Stephen Womack, personal finance correspondent at the Financial Mail on Sunday, is to leave and become a financial adviser.

WHAT I REALLY THINK

Lighthouse Group has appointed Ian James as head of group training, with effect from 10 December.

The Association of Professional Financial Advisers (APFA) and KPMG have launched a new VAT helpline, available free to all APFA members.

Seven Wales-based firms will offer free financial guidance as part of Institute of Financial Planning's (IFP) Financial Planning Week.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has successfully prosecuted a two-timing investment banker for insider dealing.

Sanlam Private Investments UK (SPI) has appointed Craig Massey as chief executive officer.

If an independent body is not appointed to monitor the regulator's performance, the Association of Professional Advisers (APFA) will take on the task itself, the body's chairman told members in a defiant speech last night.

The newly branded Association for Professional Financial Advisers (APFA) voted to accept restricted advisers at its annual general meeting (AGM) held yesterday.

The managing director of the Financial Services Authority (FSA), Martin Wheatley, last night congratulated advisers for retaining the trust of their clients, explaining this is the industry's "great strength."