Sesame has rolled out the latest phase of its RDR support programme, an academy to help advisers adapt their business to the new regulatory environment.

The Dow Jones has risen 23.84 points (0.58%) to 8183.40 after the US aluminium giant Alcoa revealed better than expected results.

The FSA has secured, for the first time, a bankruptcy order against a former mortgage broker for non-payment of a £129,000 penalty relating to fraud.

Banks and building societies are preventing home ownership, according to a poll commissioned by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA).

Lending criteria stopped tightening in May but lending remains at very low levels, according to the latest data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).

AXA is launching a pilot scheme to target adviser firms who demonstrate a poor track record for persistency.

Many consumers are unaware they can combine their pension pots, despite saying they would invest more if they could view their investments in one place.

Retired people have seen the cost of living rise by almost a quarter over five years, according the the latest research from MGM Advantage.

Lower property values have pushed the overall value of new lending through equity release plans down 41% from £319m in Q2 2008 to £189m in Q2 2009.

Over two in five of those having difficulty paying their mortgage do not seek advice in dealing with their problems, according to Adam Phillips, chairman of the Financial Services Consumer Panel (FSCP).