MPs have approved Doug Gurr as fit to become the next permanent chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), but warned ministers that additional safeguards are needed to protect the regulator’s independence and address potential conflicts of interest.
In a report published on Thursday following a pre-appointment hearing earlier this week, the House of Commons Business and Trade Committee said it was satisfied that Mr Gurr has “the professional competence and independence required” to take on the role as defined by the Government. However, the committee stressed that serious concerns remain about the context of his appointment and the broader direction of competition policy.
Mr Gurr, a former senior executive at Amazon, was questioned extensively by MPs about his ability to act independently, particularly given the circumstances surrounding the removal of the previous chair amid pressure to align the watchdog more closely with the Government’s pro-growth agenda. Committee members made clear that the CMA must not prioritise investment or consolidation over consumer welfare, warning that growth cannot come at the expense of competition.
MPs also expressed unease about potential conflicts of interest arising from Gurr’s long and senior career at Amazon, one of the world’s largest technology companies and a business that could fall within the CMA’s new digital market regime. The committee suggested ministers consider whether he should recuse himself from any future decision about designating Amazon with Strategic Market Status under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.
The hearing also became a wider examination of the CMA’s recent performance. MPs noted that staff numbers at the regulator have almost doubled over the past decade, yet competitive pressures in the UK economy have not improved. They criticised what they described as slow market investigations during the cost-of-living crisis and weak enforcement action in certain high-profile cases.
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Concerns were also raised about the CMA’s handling of digital competition issues, including delays in seeking remedies from Google over its relationship with news publishers and the limited commitments secured from Google and Apple regarding their mobile ecosystems. The committee questioned whether the watchdog had been sufficiently assertive in deploying its new statutory powers.
Internal challenges within the CMA were also highlighted. A recent budgeting error forced a 10 per cent reduction in staff, and internal surveys suggest that only around a quarter of employees expect to remain at the organisation for the next three years. MPs indicated that rebuilding morale and confidence inside the regulator would be a significant task for the new chair.
Another issue scrutinised during the hearing was the time commitment attached to the role. The CMA chair is currently expected to dedicate two days a week to the position. The committee questioned whether that allocation is sufficient for a regulator operating at the centre of politically sensitive and economically significant decisions, particularly during periods of crisis or intense scrutiny.
While the committee ultimately endorsed Mr Gurr’s appointment, it warned that it is “not the hallmark of a robust recruitment process” to have secured only one appointable candidate for such a critical role.
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Liam Byrne, the committee’s chair, said the CMA sits at the heart of whether markets work for consumers or against them. He said that although Mr Gurr is professionally competent to take on the job, ministers must take steps to maximise confidence in the appointment.
“Growth cannot mean greater concentration,” Byrne said. “Investment cannot come at the expense of consumer welfare. And operational independence must be protected in fact, not just in theory.”
The final decision now rests with the Business Secretary, but the committee’s report makes clear that Parliament will be watching closely to ensure that the CMA remains an independent and effective guardian of competition in the UK economy.
Paul Jones
Harvard alumni and former New York Times journalist. Editor of Business Matters for over 15 years, the UKs largest business magazine. I am also head of Capital Business Media’s automotive division working for clients such as Red Bull Racing, Honda, Aston Martin and Infiniti.
Ford is recalling more than 4.3 million pickup trucks and SUVs due to a software issue that could cause trailer brakes not to function.
The recall affects certain model year 2021 through 2026 F-150s, 2022-2026 Super Duty trucks, 2024-2026 Rangers, 2022-2026 Expeditions, Mavericks, Lincoln Navigators and 2026 Transit vehicles.
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When towing a trailer, the Integrated Trailer Module may lose communication with the vehicle, potentially causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function.
A model year 2021 Ford F-150 pickup truck. (Ford Motor Co. / Fox News)
If a vehicle experiences the communications loss, Ford said the driver will see a “Trailer Brake Module Fault” message on the instrument panel, and the turn signal indicator will flash rapidly. It said a “Blind Spot Assist System fault” message may also appear.
Ford said it is not aware of any accidents, injuries or fires attributed to the issue.
The automaker told FOX Business that beginning on March 17, updates will be available for the majority of vehicles over the air (OTA), through dealerships or mobile service. The OTA updates are expected to be deployed for all vehicles by May.
The action announced Thursday follows recent recalls involving Ford Explorer SUVs. Nearly 413,000 model year 2017-2019 Explorers are being recalled due to a rear suspension toe link that can fracture, potentially affecting steering control.
A 2017 Ford Explorer equipped with the XLT Sport Appearance Package. (Ford Motor Co.)
Toe links help maintain rear wheel alignment. If one breaks, it can cause changes in vehicle handling and raise the risk of a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In a separate action, Ford is also recalling 40,655 vehicles to address battery failures and brake pedal defects, which regulators said could increase the risk of a crash.
In 2025, Ford issued 103 safety recalls, surpassing its previous annual high with months still remaining in the calendar year, FOX Business previously reported.
Country-rock artist Koe Wetzel unveiled his most ambitious outing yet with the announcement of The Night Champion World Tour, a 45-date trek spanning Australia, Canada and the United States set to launch in May 2026 and run through October.
The Texas native revealed the full slate on February 26, 2026, building excitement around his recent album “9 Lives” and fresh singles. The tour promises high-energy performances featuring hits like the 3x platinum “High Road,” alongside newer tracks such as “Surrounded” and “Time Goes On.”
Koe Wetzel
“It’s called The Night Champion World Tour because that’s what we do — we stay up late, party hard and give everything on stage,” Wetzel said in a statement accompanying the announcement. “This is the biggest run we’ve put together, and I can’t wait to bring the chaos to new places and old favorites.”
The itinerary begins internationally with three Australian shows in May: May 3 at Forum Melbourne in Melbourne, Victoria; May 5 at Enmore Theatre in Sydney, New South Wales; and May 9 at Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane, Queensland. Australian tickets are already on sale.
The North American leg follows, starting with three Canadian dates in July: July 8 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta; July 10 at South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, British Columbia; and another stop (details pending full confirmation in some reports). U.S. dates commence July 23 in Nampa, Idaho, encompassing a diverse mix of venues including amphitheaters, arenas and theaters.
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Highlights include stops at iconic spots like Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado; Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee; The Anthem in Washington, D.C.; and a home-state finale October 30 at Cook’s Garage in Lubbock, Texas. Other notable markets feature Evansville, Indiana (Ford Center, August 7); Fishers, Indiana (Fishers Event Center, October 9); St. Petersburg, Florida; and Little Rock, Arkansas (Simmons Bank Arena).
The tour features rotating support acts tailored to regional legs, including Shane Smith & The Saints, Wade Bowen, Wyatt Flores, Corey Kent, Bayker Blankenship, Logan Jahnke, Ole 60 and others. This lineup underscores Wetzel’s deep ties to the Red Dirt and Texas country scenes while appealing to broader country-rock audiences.
Wetzel’s rise has been fueled by a grassroots approach, amassing a loyal following through relentless touring and authentic songwriting before mainstream breakthroughs. His blend of rowdy anthems, introspective ballads and rock-infused energy has earned him a reputation as one of the most dynamic live performers in modern country.
The extensive routing reflects growing demand, with previous tours selling out theaters and moving into larger arenas. This 2026 world tour marks his first true international headline run beyond select festival appearances, including three Australian dates to tap into expanding global interest in American country acts.
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Ticket details include artist presales beginning March 10 at 10 a.m. local time via TheNightChampionWorldTour.com for early access in the U.S. and Canada. General on-sale for North American shows starts March 13 at 10 a.m. local time through primary vendors like Ticketmaster and venue box offices. Australian dates remain available now.
VIP packages, meet-and-greets and upgrades are expected, with details forthcoming on Wetzel’s official website. Fans are encouraged to sign up for notifications at koewetzelmusic.com to stay updated on additional shows or changes.
The announcement arrives amid a strong period for Wetzel, whose “9 Lives” has garnered praise for its raw honesty and musical versatility. Tracks from the project are anticipated to dominate setlists, mixed with fan favorites and potential surprises.
As the tour approaches, Wetzel continues festival and one-off appearances in early 2026, including Boots In The Park events, RodeoHouston and Gulf Coast Jam, keeping momentum building toward the summer launch.
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With its scale and international scope, The Night Champion World Tour positions Wetzel as a headliner capable of filling diverse venues while delivering the high-octane shows his fans crave. The run promises to be a defining chapter in his career, bringing his signature blend of rebellion, heart and hell-raising energy to stages worldwide.
It comes as the Cardiff-based firm has secured additional growth capital in a latest fundraising round
15:29, 26 Feb 2026Updated 16:24, 26 Feb 2026
Jeremy Verba chief executive of CoinCover.
Digital asset disaster recovery firm Coincover has appointed Silicon Valley veteran Jeremey Verba as its new chief executive as it looks to further expand following its latest equity fundraising round.
He joins the Cardiff-based fintech as digital asset adoption grows exponentially at both an institutional and consumer level. Globally, figures suggest that 86% of institutional investors have exposure to digital assets and 820 million crypto wallets were active worldwide in 2025.
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Traditional financial institutions are also exploring the digital asset potential, with a heavy focus on stablecoins. Nine European banks partnered to issue stablecoins in 2026, and ten major global banks are also jointly exploring issuing a stablecoin pegged to G7 currencies.
CoinCover has become a key player in the maturation of the sector, ensuring that institutions and their crypto users can hold digital assets with confidence by providing wallet recovery solutions, underpinned by world-class encryption and decryption.
Founded in 2018 it has safeguarded more than 600 businesses and protected over 22 million wallets to date. It is now a crucial partner to the likes of Fireblocks, BitGo and Ledger.
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It comes as the Cardiff-based company has closed its latest equity fundraising round. The amount raised has not been disclosed, but has been supported by existing investors, including the Development Bank of Wales.
With deep expertise in scaling multi-million dollar businesses, including Walmart Video and eHarmony, Mr Verba will use this experience to accelerate the delivery and growth of CoinCover.
He said: “I have built my career scaling fast-growth businesses that have a very clear market need. Since its inception, CoinCover has played an incredibly important role in the evolution of the digital assets industry, and we now have an even greater opportunity to position ourselves at the forefront of the safe transition to a new world of finance.
“What CoinCover offers will become table stakes for institutions rolling out digital asset strategies and offerings, and I’m excited to drive forward our new phase of growth in this rapidly evolving market.
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“As a proudly Welsh-based business, we’re equally committed to contributing to the momentum of Wales’ growing fintech sector and demonstrating the global impact that innovative companies from Wales can achieve.”
The appointment follows recent news that Digital Asset, the creator of the Canton Network, has integrated CoinCover within its Copper-based treasury infrastructure, a move designed to reinforce resilience and confidence amidst greater awareness of the institutional need for robust safety measures.
Mr Verba replaces David Janczewski, co-founder of CoinCover, as CEO. Mr Janczewski remains a key advisor to CoinCover, serving on the Board of the business.
Mr Janczewski said: “I founded the company to revolutionise the world of blockchain protection by making digital asset ownership safe and secure for everyone. Our platform and technology are now proven in the market, and we are well positioned to continue underpinning the future of the industry. Jeremy’s appointment, combined with the injection of additional capital from our investors, gives us the experience and resources needed to scale with confidence.”
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Jack Christopher, investment executive with the Development Bank of Wales, said: “CoinCover is a great example of a Welsh fintech with global reach, scaling rapidly while solving a critical challenge in the digital asset market. We’ve backed the company from its early days and are pleased to continue to support the team as they build on their success and accelerate their growth with Jeremy at the helm.”
Bank of MontrealBMO 3.82%increase; green up pointing triangle logged a stronger-than-expected rise in earnings for the latest quarter on the back of strong fee growth in its markets-facing businesses and revenue growth in its Canadian-banking, wealth-management and capital-markets operations.
The Canadian bank’s net income rose to 2.49 billion Canadian dollars (US$1.82 billion), or C$3.39 a share, for the fiscal first quarter against C$2.14 billion, or C$2.83, a year earlier. On an adjusted basis used by the lender to reflect its underlying business performance, Bank of Montreal reported earnings of C$3.48 a share for the three months to Jan. 31, an increase of 14% on last year to beat the C$3.21 consensus forecast of analysts polled by FactSet.
Oliver Rodzianko is the Director of Invictus Origin, managing a high-alpha portfolio strategy outperforming the Nasdaq-100 through rotation with disciplined cash deployment during market dislocations.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of AMD, MRVL either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton began her closed-door deposition Thursday before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee as part of a congressional investigation into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking a high-profile moment in the ongoing probe into his network of influence and alleged crimes.
Former US president Bill Clinton
The testimony, held at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center near the Clintons’ home in this quiet New York suburb, started around 11 a.m. EST. Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to follow with his own deposition Friday at the same location. The back-to-back sessions come after months of negotiations and legal wrangling, with the couple agreeing to testify to avoid potential contempt-of-Congress charges following subpoenas from committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky.
Hillary Clinton shared an opening statement on X shortly before the session began, emphasizing her commitment to transparency while decrying the probe as politically motivated. “I have always cooperated with legitimate inquiries, and I will do so today,” she wrote. “But let’s be clear: This is a partisan exercise designed to distract from real issues facing Americans.”
The depositions represent a rare instance of a former president and first lady being compelled to testify under oath before Congress, with Bill Clinton’s appearance noted as the first time a former commander in chief has faced such scrutiny in this manner. The committee’s investigation, launched in early 2025 under the new Republican majority, focuses on the federal government’s handling of Epstein’s cases, potential ethics violations by public officials, and the roles of high-profile figures connected to the disgraced billionaire.
Epstein, who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, had extensive ties to powerful individuals across politics, business and entertainment. Court documents unsealed in recent years, including flight logs from his private jet dubbed the “Lolita Express,” revealed Bill Clinton traveled on the plane multiple times between 2002 and 2003. The former president has acknowledged the flights but denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities, stating they were for philanthropic work related to his foundation.
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Hillary Clinton’s connections to Epstein appear more tangential, primarily through her husband’s associations and shared social circles. She has repeatedly distanced herself, noting in past statements that she never met Epstein personally. However, Republicans on the committee have pointed to emails and other records suggesting indirect links, including discussions about potential donations or events involving Epstein’s associates like Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s convicted accomplice who is serving a 20-year sentence.
Committee spokesperson Charlotte McCullough said the depositions aim to “uncover the full extent of Epstein’s enablers and any failures in accountability.” Democrats, including ranking member Jamie Raskin, D-Md., have dismissed the probe as a “witch hunt” revived under the Trump administration to target political opponents. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on Truth Social amplified the partisan divide, calling the Clintons’ testimony “long overdue justice for Epstein’s victims.”
As Hillary Clinton’s session got underway Thursday, sources familiar with the proceedings, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deposition is closed to the public, indicated questions would likely center on her time as secretary of state from 2009 to 2013. Investigators may probe whether any State Department resources or decisions intersected with Epstein’s activities, including visa issues for his associates or intelligence reports on his operations. Ethics concerns could extend to post-administration dealings through the Clinton Foundation, which received donations from Epstein-linked entities in the early 2000s.
Experts anticipate a combative atmosphere, with Hillary Clinton’s legal team, including prominent attorney David Kendall, prepared to object to questions deemed irrelevant or privileged. “She’s a seasoned witness from Benghazi hearings and email probes,” said legal analyst Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. attorney. “Expect her to be direct but cautious, sticking to facts while challenging the premise of many questions.”
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Bill Clinton’s Friday deposition is expected to delve deeper into his personal interactions with Epstein. Flight records show at least 26 trips, including to Africa, Europe and Asia for foundation work. In a 2019 statement, Clinton said he cut ties with Epstein after his 2008 conviction in Florida for soliciting prostitution from a minor. However, newly released documents from Maxwell’s trial and Epstein’s estate have raised questions about continued contacts, including a 2011 dinner in New York.
What to expect from Bill Clinton’s testimony? Analysts predict intense scrutiny on specifics: Did he witness any illegal activity? Were there discussions about Epstein’s plea deal or leniency? Republicans may press on alleged “pay-to-play” schemes, while Democrats argue the focus distracts from broader systemic failures in prosecuting Epstein.
The probe has already featured depositions from other figures, including former Epstein employees and associates like Maxwell’s siblings. In January, the committee released interim findings criticizing the Justice Department’s 2008 non-prosecution agreement with Epstein as overly lenient, potentially influenced by his connections. Comer has vowed to pursue “all avenues,” including possible referrals for perjury if testimony contradicts records.
Public reaction has been polarized. Epstein victim advocates, such as attorney Lisa Bloom, welcomed the Clintons’ appearances. “Anyone with information should come forward,” Bloom said. “This isn’t about politics; it’s about justice for survivors.” Conversely, Clinton allies like former adviser Philippe Reines blasted the sessions as “theatrics,” noting the Clintons have cooperated with prior investigations, including the FBI’s Epstein probe.
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The timing aligns with broader political dynamics under the second Trump administration. With Trump back in the White House since January 2025, his Justice Department has reopened aspects of the Epstein case, including reviews of sealed grand jury materials. Trump’s attorney general has prioritized “draining the swamp,” a phrase echoing his 2016 campaign rhetoric against the Clintons.
Security around Chappaqua was heightened Thursday, with local police and Secret Service agents cordoning off the arts center. A small group of protesters gathered outside, some holding signs reading “Lock Them Up” — a chant from Trump’s 2016 rallies — while others supported the Clintons with messages like “End the Witch Hunt.”
Transcripts of the depositions are expected to be released in redacted form within weeks, potentially fueling further congressional hearings or media scrutiny. If inconsistencies emerge, they could lead to additional subpoenas or even criminal referrals, though legal experts doubt prosecution given the statute of limitations on many Epstein-related matters.
For the Clintons, now in their late 70s, the depositions cap a decade of legal battles, from Hillary’s 2016 email server investigation to Bill’s impeachment-era scandals. Both have largely retreated from public life, focusing on philanthropy and family, but this probe pulls them back into the spotlight.
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As the nation watches, the sessions underscore enduring questions about power, privilege and accountability in Epstein’s web. Whether they yield new revelations or reinforce partisan divides remains to be seen, but they signal the investigation is far from over.
Updates as of 11:30 a.m. EST: Sources indicate Hillary Clinton’s deposition is proceeding without major interruptions, with questions focusing initially on foundation finances. Bill Clinton’s team has not commented on preparations for Friday.
The House Oversight Committee plans a press briefing post-depositions, where Comer is expected to outline next steps. In the meantime, Epstein survivors continue advocating for a federal compensation fund, separate from the congressional probe.
This story will be updated as more details emerge.
