The Institute of Financial Planning's (IFP) Paraplanner of the Year award has opened for this year's entries.

The National Audit Office (NAO) has launched an investigation into the new financial services regulatory structure that came into effect this year.

The government has named the first bodies to have applied for the 'super complainant' status, a legal tool which will allow them to force the regulator into swift action over failings in the financial services sector.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has confirmed it is reviewing evidence in the case against IFA Rockingham Independent Limited, after it has received new evidence from claimants in support of their case.

National IFA consultancy LEBC has teamed up with provider Standard Life (SL) to offer a packaged auto enrolment solution for small and medium-sized employer clients.

The Money Advice Service (MAS) has appointed former Life Trust Holdings CEO Andy Briscoe as its chairman.

SPACE INVADERS

Life insurer Zurich UK has paid out a total of £34.5m in critical illness claims in the first half of this year, totalling 94% of claims.

Some 14 payday lenders have confirmed they are planning to exit the market following a crack down on their practices by trading watchdogs.

The Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) has appointed Steve Gazzard as its interim CEO with immediate effect.