UK

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) is holding a competition to find the best plan for a 'Brexit' - a UK exit from the European Union.

Janus Capital has poached Premier's Alan Glendon to become sales director for UK financial institutions.

Baring Asset Management has appointed Claire Fraser as head of marketing and communications, following the announcement Ian Pascal is to exit next month.

A number of wealth managers have privately warned fund groups they will be less inclined to recommend funds which give preferential prices to the biggest distributors in the market, Investment Week understands.

Business secretary Vince Cable is to unveil a new corporate law that will see directors of failed companies held personally liable for racking-up debts or managing businesses poorly.

Credit ratings agency Moody's has upgraded its outlook for British banks from negative to stable, saying they are strong enough to withstand another financial crisis.

Scott MacLennan, manager of the Neptune UK Special Situations Fund, has upped his banking exposure and said it is increasingly difficult to ignore the investment case for the sector at home and abroad.

The International Monetary Fund has upgraded its 2013 growth forecast for the UK to 0.9%, just three months after cutting estimates.

PROPERTY

Former Chancellor Alistair Darling has warned Europe and its plethora of problems continues to pose the greatest threat to the UK unless growth returns.