The º£½ÇÊÓƵ has ascended to become the joint top destination for investment among CFOs globally, according to a new survey, with finance chiefs showing a readiness to embrace more risk.
City bigwigs and policymakers have been vocal about their willingness to take bolder risks to spur returns and bolster growth opportunities, as reported by .
Deloitte's latest findings indicate a marked increase in risk-taking, with nearly one in five (17%) chief financial officers (CFOs) shifting from conservative strategies to a more risk-oriented approach on their balance sheets.
Senior figures from FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies, as well as º£½ÇÊÓƵ private firms and subsidiaries listed abroad, were surveyed by Deloitte, with participating companies having a combined worth of £386bn.
In stark contrast to last year's survey, where only 12% of participants were inclined towards greater risk, this year's results show a significant shift in sentiment.
The º£½ÇÊÓƵ now ranks as a prime location for business, sharing the top spot with India, a notable rise from previous Deloitte surveys that placed it as low as sixth.
"This renewed confidence, coupled with a rise in risk appetite, is welcome and underscores the considerable investment potential the º£½ÇÊÓƵ offers," commented Richard Houston, chief executive of Deloitte º£½ÇÊÓƵ.
Investment hinges on a 'mindset change'
The º£½ÇÊÓƵ has launched a deregulation initiative designed to enhance risk appetites and reduce regulatory burdens on businesses over the past year, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves instructing bodies such as the Bank of England and FCA to establish rules that foster growth.
The City of Corporation released a report co-authored with law firm A&O Shearman, urging the Treasury to offer guidance on growth objectives and competitiveness.
The report also recommended that the Financial Ombudsman Services should operate with greater predictability.
The Treasury is preparing to strip powers from the banking watchdog by transferring final decision-making authority to the FCA.
"We must regulate for growth, not just risk," declared Alastair King, the Lord Mayor of London.
"This report takes the debate on risk and growth from an abstract plane to practical recommendations that will help change mindset and ensure our regulatory system unabashedly prioritises growth.
"The º£½ÇÊÓƵ must embrace a more informed and responsible appetite for risk if we are to remain globally competitive."
Rachel Reeves is anticipated to expand financial reforms beyond the City as she seeks to cultivate a retail investment culture amongst Britons.
One reform she believes could encourage people to invest in stocks and shares involves reducing the cash ISA limit to approximately £5,000. Her proposed changes to capital markets and the City of London are expected to be detailed in the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, which is due to be revealed at her Mansion House speech next week.
