As regular readers will know, over the last few weeks, we have been looking at some of the specialist financial planning tools. Our review of Morningstar gave us a different perspective as it was its depth rather than breadth that stood out.

M&G's Richard Woolnough has reduced his exposure to interest rate risk in his Optimal Income fund on the back of concerns about a possible excess in supply of government bonds.

Resolution, the financial services consolidator led by Clive Cowdery, has confirmed it is considering a possible offer for Friends Provident, although the insurer rejected its initial proposals.

Openwork has appointed current chairman Martin Davis as CEO with a key priority to decide whether to establish a two-tier distribution model for the group in response to RDR proposals.

There is still a need for a greater understanding of the bond market amongst experienced advisers as well as newcomers to the industry, according to M&G managing director, global sales Jonathan Willcocks.

The UK Platform Group, formed from the UK's biggest platform providers, will agree implementation of a new re-registration solution over the next six months, with full roll-out to meet the RDR deadline at the end of 2012.

Firms with only one or two advisers were the worst hit during the six month period to mid April 2009 as economic pressures took their toll, according to new research from threesixty.

Advisers are being given the chance to hear Invesco Perpetual's expert panel debate the prospects for an economic recovery and the implications for global markets.

Ignis Asset Management, sponsors of Middlesex CCC, invites you to smash the world's best bowlers around Lord's and register your scores to win fantastic prizes!

At first glance the UK structured product world has taken another serious blow due to the various issues surrounding the collapse of Keydata. But are structured products to blame?