FSA’s Cole named among Europe’s most influential women - papers

FSA director of enforcement Margaret Cole has been named as one of Europe's most influential women for the second year running.

It follows Cole's promotion to the FSA's board in recognition of her role in increasing the regulator's conviction rate.

The fourth annual list of the 100 most influential women compiled by Financial News reveals more than a fifth of Europe's 100 most influential women sit at the top of some of the largest companies within the financial services sector.

Up to one third of the list hold managing director titles, while ten are regional heads and 15 are heads of department.

The listed women work across the investment banking, asset management, hedge fund, private equity, wealth management, pensions, financial regulation, exchanges and trading sectors.

HSBC attacked over Geoghegan severance deal

HSBC is bracing itself for a political backlash today after details of departing Michael Geoghegan's severance package emerged over the weekend, showing the bank's chief executive could walk away with more than £20m when he leaves the bank next year.

The Government has urged the banks to show restraint on pay awards as the economic recovery struggles to gain traction and the public sector prepares for thousands of job losses following next month's spending review, writes the Independent.

Last Friday, the bank confirmed Mr Geoghegan would leave next March after it broke with 30 years of tradition and passed him over for the chairmanship.

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Cameron hints at tax cuts for middle-class once economy is back on track

David Cameron has hinted he will look to give tax cuts to the middle-class once the economy is fully in recovery.

Amid fears of spending and benefits cuts, the Prime Minister stressed his determination to 'give people back something from a growing economy', reports the Daily Mail.

He insisted there would be 'more jobs, higher growth, a stronger economy' once Britain's finances are on a better footing', the paper writes, citing an interview in the Telegraph.

In the interview, Cameron tried to offset fears about the upcoming spending review.

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Victory for 'Red Ed' Milliband but business stays wary

Just days after the Business Secretary called them "spivs and gamblers", many City workers are feeling relieved the Coalition is in power, rather than Labour, under Ed Miliband.

Of the Mili-brothers, many in the City appear to have been hoping for David, the more centre-ground Blairite politician, to be elected, writes the Telegraph.

The younger Miliband insisted over the weekend that the party will not "lurch to the left" under his leadership, but the reaction of business groups showed they need more convincing.

There was a fear that "Red Ed" will push for more Government intervention in business, deliver more power to the unions, back the break-up of banks, and target high-earners.

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