None fit the guidelines of what the city was seeking, and the Related-Sterling plan lays the ground for a larger overall development sandwiching Citi Field if completed.

WSJ: Plan Upends Willets Vision

There are some, however, who believe that other sectors of the British economy, such as manufacturing, are actually hurt by the huge relative size of financial services, because the City sucks in talent and its earnings keep sterling at a higher level than is comfortable for exporters of good and non-financial services.

BBC: Boost for City's China trade

More than 350 firms in the city have signed up, making it the UK's largest alternative to sterling.

BBC: Bristol Pound launched to keep trade in the city