Our monthly round-up of news, ideas and initiatives related to transforming the UK financial system for people and planet, compiled by the Lab’s CEO, Jesse Griffiths.

Financing the economy?

The World Inequality Report 2026 is out, so it’s time to ask, ‘how are billionaires getting on?’

Less than 10% of UK bank lending is for productive investment.

The Bank of England finds minimal economic downsides to bank capital requirements. But as crisis risks mount, is it 2008 all over again? 

Here’s a great manifesto for financial sector reform from Triodos.

Reforms to allow bigger credit unions are on the cards.

Integrity, corruption and finance

Anti-money laundering controls at professional services bodies for lawyers and accountants are below par.  

The government shouldn’t curb the powers of the Financial Services Ombudsman and crypto donations should not be allowed in politics.

Nature, climate, finance

Two thirds of industry delegates believe pension schemes are not doing enough to mitigate climate change.

Battery storage costs plummet.

New estimates suggest even greater economic damage from climate change.

Central banks and regulators should take nature risk more seriously. The new Nature Finance Tracker tells you what the UK government spends on nature.

And also

What should happen to Ukraine’s debts?

Here’s the global 2026 State of Civil Society report.