Ascentric has become the second wrap platform to link to the FinQS-developed TCF Centre tool.

The Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, has called for the merger of Lloyds TSB and HBOS to be frozen arguing the deal is no longer necessary after the Government's intervention to help banks last week.

Fund managers have stressed their joint conviction that fundamentals for investing in India remain intact, despite inflationary pressures and stock market volatility.

Cash is no longer king, with investors now focussed on returns rather than the risk of a banking collapse, according to Ian Williams, manager of City Financial's Strategic Gilt fund.

Prudential has launched PruSelect, an extended fund range independently selected and verified by OBSR.

73pc of IFAs intend to bolster their professional status in light of the RDR, according to a survey by financial data collection and research company Defaqto.

Gross mortgage lending has fallen nearly 50% from its peak in October 2007 after the market saw its slowest September in seven years.

Nationwide has announced it will close its UCB Homeloans brand in response to the slowing mortgage market.

Most brokers are continuing to recommend products unavailable via intermediaries despite growing opposition to dual-pricing, research suggests.

The Hartford has today launched an offshore bond, The Hartford Diamond, offering income and capital guarantees.