However, some warned that the UK's debt to GDP ratio, which is already 76 per cent, would rise significantly - by about 10 per cent - which could alarm the rating agencies. European bank shares rise after regulators agree strengthening steps Shares in European banks rose on Monday – edging towards three year highs – after international banking regulators reached agreement on new steps to bolster the industry's financial strength, reports The Guardian. Barclays was up nearly 3 per cent, and bailed out banks Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group up 3 per cent and 1 per cent respectively after the announcement by a gathering of central banks in Basel, Switzerland. US charges three ex-Rabobank traders over Libor Three former Rabobank bankers were charged by US authorities with allegedly manipulating Libor and other key benchmark interest rates as the criminal investigation widened to include another wave of individuals, reports the Financial Times.