Retirement

Our weekly heads-up on events, people moves and other bits for professional financial advisers...

The government's free impartial at-retirement guidance is aimed at middle Britain, not high or low net worth individuals, pensions minister Steve Webb has told MPs.

Firms yet to reach their auto-enrolment (AE) staging dates want the process postponed until wide-reaching changes to the pensions system are finalised, according to research.

Pensions expert Ros Altmann has called on the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to tighten its grip on product providers to ensure customers are treated fairly once they have received the government's proposed retirement guidance.

In this week's Retirement Planner news round-up we highlight five key stories you might have missed over the past seven days.

In this week's quick fire RP poll we asked: Do you agree with Steve Webb's proposal that those who have purchased annuities should have the opportunity to unwind them for a capital sum?

Equity release is growing strongly and Bower Retirement Services is looking to recruit more advisers. Helen Morrissey talks to new chairperson Andrea Rozario about her new role and the outlook for equity release.

Income drawdown looks set to grow rapidly as a result of Budget freedoms. Jenna Towler takes a look at the issues for those navigating this area without an adviser.

A quirk in A-Day tax rules means registered group life benefits count towards the lifetime allowance (LTA). Jonathan Stapleton looks at the problems this poses as the LTA falls

Do advisers think the industry will be ready in time to deal with incoming Budget flexibilities? Helen Morrissey finds out in the latest Retirement Planner Inquiry.