Activity in the UK financial services sector stablised to beat performance expectations in Q1 2010, but concerns abound changes to the regulatory environment could dampen growth.

The FSA's u-turn on forcing restricted advisers to disclose their non-independence using a fixed set of words is a "total cop-out" and not in the best interests of customers, says SIFA.

Provider-owned advisers will still be able to call themselves independent under new FSA rules, despite criticisms of a conflict of interest.

The label 'restricted' will apply to all advisers who do not meet the criteria to call themselves independent from 2013, but the FSA will not mandate the wording advisers use to explain their limited service to customers.

AIFA has welcomed moves to make AIM shares eligible as a tax-advantaged ISA investment, but says the Chancellor held back on support for small businesses.

Insurers will face a Government review into strenghtening their adminstration processes to ensure policyholders get fair treatment should a provider go into administration.

The FSA must better assess the practical impact its ideas will have on the adviser community before introducing new regulations, urges its newest board member Amanda Davidson.

A seventh person has been arrested on suspicion of taking part in a long-running insider dealing scheme allegedly involving senior executives at Deutsche Bank and Exane BNP Paribas.

Undeclared offshore assets will be liable for up to 200% penalties where there is no agreement from the country holding the bank account or assets to automatically disclose them to HMRC.

The Government will slash business rates for a year and create a £4bn support fund to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).