Barclays has launched a structured products service allowing financial advisers to tweak its product suite to suit the needs of clients.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is to consult on reducing its projection rates after independent research supported the move.

A land banking business shut down by the Insolvency Service last year convinced investors to hand over £10m in less than three years.

FIVE THINGS

The chair of the Financial Services Consumer Panel (FSCP) has said the FSA's two-page consumer guide to the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) does not go far enough to explain upcoming changes to financial advice.

Compensation payments due to consumers mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) slowed in January for the first time since September, with £403m paid in redress.

FREE ADVICE?

The High Court has placed two landbanking businesses into provisional liquidation on the grounds of public interest, following an investigation by the Insolvency Service.

WHAT'S RDR?

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is to publish a guide explaining the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) to consumers.