Speculation of a further round of state aid for the ailing banking sector saw blue-chip banks make strong advances on the London market today.

Royal Bank of Scotland posted gains of more than 6% today amid revived hopes of a sale of its insurance businesses.

The founder of the UK’s largest private insurance firm could net £2bn (€2.9bn) after it was reported today that his company had received bid approaches.

The UK boss of Norwich Union insurer Aviva quit the business today.

Norwich Union owner Aviva expanded its services beyond insurance today by buying a firm that specialises in combating fraud in second-hand car sales.