Shares in TSB rose by as much as 15% today as the lender returned to the stock market after nearly two decades.

Britain’s Lloyds Banking Group has priced the stock market listing of its TSB business at below book value, aiming to attract investors amid a flurry of new issues and make progress on a much-delayed, costly sale.

Britain’s loss-making Co-operative Bank said it was confident of raising the extra funds it needs to secure its future even without the backing of customer-owned parent, the Co-operative Group.

The Co-operative Group has confirmed that it will hand control of its troubled banking arm to a group of powerful investors through a new rescue plan.

The Co-Operative Group Ltd has agreed to cede control of its banking unit to creditors after 141 years, part of a deal to allow the lender to plug a £1.5bn (€1.77) capital shortfall.

Britain’s banking sector now ranks tenth in the world behind countries including France, Brazil and Russia after seeing annual profits plunge by 41%, according to research.

Lloyds Banking Group boss Antonio Horta-Osorio has been awarded a £1.5m shares bonus while staff will share a £365m total pot despite further losses in the wake of mammoth provisions for mis-selling claims.

Only a quarter of people planning to buy a home in the UK next year will be first-time buyers - a share which is still well below the levels needed for a "healthy" market, research has found.

Bank of Ireland and AIB have agreed to review their product selling practices in Britain, as part of a wide-reaching probe by Britain’s financial watchdog.

A further seven banks have agreed to review the sale of complex financial products to small businesses and compensate customers where evidence of mis-selling is uncovered, the City watchdog said today.

Ed Miliband will set out a blueprint for fundamental reform of the British banking system today, including forcing the “big five” to sell up to 1,000 more branches to increase competition.

Stoke have signed a new three-year shirt sponsorship contract with bet365 which chief executive Tony Scholes believes can only help the club’s future development.

Bailed-out British banks Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds will this week fuel fears that it will take years for taxpayers to get their money back.

THE credit ratings of two top British banks were cut yesterday due to the likelihood of less state support in a future crisis, as Britain sought to reassure investors its banks were well capitalised and able to cope with a European debt crisis.

Britain’s beleaguered banks and building societies were dealt another blow today after a debt agency said the decreased likelihood of Government backing made them less credit-worthy.

The banking arm of the Co-operative Group will today offer everyday-banking services from an additional 250 high street branches as it completes the integration of Britannia Building Society.

Milan Mandaric hopes Sheffield Wednesday “have a plan B” to fall back on in order to stave off administration after turning down his deal to save the club.

The Co-operative Bank came to the rescue of Sheffield Wednesday in the High Court today by settling the football club’s debts with the taxman.

Sheffield Wednesday FC have today been issued with a winding-up order by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, the club have said in a statement.

Microsoft is winning the battle of the brands with experts ranking it top when it comes to name reputation, a report today suggests.

Peter Kay has been voted the UK’s best comedian – while Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand are among the least popular.

Some homeowners could be enjoying an interest-free mortgage next year if interest rates continue to fall steeply, it was disclosed today.

Policymakers in England are set to deliver their third interest rate cut in five months tomorrow to help borrowers under increasing pressure from the credit squeeze.

Halifax ended a turbulent week for the mortgage market today with the announcement that it was repricing its mortgage range.

Coventry manager Iain Dowie has revealed he would be forced to consider his position should the club go into administration.

The British financial services group, Co-operative, today confirmed plans to axe up to 1,000 jobs.

GILES HART: An urgent plea has been made for information about telecom worker GILES HART, 55, from Hornchurch, Essex.

Bolton chairman Phil Gartside believes the club now has the financial muscle to resist any bids for Jay-Jay Okocha.

Isle of Man-based businessman Eddie Davies has taken control of Bolton by injecting a further £2.25m (€3.1m) into his hometown club.

A COCKTAIL of highly toxic man-made chemicals has been found in every person tested in a Britain-wide blood survey.