The mid to late eighties were a time of momentous change in UK financial services. In 1986, Big Bank took place which revolutionised the way equities were traded which allowed easier access to the market to the “man in the Street.”

This was also the time of privatisation, when the country's publicly owned utility companies were sold off, apparently to allow greater competition in the marketplace. However, to most of us all it meant was an opportunity to make a “quick buck” the individual companies were “attractively priced” to ensure the float would be successful.

At a stroke, gas, electricity, telecoms, railways, and water providers became the largest privately owned businesses on the newly formed stock market.

This was hailed at the time as Margaret Thatcher’s great masterstroke. It was designed to increase people’s choice but has ended up making the rich richer.

Now, thirty-five to forty years later, it is accepted that the entire process was a massive mistake. Rather than providing greater choice, the utility companies have consolidated to form controlling interests in the hands of big business whose main driver is profit not service.

Beyond Currency Market Commentary:

Aims to provide deep insights into the political and economic events worldwide that can cause currencies to change and how this can affect your FX Exposure.