The FSA has warned mutuals to ensure existing with-profits policyholders are protected when they seek to launch new products.

European markets opened in positive territory this morning with the FTSE Eurofirst 300 and the FTSE All-Share both up 0.8%. This follows strong overnight results from IBM and Google.

Just Retirement sales jumped 16.4% in the first quarter of its financial year, helped by a spike in equity release business.

More Equitable Life victims may now be eligible for compensation, following a High Court appeal.

Principal ombudsman David Thomas will take over at the helm of the FOS until a permanent replacement for Walter Merricks is found.

The ultimate aim of the RDR could be undermined by the FSA asking providers to monitor the activities of advisers, leading industry figures say.

European markets have broadly continued gaining on Wednesday's highs, following encouraging US earnings and the resulting strength in US markets.

Growing numbers of people are postponing their retirement in the recession and working past state retirement age, according to Watson Wyatt.

The FTSE 100 hit a fresh year high this afternoon as global markets surged forwards.

Freedom SIPP has been wound up by the High Court, leaving its clients facing up to £66m in tax charges.