Barclays has been ushered into the second cohort of firms handpicked by the City watchdog for its artificial intelligence live testing scheme, as Britain’s banking establishment doubles down on the technology race reshaping financial services.

The FTSE 100 lender will rub shoulders with its high street rival Lloyds Banking Group, which is entering the programme through its Scottish Widows subsidiary, alongside credit reference agency Experian, payments outfit GoCardless and Swiss banking giant UBS.

Run by the Financial Conduct Authority in partnership with Advai, the British specialist in automated testing, evaluation and assurance of AI systems, the initiative offers successful applicants a regulatory safe harbour in which to put their models through their paces. The intention is to let firms iron out governance wrinkles well before those systems are turned loose on high-stakes decisions affecting consumers.

Speaking at Innovate Finance’s Global Fintech Summit, Jessica Rusu, the FCA’s chief data, information and intelligence officer, said the scheme “reflects our commitment to supporting the pace of change in AI, whilst demonstrating how regulators and industry can work together to harness innovation responsibly”.

The announcement lands at a moment when Britain’s traditional lenders are under acute pressure to demonstrate tech credentials that can stand comparison with the tech-native neobanks snapping at their heels. Investors have grown increasingly impatient for a convincing AI narrative, particularly one that sets out concrete implications for costs and headcount.

UBS analysts warned earlier this year that banks would be “pressed hard” to articulate a “coherent financial story for AI implementation: what is being spent now and what it means for the future shape of expenses overall and headcount in particular”.

The urgency is reflected in the flurry of alliances struck in recent months. Barclays has thrown in its lot with Microsoft AI in a deal that will put AI tools in the hands of some 100,000 of its bankers, while NatWest has signed with OpenAI and HSBC has turned to the French champion Mistral. NatWest, Lloyds and HSBC each sit within the top 20 of the Evident AI index, the global benchmark for AI adoption in banking.

Yet for all the enthusiasm, the risks have not gone unnoticed. American regulators recently summoned Wall Street chief executives to an emergency meeting amid concerns that Anthropic’s newly released “Mythos” tool could pose systemic risks to the financial system, a reminder that the cybersecurity implications of ever more capable models remain a live worry for supervisors on both sides of the Atlantic.

The FCA launched its first AI live testing cohort last December, with Monzo, NatWest and Santander among the inaugural participants. For smaller and mid-market firms watching from the sidelines, the expanding programme offers a useful weathervane on where the regulator will draw its lines as AI embeds itself deeper into British finance.

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

NEW YORK — Word game enthusiasts tackling the New York Times Strands puzzle on Tuesday found themselves navigating a grid filled with daring spirit, as the theme “Risky business” challenged players to uncover words describing bold individuals who thrive on adventure and courage.

The daily word-search style game, which debuted as part of the NYT Games lineup and quickly gained a devoted following, presents a letter grid where solvers must find themed words connected to a central spangram — a special word or phrase that typically spans the board and encapsulates the day’s concept. For Strands No. 779 on April 21, 2026, the puzzle rewarded those who embraced risk with a set of synonyms for bravery and thrill-seeking.

Today’s theme hint from the New York Times read simply “Risky business,” with an additional nudge: “Take a chance.” That subtle guidance pointed solvers toward traits of people unafraid to push boundaries, whether in extreme sports, stunts or everyday leaps of faith. Once players identified the spangram, the remaining theme words fell into place more readily for many.

The spangram for Tuesday’s puzzle was **DAREDEVILS**, a 10-letter term that perfectly captured the essence of individuals who court danger for excitement or performance. Sources described it as snaking vertically or spanning multiple directions across the grid, often starting near the left side and connecting key letters. Finding the spangram early provided a significant boost, as it highlighted letters tied to the theme and unlocked hints within the game interface.

The five non-spangram theme words were: **BOLD**, **GUTSY**, **INTREPID**, **COURAGEOUS** and **ADVENTUROUS**. Each word embodies a facet of daring personality — from the straightforward confidence of “bold” to the fearless exploration implied by “adventurous” and the gutsy resolve of “gutsy.” “Intrepid” evoked historical explorers or modern-day risk-takers, while “courageous” highlighted moral or physical bravery in the face of peril.

Solvers reported varying difficulty levels, with some rating the puzzle as moderately challenging due to overlapping letters and the need to distinguish theme words from filler terms. Common distractors included words like ROUTE, ROUTER, DIET, RATE and GATE, which appeared in the grid but did not fit the “Risky business” motif. Playing these extraneous words could trigger the in-game hint system, revealing the first letter or direction of up to three theme words at a time — a helpful tool for those stuck midway through the board.

To approach Tuesday’s Strands effectively, start by scanning for longer letter sequences that might form the spangram. Look for clusters involving D, A, R, E and other letters common in words about risk. Once “DAREDEVILS” emerges, pivot to shorter synonyms for bravery scattered around the remaining letters. Many players found success by focusing on the outer edges or diagonal paths after securing the spangram.

Strands has become a staple alongside other NYT Games such as Wordle, Connections and the Mini Crossword, appealing to fans who enjoy layered word puzzles without the strict rules of traditional crosswords. The game’s visual design — a honeycomb-like grid of letters — encourages both strategic scanning and intuitive leaps, mirroring the risk-taking theme of the April 21 puzzle.

For those who prefer gradual reveals, the official NYT Strands Sidekick provided progressive hints. Clicking each one uncovered partial information, such as the starting letters of theme words: BO for BOLD, GU for GUTSY, IN for INTREPID, CO for COURAGEOUS and AD for ADVENTUROUS. These built confidence without spoiling the full solution, allowing casual players to maintain the satisfaction of discovery.

The “Risky business” theme resonated widely on social media Tuesday, with players sharing screenshots of completed grids and celebrating streaks. One solver noted the puzzle felt thematically timely amid spring’s spirit of outdoor adventure and new challenges. Others drew parallels to real-world daredevils, from stunt performers and athletes to entrepreneurs betting on bold ideas.

Strands puzzles are generated daily, with themes ranging from everyday objects to abstract concepts, pop culture nods and seasonal references. Tuesday’s entry stood out for its motivational undertone, reminding participants that embracing a bit of risk — whether in a word game or life — often leads to rewarding outcomes. The spangram “DAREDEVILS” particularly delighted fans of action sports, circus arts and superhero lore, where the term carries cultural weight.

Beginners or those new to Strands can improve by practicing letter pattern recognition and expanding vocabulary around specific themes. Resources like hint articles from CNET, Mashable, TechRadar and Lifehacker offer balanced guidance, providing escalating clues before full answers. On April 21, sites emphasized avoiding spoilers until after personal attempts, respecting the community’s shared experience of solving together yet independently.

After completing the theme words and spangram, the grid typically fills with neutral letters, signaling victory with a celebratory animation. Tuesday’s board, once solved, showcased the interconnected nature of daring traits: A bold move often requires gutsy follow-through, intrepid exploration and courageous conviction, all wrapped in an adventurous mindset.

The New York Times Games platform tracks player statistics, including solve times and streaks, fostering friendly competition among millions of daily users worldwide. For Tuesday’s puzzle, early data suggested average solve times aligned with a standard difficulty, though the thematic cohesion helped some finish faster than Monday’s “sparkly” edition focused on light-related verbs.

Looking ahead, Strands continues to evolve with fresh themes, keeping the game engaging without major rule changes. Fans appreciate its accessibility — free with a NYT subscription or limited plays — and the absence of ads during core gameplay. The April 21 edition reinforced why the puzzle has carved a niche: It combines mental exercise with thematic storytelling, turning a simple letter hunt into a narrative about human boldness.

If you missed Tuesday’s puzzle or want to revisit it, the NYT Games app and website archive previous Strands entries for practice. For those seeking similar challenges, Connections tests category grouping, while Wordle hones five-letter precision. Together, these games form a robust daily routine for word enthusiasts.

Whether you nailed “DAREDEVILS” on the first scan or needed multiple hints to uncover “INTREPID” and “ADVENTUROUS,” the puzzle delivered a satisfying mental workout. In the spirit of its own theme, tackling Strands requires a touch of daring — committing to letters that might lead nowhere before striking gold.

As solvers wrapped up their grids on April 21, many reflected on personal “risky business” moments, from career shifts to travel adventures. The game subtly encourages that mindset: Spot the pattern, take the chance and reap the reward of a completed board.

For Wednesday’s Strands and beyond, check the New York Times Games section promptly after midnight Eastern Time for the latest grid. With hints available through official channels and community discussions, even tricky themes become conquerable. Today’s “Risky business” served as a perfect reminder that sometimes the boldest path through the letters — or through life — yields the greatest thrill.

The visitor attraction is looking to double visitor numbers and boost revenue growth

Aerospace Bristol has appointed its first chief operating officer as it pursues an ambitious 10-year strategy to double visitor numbers and grow its commercial operations. Lloyd Hughes will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the Filton site, which is home to Concorde.

He will lead the museum’s visitor experience, finance, commercial and operations functions, and will help deliver and evolve the commercial strategy, including driving revenue growth across events and venue hire, ticket sales, retail and hospitality.

Mr Hughes, who was previously a director at vet charity PDSA and has led commercial activities at organisations such as English Heritage, will also deputise for the chief executive and represent Aerospace Bristol at industry and networking events.

He said: “Aerospace Bristol is an extraordinary place – one that sits at the heart of a globally significant industry and tells stories about the wonders of flight to inspire people of all ages.

“I’m hugely excited to be joining at such a pivotal moment – there is enormous potential to grow both the commercial reach and resilience of the museum, and I’m looking forward to working with the brilliant team here to unlock it.”

Aerospace Bristol said the newly created position reflected its “determination to build a sustainable, high-performing organisation” and grow visitor numbers.

Sally Cordwell, chief executive of Aerospace Bristol, said: “This is a landmark appointment for Aerospace Bristol. Lloyd brings exactly the blend of commercial sharpness and charity sector understanding that we need as we look to deliver on our 10-year growth strategy.

“Creating this COO role signals our intent – we are serious about being an organisation that is operationally excellent, commercially strong and well positioned to serve our visitors, our community and the story of flight for decades to come. We’re delighted to welcome Lloyd into our team.”

Aerospace Bristol is based in Patchway on Bristol’s northern edge and is run by the Bristol Aero Collection Trust. The museum exhibits the Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the final Concorde plane to be built and the last to fly.

Concorde’s airframe and engines were largely developed in Bristol, where its UK assembly line was located, while all UK Concordes made their maiden flight from the former Filton airfield site near the museum.

Baroness Karren Brady has stepped down as vice-chair of West Ham United, drawing the curtain on one of British football’s most enduring executive careers and severing a commercial partnership with joint-chair David Sullivan that has spanned close to four decades.

The 57-year-old peer, broadcaster and businesswoman had served on the Hammers’ board for 16 years. Her exit arrives at a delicate juncture for the Premier League club, where supporter discontent with the boardroom has hardened into a regular feature of matchdays. Chants directed at the ownership rang out again on Sunday evening during the side’s draw at Crystal Palace, the latest in a string of organised protests that have overshadowed a season spent flirting with the relegation places.

For those who have followed Brady’s career since the early 1990s, the decision marks the end of an era. It was Brady, then just 23, who convinced Sullivan to acquire Birmingham City in 1993, taking the managing director’s chair herself and becoming one of the youngest executives to run a professional football club anywhere in Europe. That appointment laid the foundations for a business relationship that has outlasted most in British sport.

In a statement released by the club, Brady said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside the board, management, players, staff and supporters at West Ham United. Together we have achieved remarkable milestones, but the highlight for me will always be lifting the Uefa Europa Conference League trophy, a moment that will stay with me forever. I am deeply grateful for the relationships, challenges and opportunities that have shaped my time at the club.”

She added: “While this chapter closes, my passion for football and commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders remains undiminished. I wish West Ham United every success for the future and look forward to following their continued achievements with pride.”

Brady has drawn heavy criticism from the stands alongside Sullivan this season, with the pair cast by sections of the fanbase as the architects of a prolonged period of under-investment on the pitch. The Hammers currently sit a single place and two points clear of the drop, steadied by the recent appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo as head coach.

A long-serving columnist for The Sun and aide to Lord Sugar on the BBC’s The Apprentice, Brady is understood to be redirecting her attention toward her broader portfolio of business interests and her duties in the House of Lords, while retaining her place in the boardroom of the hit entertainment format.

Her tenure at West Ham will be remembered as much for corporate manoeuvring as for sporting achievement. She was widely regarded as the driving force behind the club’s contentious relocation from Upton Park to the London Stadium in the wake of the 2012 Olympics, a deal that has divided opinion but radically rewired the Hammers’ commercial footprint.

Sullivan paid tribute to his long-time lieutenant, saying: “Karren has been an exceptional leader and a key figure in the club’s development over the years. We wish her every success in her future endeavours and thank her for her outstanding contribution over the past 16 years.”

Joint-chair Daniel Kretinsky, who joined the ownership group in 2021, was similarly effusive. “I want to thank Karren most sincerely for our collaboration since 2021, and for all the work she has done in the past for the club,” he said. “Her contribution to West Ham United’s growth, such as the long-term contract for the London Stadium, shareholders transition and the British record transfer of Declan Rice, has been absolutely essential and not always fully appreciated. Karren is also very highly appreciated in the Premier League leadership community and was an excellent representative of our club there. I wish her the best of luck in all future activities.”

Brady’s departure leaves a sizeable gap at the top of the club, both in terms of institutional memory and Premier League influence. For Sullivan and Kretinsky, the challenge now is twofold: to steady a restive fanbase and to recruit a successor capable of matching her standing in the game’s corridors of power. West Ham United has been contacted for further comment.

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.