Its UK business solvency survey found 13, 700 more firms were in distress, a 35% rise in the quarter to December.

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Shares suffered significantly throughout the credit crisis of 2008 as investors questioned the solvency of the business.

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Even when they lend, banks often rely on the personal credit scores of business owners, a rough proxy for solvency, as a shortcut for due diligence.

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Were the Pru to move abroad, that would protect their substantial US business from becoming seriously uncompetitive as a consequence of Solvency ll.

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