CBI/PwC Financial Services Survey

The confidence of UK financial services companies has begun to fall, even though average levels of revenue are still growing. Companies should prepare for the effects of a possible economic slowdown, while staying focused on their current performance.

Some sub-sectors of the industry are improving their profitability, but others are not performing so well. Most sectors plan to reduce their headcount during the autumn. Companies need to strike a balance between the need to keep costs under control and the flexibility to take advantage of new opportunities.

There is increasing concern about a further deterioration in financial markets and the possibility of weaker customer demand. In response, there are signs that some companies are planning to invest in marketing and distribution capabilities to boost customer acquisition.

The CBI/PwC Financial Services Survey is a quarterly trends report that discusses the health, perceptions and plans of the UK financial services industry.

Previous survey interviews: