Ten of this week's best-read news stories...

A metal trader who was set to be fined and banned by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) for market abuse will now only be censured after the intervention of the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber).

Alan Wardrop is stepping down from his position as finance director at Succession Advisory Services as part of a management shakeup at the consolidation vehicle, coinciding with the move to a new head office.

The Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) has launched an online learning programme designed to help advisers fill any knowledge gaps they may have ahead of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR).

IFA services provider Tenet is offering all advisers interest-free loans to cover the cost of meeting new minimum qualification requirements ahead of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR).

The post-2012 regime for continuing professional development (CPD) is the "most transformational" aspect of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR), according to Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) managing director Ruth Martin.

No products, no intermediation and just £85 per hour. Has Simonne Gnessen, founder of Wise Monkey Financial Coaching, found a profitable way for IFAs to cater for the mass market? Rahul Odedra investigates...

IFG Group, the parent company of SIPP provider James Hay and a number of IFA firms, is in exclusive talks with private equity firm Bregal Capital regarding a €231.2m takeover.

Fixed income pensioners could see their spending power cut by 60% cent over a 20 year retirement because of the impact of inflation.

Old Mill is launching a training scheme for young people interested in a career in financial planning or accountancy and looking for an alternative route to university.