UK CALLS FOR FRESH SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA

The UK has urged G7 allies to ban Russia fully from the Swift bank messaging system following calls from Ukraine for the West to end ?half measures? (The Times).

The UK is calling for fresh sanctions, as well as stepping up the investigation of Russian commanders for war crimes. Additionally, the foreign secretary Liz Truss said the UK intends for the West to agree a deadline for ending the use of Russian energy (The Guardian).

Separately, in his annual letter to shareholders JP Morgan's chief executive Jamie Dimon urged the US to ensure energy security as well as detailing that the bank could lose around $1 billion on its Russia exposure (Reuters).

RISHI SUNAK TO MAKE UK ?GLOBAL CRYPTOASSET HUB?

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is to launch a non-fungible token (NFT) through the Royal Mint in an effort to make the UK a ?global cryptoasset hub? (Sky News).

The Treasury has confirmed its intention to recognise stablecoin as a valid form of currency (City AM). The government will also explore ways to make the UK's tax system more competitive in order to encourage further development of the cryptoasset market in the UK.

NEWS IN BRIEF

The war in Ukraine could lead to lower inflation than previously expected, according to Sir John Cunliffe, Deputy Governor for Financial Stability at the Bank of England (The Times).

The government is looking to appoint the first female chief executive of the Competition and Markets Authority when Andrew Coscelli steps down in July (Financial Times).

Businesses who are part of the Sustainable Homes and Buildings Coalition have called for homebuyers who make their properties greener to get their stamp duty refunded (Daily Mail).

The government has decided to pursue plans to privatise Channel 4, with plans for the sale and a public consultation to be included in May's Queen's Speech (BBC News).