Skandia says proposals to ensure provider firms intervene in cases of ‘extreme' adviser charges go against the principles of the RDR.

HSBC subsidiaries have been fined a total of £3m for failing to protect their customers' personal data.

Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland will have to find billions of pounds more capital if they are to continue growing their investment banks under new rules designed to protect against the higher risks of "casino" banking, says The Telegraph.

The directors of a Yorkshire-based financial group have been banned and fined by the FSA for putting 53 clients at risk of losing almost £10m.

One in two advisers admits to not having a thorough knowledge of the annuities market, according to research.

AWD Chase de Vere has made available a tax planning guide to help consumers manage their tax affairs effectively during the economic downturn.

The government was forced to borrow £13bn in June, almost double the amount in the same month last year, as shrinking tax receipts continued to put pressure on public sector finances.

Shareholders in Friends Provident are expected to urge the group to return to takeover talks with Resolution after the insurer roundly rejected its latest proposal, reports The Times.

One of the outcomes that the FSA is trying to achieve with the RDR is to have remuneration arrangements that allow competitive forces to work in favour of consumers.

The Conservatives have said they will abolish the FSA and give the Bank of England greater responsibilities as part of radical plans to strengthen financial regulation in the UK.