Friends Life has launched an annuity underwritten on savers' lifestyles, rather than specific medical conditions, in a bid to compete on the open market.
Equity release specialist Stonehaven has been bought out by annuity provider MGM Advantage.
The Treasury has spent more than £2.6m on administering the Equitable Life payments scheme (ELPS) in the three months to November, government figures have shown.
Steve Webb's recent comments on annuities have provoked fierce debate. Helen Morrissey asks if this can provoke a wider conversation on the future of the retirement income market.
Pensions minister Steve Webb has continued his attack on the annuity market, saying the products are not good value and vowing to "shake up the market".
Advisers have just a few days left to be part of the launch of a free consumer directory of retirement specialists before the site goes live on Monday.
A Conservative MP has warned annuities could become the next financial services mis-selling scandal without an urgent and radical overhaul.
Vanessa Owen looks at the effect inflation can have on a retirement income
Equity Advice LLP has launched The Later Life Academy dedicated to supporting advisers in the at-retirement market.
Pensioners should be able to switch their annuity contract in a similar way to switching mortgages, Steve Webb has said.