Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning to consumers vulnerable to "unscrupulous" firms offering to help them access their pension savings early.

The managing director of Southend and Harrow-based RDP Financial Services has raised £3,100 for the National Autistic Society (NAS) after completing the London Marathon.

The Venture Capital Trust (VCT) sector raised £402.5m in 2012/13, up 22% on the previous tax year, according to data published by the Association of Investment Companies (AIC).

Savers will lose out if structured products continue to be "tarred with the one brush", according to financial adviser Ian Lowes.

The "high profile" of Tesco will boost retirees' inclination to shop around for the most appropriate pension income product after the supermarket giant announced it is to launch an annuity comparison service, according to Tom McPhail.

Skandia has launched a critical illness (CI) product as many advisers "re-prioritise" protection following changes to retail investment advice made after the Retail Distribution Review (RDR).

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Tesco is awaiting regulatory approval to launch an online annuity comparison service, though it does not plan to launch own-brand annuity products.

Wealth manager Mattioli Woods has acquired the pension administration business of Ashcourt Rowan in a deal which could be worth more than £1.3m.

FIVE THINGS