technology experience.

Ransomware attacks are forecast to see a sharp rise, with the number of victims publicly named on leak sites projected to grow from 5,010 in 2024 to more than 7,000 by the end of 2026, according to figures from insurer QBE. This would represent a rise of around 40%, and almost a five-fold increase since 2020, when just 1,412 victims were listed.

UK companies are making significant strides in gender equity, though challenges remain in achieving leadership parity. The 2025 Women in Work Gender Equity Measure Report, developed with LinkedIn, shows a record 19% rise since 2024 in the number of the UK’s largest 400 companies meeting gender equity benchmarks.

Two members of the public have been killed and an attacker shot dead by police following a terrorist incident outside a Manchester synagogue this morning. Greater Manchester Police said the attack occurred at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Middleton Road, Crumpsall, at 09:31, when a car was driven towards members of the public and one man was stabbed.

Julia Graham is stepping down from her role as chief executive of Airmic, with Diane Maxwell set to succeed her. Maxwell will join the association next month as CEO designate before formally taking over in Spring.

Willis has introduced a new parametric insurance policy that pays out automatically when a red weather warning is issued by the UK Met Office or Met Éireann. Developed in collaboration with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, the product is particularly relevant for hospitality businesses.