The UK has maintained its AAA credit rating largely thanks to the austerity measures of the coalition government, although it remains vulnerable over the long term.

The €440bn European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) has been given the highest possible ratings by the three main agencies.

Eleven French banks have been fined a total of €384.9m for colluding on cheque handling charge prices.

IFA Cavanagh warns short term profitability may be sacrificed as the group evolves to meet RDR requirements.

Sesame members will be provided with a new compliance IT platform to help them manage their regulatory risks.

Exam writers Calibrand have entered the market with an 'RDR-ready' QCF Level 4 offering for financial advisers.

Tenet is offering former advisers run-off cover through a new scheme, giving them the same protection levels as current clients with professional indemnity insurance.

The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) has launched a new virtual classroom to help advisers working towards a Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.

City banks are being warned by police of a "real and ever-present" threat from the Real IRA.

The Tax Incentivised Savings Association (TISA) is attempting to pull together industry stakeholders in a bid to dissolve the controversy surrounding distributor-influenced funds (DIFs).