Conforto Financial Management, has completed its second deal in three months with the acquisition of IFA Christie Scott's for an undisclosed sum.

Novia Financial has successfully launched its new wrap platform service. Led by Selestia co-founder Bill Vasilieff, it offers an independent service catering for advisers dealing in the high net worth and mass affluent markets.

Industry analysts Plimsoll Publishing are predicting a series of takeovers and sell offs will sweep the financial advice market as the effects of the credit crunch continues to hit the UK economy.

Research conducted by price comparison and switching service uSwitch.com has revealed that 42pc of Brits have cancelled insurance or pension contributions to ease fiscal burdens.

The Compliance Register will be hosting its awards for 'Outstanding Service to Compliance and Regulation' (the OStCaRs) on Monday December 8.

The latest Sesame Provider Service Index has revealed advisers are content with the service offered by life and pension providers.

Xafinity has announced the launch of its SIPP. The Xafinity SIPP marks the company's entrance into the advised retail pensions space and was a key driver behind its April acquisition of Hazell Carr, who originally launched the product in 2007.

Shares in merger partners Lloyds TSB and HBOS suffered a shock drop in value in afternoon trading on the FTSE despite making positive starts.

Skandia has hit back at criticism over its handling of platform re-registration, saying the real issue of adviser mis-selling has been lost in the wave of negative publicity.

Advisers are faced with a stark choice of adapting their business to harsh economic downturn conditions or facing extinction.