American Express has launched a new Flexible Payment Option designed to give UK small businesses greater control over cashflow, allowing eligible cardholders to unlock an instant line of credit directly through their business charge card.

The new feature is available to new Business Platinum and Business Gold Cardmembers and enables them to choose how they repay their monthly statement balance. Cardholders can either pay in full, pay the minimum amount due, or repay any amount in between, with interest applied only to the portion carried forward.

Because the Flexible Payment Option is embedded within the card itself, businesses can manage repayments seamlessly through their online account or the American Express app. Importantly, no interest is charged if the full balance is paid by the statement due date.

Business Cardmembers also continue to benefit from up to 54 calendar days interest-free before payment is required, allowing cash to remain in the business for longer and improving short-term liquidity.

The move comes as cashflow management remains a pressing concern for UK SMEs. Research conducted by American Express last year found that nearly a third of small businesses consider cashflow a key operational priority, while more than a quarter said repayment flexibility is a critical factor when assessing financing options.

Ruchi Sharma, Vice President of UK Commercial at American Express, said the new feature was designed to remove friction at moments when businesses need flexibility most. “We know that cashflow is vital for small businesses, and Flexible Payment Option gives owners immediate access to credit when they need it,” she said. “This means they don’t have to dip into personal savings, take out a separate loan or miss out on growth opportunities when they arise.”

Alongside the new payment flexibility, American Express Business Platinum and Gold Cards continue to operate with no pre-set spending limit. Instead, spending power adjusts dynamically based on a business’s profile, usage patterns and payment history.

Cardmembers can also earn Membership Rewards points on everyday business spending, which can be redeemed against travel, experiences or purchases, offering additional value beyond day-to-day financing.

The launch positions American Express as targeting a growing segment of SMEs seeking flexible, embedded finance solutions that sit alongside existing payment tools, rather than relying on traditional overdrafts or standalone business loans.

Amy Ingham

Amy is a newly qualified journalist specialising in business journalism at Business Matters with responsibility for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.

The share of Fortune 500 companies that publicly outlined their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) commitments fell by nearly two-thirds from a year ago, new research shows.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation released the latest version of its Corporate Equality Index on Tuesday, which showed a 65% decline in the number of Fortune 500 companies that chose to voluntarily submit their DEI policies for evaluation in the index. 

HRC noted that 131 companies in the Fortune 500 chose to participate in the CEI this year, down from 377 in 2025, and the group noted that many of the companies that opted against participating are federal contractors.

“What we’re seeing is the collapse of a corporate social credit system,” Robby Starbuck, host of “The Robby Starbuck Show” and visiting fellow for capital markets at the Heritage Foundation, told FOX Business. “The HRC’s CEI system turned boardrooms into political compliance offices, where companies were pressured to prove their ideological loyalty instead of focusing on their business, customers, employees, and shareholders.”

NIKE’S DIVERSITY INITIATIVES UNDER EEOC SCRUTINY FOR ALLEGED DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WHITE WORKERS

The number of Fortune 500 companies participating in HRC’s Corporate Equality Index fell by nearly two-thirds from last year. (Getty Images)

Starbuck, who emerged as a leading activist in spotlighting corporate DEI policies in recent years, added that the decline in participation in the index shows those policies were out of step with average Americans and that corporate leaders appreciated the risk they posed when shares declined amid DEI controversies.

“While I bask in this victory over a truly despicable, evil ideology, I still have 35% left to eliminate and mark my words, I will,” he added. “It turns out supporting sex changes for kids, racism against Whites via DEI and struggle sessions at work aren’t that popular in the real world!”

CHRISTIAN INVESTORS WITH $4B+ LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO STRIP ‘WOKE’ AGENDAS FROM MAJOR CORPORATIONS

Conservative activist Robby Starbuck has been an outspoken opponent of corporate DEI policies. (Bess Adler/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Last year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to “end illegal DEI discrimination and preferences” while directing federal agencies to take steps to encourage private sector companies to end illicit DEI policies through regulatory actions, investigations, litigation or other means.

HRC president Kelley Robinson said that while it remains illegal to discriminate against LGBTQ+ workers, she noted in the group’s report that “pressure from the federal government has been unprecedented, rolling back protections, publishing executive orders and threatening investigations for diversity and inclusion work.

“It’s in this context that some companies have pulled back from this work,” she added.

NEW ‘ANTI-DEI’ INDEX FUND LAUNCHES TO ONLY INVEST IN COMPANIES THAT HIRE BASED ON MERIT

Activists have encouraged companies to engage on political issues in addition to adopting internal DEI policies. (Alisha Jucevic/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The HRC noted that among companies that disclosed DEI policies and practices through the CEI in 2025 and 2026, they found the implementation of those policies and practices was sustained or increased with no drop off.

“Companies that communicate clearly and lead with transparency earn trust, retain talent, and strengthen their business. And they’re overwhelmingly backed by their shareholders who have rejected anti-DEI measures by nearly unanimous votes,” Robinson said. 

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“At a moment when fear and confusion are growing, providing clarity and confidence isn’t just good leadership – it’s essential.”

Wall Street giant Citi on Thursday informed the company’s U.S.-based employees that the firm plans to match the federal government’s seed contribution to newborns’ Trump Accounts and will also donate to efforts to boost participation.

Citi sent an internal message, which was reviewed by FOX Business, that notified employees that the company will contribute $1,000 to the Trump Accounts of children born to Citi’s U.S. workers from 2025 to 2028, the period in which the federal government will contribute the same amount to the tax-advantaged savings accounts.

“We are pleased to share that Citi will match the U.S. government’s $1,000 seed contribution to the accounts for children of eligible U.S. colleagues born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028. This new benefit adds to the comprehensive suite of benefits that Citi provides to colleagues and their families,” the company explained.

“These accounts are intended to promote long-term savings from a young age and provide children with investment assets that will grow over time,” Citi explained. “We’re excited to play an active role in supporting the financial well-being of families across the U.S.”

HOW MUCH COULD TRUMP ACCOUNT BALANCES GROW OVER TIME?

Citi announced it will match the government’s $1,000 seed contribution to Trump Accounts. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Citi indicated it will provide employees with additional information about participating in the matching program as more details about Trump Accounts are released by the federal government.

The company also announced that the Citi Foundation is committing $5 million to nonprofit groups that will “create awareness of the program, encourage participation and support families in completing the steps necessary to open accounts.”

“The Foundation has been a longtime supporter of community-based, matched savings programs, which have proven to be a powerful tool helping households build financial capability and attain education, home ownership and entrepreneurship goals,” Citi said. 

“This grant builds on that track record and takes these efforts to a new level of scale and impact.”

Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Steak ‘n Shake previously announced they would match the government’s $1,000 contribution.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR CHILD QUALIFIES FOR A TRUMP ACCOUNT: ‘A FINANCIAL STAKE IN THE FUTURE’

Trump Accounts were created under a provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law last year, and the law also indicated the accounts will be seeded with $1,000 in federal funds for children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028. Funds will be invested in a broad index fund of U.S. stocks.

The accounts may also be opened for children who are under the age of 18 and born prior to Jan. 1, 2025, although they won’t receive the $1,000 seed deposit from the government.

TRUMP ACCOUNTS HIT 1 MILLION SIGN-UPS AFTER NICKI MINAJ WHITE HOUSE SUMMIT APPEARANCE, BESSENT SAYS

President Donald Trump engages with the crowd at a Trump Accounts event. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Parents may contribute up to $5,000 per year to the accounts, while their employer can contribute up to $2,500 per year without affecting the employee’s taxable income.

Account holders may access the funds when they turn 18, when they can be used for expenses related to education or a down payment on a home, among other uses. Or the funds can continue to grow in the account.

The Trump administration has indicated that Trump Accounts will officially launch July 5, 2026. 

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Parents may enroll their child in the program by making an election when they file their taxes, and more information about the program is expected to be made available months ahead as the official launch approaches.

Argentina and the United States have signed a reciprocal trade and investment agreement that will give U.S. exports preferential market access, reduce tariffs on a wide range of goods and deepen cooperation on economic and national security issues, according to the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) office and President Javier Milei.

The agreement, signed Thursday, is designed to cut or eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers, facilitate trade in goods and services, modernize customs procedures and promote investment in strategic sectors including energy, critical minerals, infrastructure and technology, according to Argentina’s Office of the President.

The deal builds on a framework trade agreement first reached Nov. 13 and was signed by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Argentina’s Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, the USTR said.

Under the agreement, Argentina will cut or eliminate tariffs on many U.S. exports, including medicines, medical devices, chemicals, machinery, motor vehicles, information technology products and a wide range of American agricultural goods.

CITI TO MATCH FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S $1K TRUMP ACCOUNT CONTRIBUTIONS FOR EMPLOYEES’ CHILDREN

Javier Milei, Argentina’s president, left, and US President Donald Trump during the Board of Peace signing ceremony at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. The annual Davos gathering of political leaders, (Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Argentina also agreed to accept U.S. safety and regulatory standards for imported goods, including standards for automobiles and medical devices, and to recognize U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food safety standards for meat and poultry imports.

The agreement bars Argentina from imposing customs duties on cross-border data transmissions and includes a commitment not to introduce a digital services tax targeting U.S. technology companies, according to the USTR.

Agriculture provisions include a commitment from Argentina to open its market to U.S. poultry and poultry products within a year and to simplify regulatory requirements for U.S. exporters of beef and pork.

TRUMP TO UNVEIL TRUMPRX WEBSITE WHERE AMERICANS CAN PURCHASE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Argentina’s President Javier Milei (L) and Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hold a signed founding charter as US President Donald Trump reacts at the “Board of Peace” meeting during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on Ja (Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Argentina also agreed not to restrict U.S. exporters’ use of certain cheese names — including asiago, feta and camembert — which the European Union labels geographic indications only available to their producing regions.

The agreement calls for closer cooperation on enforcing export controls for sensitive dual-use items that could have military applications, while addressing the integrity of Argentina’s telecommunications infrastructure, the USTR said.

While the document does not name China directly, the U.S. Trade Representative’s office said it would enhance cooperation in combating unfair trade practices by third countries.

Argentina also committed to working with its provincial governments to facilitate investment by U.S. companies in critical mineral projects and to prioritize the United States as a trading partner for copper, lithium and other critical minerals over what the USTR described as “market-manipulating economies or enterprises.”

TRUMP SAYS US AND INDIA AGREE TO TRADE DEAL TO LOWER TARIFFS

Argentina’s President Javier Milei looks on as he attends the “Board of Peace” meeting during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 22, 2026. (Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images)

In a statement from Buenos Aires, Argentina’s presidency said the agreement reflects the government’s decision to integrate the country more fully into the global economy and move toward “an open, competitive, and predictable economy that rewards investment, work, and innovation.”

The agreement will be submitted to Argentina’s National Congress for consideration, according to the presidency.

Greer praised the growing relationship between the two governments.

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“The deepening partnership between President Trump and President Milei serves as a model of how countries in the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, can advance our shared ambitions and safeguard our economic and national security,” Greer said.

Quirno described the deal as a “great achievement” for both countries in a social media post.

Reuters contributed to this reporting.

The 2026 NBA trade deadline delivered fireworks on February 5, with a flurry of blockbuster deals reshaping contenders and rebuilding squads alike. The day featured high-profile names like James Harden, Anthony Davis, Jonathan Kuminga, Kristaps Porziņģis and Jaren Jackson Jr. changing teams, as franchises made aggressive pushes to bolster rosters ahead of the postseason.

The deadline officially closed at 3 p.m. ET, but the action accelerated in the final 48 hours. Cleveland landed Harden, Dallas parted ways with Davis in a massive overhaul, Golden State ended its Kuminga saga by acquiring Porziņģis, and Utah shocked the league by trading for Jackson Jr. from Memphis. The moves reflected a league in flux — contenders doubling down, middling teams pivoting, and sellers stockpiling assets.

Here are the most impactful trades from the 2026 deadline, their immediate implications, and how they could alter the playoff landscape.

Cleveland Cavaliers Acquire James Harden from LA Clippers

Cleveland receives: James Harden LA Clippers receive: Darius Garland, future second-round pick

The Cavaliers pulled off the deadline’s biggest coup by landing Harden from the Clippers in exchange for Garland and a second-rounder. Harden, 36, brings elite playmaking and scoring punch to a Cleveland backcourt that struggled with consistency after Garland’s inconsistent play. The move pairs Harden with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley in a lineup that now projects as one of the East’s top offensive threats.

Analysts gave Cleveland high marks for the upgrade. Harden averaged 19.8 points and 8.5 assists this season; Garland’s defense and availability had become liabilities. The Cavs are now firmly in the East title conversation, especially if Harden stays healthy.

Dallas Mavericks Trade Anthony Davis to Washington Wizards

Dallas receives: Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, Oklahoma City’s 2026 first-round pick, Phoenix’s 2026 second-round pick, Chicago’s 2027 second-round pick, Houston’s 2029 second-round pick, Golden State’s 2030 first-round pick (top-20 protected) Washington receives: Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, Dante Exum

The Mavericks shocked the league by moving Davis — acquired in the Luka Dončić trade just one year earlier — to the Wizards in a package heavy on young players, veterans and future picks. Davis’ injury history and fit alongside Kyrie Irving prompted the reset. Dallas gains Middleton’s veteran scoring and shooting, plus lottery upside in Johnson and Branham, while adding significant draft capital.

The Wizards, meanwhile, land a superstar big man to pair with their young core, betting on Davis’ health for a quick retool. Grades ranged from A- to B- for Dallas (future assets) and A- for Washington (star power at low cost).

Golden State Warriors Trade Jonathan Kuminga & Buddy Hield to Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porziņģis

Golden State receives: Kristaps Porziņģis Atlanta receives: Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield

The Warriors ended months of Kuminga speculation by shipping the 23-year-old forward and Hield to Atlanta for Porziņģis. The move gives Golden State a 7-foot-3 stretch big who can space the floor for Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler while providing rim protection. Porziņģis, 30, has one year and $36 million left on his deal.

Atlanta gains a young, athletic wing in Kuminga who fits their timeline and adds scoring punch. The trade drew praise for both sides: Golden State upgrades its frontcourt for a title push, while the Hawks invest in youth.

Other Notable Deadline Moves

• Utah Jazz Acquire Jaren Jackson Jr. from Memphis Grizzlies — An eight-player, three-pick blockbuster sent the former Defensive Player of the Year to Utah. Memphis gets youth and picks; Utah accelerates its timeline.
• Oklahoma City Thunder Acquire Jared McCain from Philadelphia 76ers — OKC adds a promising young guard for a 2026 first-round pick and seconds. The rich keep getting richer.
• Charlotte Hornets Acquire Coby White & Mike Conley from Chicago Bulls — Charlotte lands scoring (White) and leadership (Conley); Chicago gets youth and picks in a retool.
• Cleveland Cavaliers Acquire Dennis Schröder & Keon Ellis from Sacramento Kings — Cleveland bolsters depth; Kings get De’Andre Hunter.

The deadline saw fewer three-team deals than expected but plenty of star movement. Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors never materialized, and Ja Morant stayed put, but the action still reshaped the playoff picture.

Contenders like Cleveland, Golden State and Utah strengthened; middling teams like Dallas and Chicago pivoted; and sellers like Memphis and Philadelphia stockpiled assets. As the regular season enters its final stretch, the Eastern and Western Conference races just got more intriguing.

Instagram remains the undisputed king of social media for soccer stars. With over 2.5 billion monthly active users worldwide, the platform has become the primary stage where athletes showcase their lives, brands, endorsements, and football highlights. In 2026, the gap between the top influencers and the rest of the pack has widened dramatically, driven by global stardom, off-field charisma, and massive commercial deals.

Here are the 10 soccer players with the most Instagram followers as of February 2026, complete with exact follower counts (real-time verified), key growth stats, content style analysis, and why each player dominates the platform.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – 715.8 million followers

@cristiano The undisputed No. 1. Ronaldo crossed 700 million followers in late 2025 and continues to add roughly 1.2–1.8 million new followers every month. His account is a masterclass in personal branding: daily workout videos, family moments, luxury lifestyle posts, Al-Nassr highlights, and motivational captions. Key stat: His “Siuuu!” celebration reel from a 2025 friendly has over 1.4 billion views — the most-watched sports video in Instagram history. Why he leads: Ronaldo posts more frequently than any other athlete (often 3–5 times daily), engages personally in comments, and has mastered Reels algorithm domination.

2. Lionel Messi – 532.4 million followers

@leomessi Messi trails Ronaldo by a significant margin but still holds second place comfortably. His growth accelerated in 2025–2026 thanks to Inter Miami’s MLS success, the 2026 World Cup hype, and his family-oriented content. Key stat: His post announcing the birth of his third child in 2025 garnered 78 million likes — an Instagram record for a sports figure. Content style: Much quieter than Ronaldo — fewer posts (1–2 per week), but each one is high-impact (family, trophies, Miami highlights). Growth driver: Messi’s move to MLS and World Cup ambassador role have exploded his North American following.

3. Neymar Jr. – 238.7 million followers

@neymarjr Neymar remains the third-most-followed athlete globally. Despite injury setbacks and his move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, his flamboyant lifestyle, music releases, and frequent party content keep engagement sky-high. Key stat: His 2025 music video collaboration with Anitta racked up 420 million views on Instagram Reels. Why he stays top 3: Neymar’s off-field persona (fashion, tattoos, celebrity friendships) generates massive viral moments.

4. Kylian Mbappé – 192.1 million followers

@k.mbappe Mbappé overtook David Beckham in late 2025 to become the fourth-most-followed soccer player. His move to Real Madrid in 2025, combined with France’s World Cup qualification, sent his numbers soaring. Key stat: His debut goal for Real Madrid in LaLiga generated 92 million views in 24 hours — the biggest single-post spike of 2025. Growth driver: Mbappé’s clean image, fashion collabs (Louis Vuitton, Dior), and status as the “next face of football” make him irresistible to brands and younger fans.

5. Mohamed Salah – 105.4 million followers

@mohsalah The Egyptian King crossed 100 million in mid-2025 and continues to grow steadily. Salah’s content mix of intense training, family moments, charity work, and Liverpool highlights resonates deeply in the Arab world and Africa. Key stat: His Ramadan posts in 2025 consistently receive 15–20 million likes — among the highest engagement rates in sports. Why he ranks so high: Salah is a cultural icon in the Middle East and North Africa, where Instagram penetration is exploding.

6. Karim Benzema – 89.3 million followers

@karimbenzema Despite leaving Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad, Benzema’s follower count keeps climbing thanks to his lavish lifestyle in Saudi Arabia, business ventures, and occasional football highlights. Key stat: His 2025 luxury car collection post received 28 million likes — one of the most-liked soccer posts of the year. Growth driver: Benzema’s “Ballon d’Or aura” and Middle Eastern fanbase.

7. Erling Haaland – 78.6 million followers

@erlinghaaland The Norwegian striker’s numbers exploded after winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or and leading Manchester City to another Premier League title. His content focuses heavily on training, diet, and absurd goal-scoring reels. Key stat: His “hat-trick in 3 minutes” compilation from 2025 has 1.1 billion views across platforms. Why he’s rising fast: Haaland is the face of the next generation — young, dominant, and marketable.

8. Vinícius Júnior – 67.2 million followers

@vinijr Vinícius crossed 60 million in 2025 and is growing faster than any other top-10 player. His dance celebrations, charity work, and Real Madrid highlights keep fans engaged. Key stat: His 2025 Ballon d’Or runner-up speech post received 45 million likes. Growth driver: Vinícius is a cultural icon in Brazil and Latin America, with massive appeal to Gen Z.

9. Sergio Ramos – 62.1 million followers

@sergioramos Even at 40, Ramos remains a social media powerhouse. His retirement announcement in 2025, followed by his move to a Saudi Pro League club, kept him relevant. Key stat: His farewell post from Sevilla in 2025 garnered 38 million likes. Why he stays high: Ramos’ controversial personality and legendary status ensure constant engagement.

10. Ronaldinho – 58.9 million followers

@ronaldinho The Brazilian legend has the most passive growth of the top 10 — almost no new content, yet his classic highlights and throwback posts keep him in the top 10. Key stat: His 2025 freestyle video with his son garnered 320 million views. Why he endures: Ronaldinho is football nostalgia personified.

Key Takeaways & Trends for 2026

• Ronaldo vs. Messi gap widens: Ronaldo adds followers faster due to volume and engagement; Messi grows steadily but at a slower pace.
• Saudi Pro League boost: Players like Neymar, Benzema, and Ramos benefit from massive Middle Eastern followings.
• Real Madrid dominance: Mbappé, Vinícius, and Bellingham (just outside top 10 at ~55M) show the club’s social media power.
• Young stars rising fast: Haaland, Vinícius, and Pedri (emerging top-15 candidate) are the fastest-growing active players.
• Engagement over followers: Messi and Salah often have higher like-to-follower ratios than Ronaldo due to more curated posting.

As soccer’s global audience continues to explode, Instagram follower counts have become a legitimate measure of stardom, marketability, and cultural influence. In 2026, the top 10 list reflects both on-field greatness and off-field charisma — a perfect blend of football talent and digital dominance.