The FSA has stressed its preference for product intervention as an "essential" means of achieving consumer protection.

The FSA has secured its first criminal conviction for boiler room fraud in a cold-caller share scam operation.

Ascentric and FundsNetwork have completed the first in specie platform re-registration under the Tisa initiative.

Aviva said it is waiting with "bated breath" for publication of the platform policy paper - something it says could have a "fundamental impact" on how players operate.

Financial recruitment consultancy BWD has launched an E-learning initiative designed to provide a fast-track route to Level 4 and "engage" advisers turned off by "dull" RO1 course material.

UK small caps offer the most compelling valuations going forward as more stable economic conditions, cheap financing and increased availability create a positive outlook, according to Fidelity.

Japan's economy will shrink 0.7% this year because of the massive earthquake and tsunami which struck the country in March, said the IMF.

The German finance minister has described the current Greece bailout as "insufficient" and said a new aid package is needed.

Business Secretary Vince Cable has warned banks could be subject to extra tax if they do not increase lending to small and medium sized businesses.

Bluefin Wealth Management's Patrick Murphy has been appointed chartered champion of the Personal Finance Society (PFS) for the Surrey region.