Rupert Robinson, former chief executive of Schroders UK Private Bank, has joined Signia Wealth to spearhead the company's expansion plans.

The number of assets in underperforming 'dog' funds has more than halved since last summer, but more than £12bn remains stuck in such offerings, according to Bestinvest's latest 'Spot the Dog' list.

Threadneedle and Schroders are among the City firms that have been approached about buying a stake in the 316 Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) branches the bank has put up for sale, according to reports.

UK GDP contracted 0.3% in the final quarter of 2012, a worse than expected figure that raises the spectre of a triple-dip recession.

Strong inflows into Aberdeen Asset Management's emerging market debt range have helped drive a 3% rise in the group's AUM in the three months to 31 December 2012.

Former Aviva sales manager Nick Casey has joined Carmignac as the French group further strengthens its UK presence.

Legg Mason units ClearBridge Investments and Legg Mason Capital Management (LMCM) are to forge closer links by integrating business operations.

David Palmer has joined Ashcourt Rowan as a business director within the wealth manager's asset management arm.

Insurer Aviva has strengthened its balance sheet by selling its 34 million share stake in Dutch insurer Delta Lloyd via a private placing.

David North, head of asset allocation and head of global high yield bonds at Legal & General IM, is to leave the group after 12 years.