Inflation will rise this year to around 3.5% as the impact of the VAT rise kicks in - but the hike will be short-lived, says an influential think-tank.

Standard Life UK life and pensions sales dived 10.6% to £10.1bn in 2009, but this was offset by a strong showing in its SIPP and wrap businesses.

Fidelity International has launched a Facebook site for investors, including a portfolio challenge game designed to help consumers think about their investments.

Kraft has closed the deal on its drawn-out takeover of Cadbury after shareholders in the UK confectionary giant gave their backing to the £11.4bn offer.

Novia is teaming up with Premier Asset Management to offer a discretionary fund management service for advisers.

The House of Lords should scrap the Financial Services Bill in its current format, regulatory consultants Ignacity says.

Skipton Building Society has revealed details of a data blunder which led to customer details being sent out to over 3,000 other account holders.

IFA Almary Green has linked up with Principal Investment Management and Skandia Investment Solutions to launch six risk-rated model portfolios.

The Luxembourg financial services regulator has suspended the securities of Lifemark S.A from trading on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

Simon Chamberlain's consolidation vehicle Succession Advisory Services has signed up Scottish accountancy firm Campbell Dallas Financial Services (CDFS) - keeping it on track to hit its five-year target of £7bn funds under management (FUM).