Retirement

Why DB transfers always warrant independent advice

By combining Budget reforms with existing rules which reward savers who delay taking their State pension, eligible women can boost their payout by up to tens of thousands of pounds over a lifetime.

In this week's quick fire Retirement Planner poll we ask: Do you agree that we need a rethink on the word and concept of 'retirement?'

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

Fiona Murphy says although annuity sales have slumped, new research shows they can still represent fair value for money.

Nick Elphick asks whether the general public understands what the recent Budget changes mean for them and whether we need a different approach to financial education.

Royal London has reported a 45% slump in pre-tax profit in H1, pointing to regulatory charges as a key contributor, while its wrap platform Ascentric saw new business slide 20%.

Product provider Aegon has distanced itself from a view attributed to its head of marketing that advisers have been "disintermediated" and that its future lies in direct relationships with consumers.

The scale of commissions taken by HSBC bank advisers for one-off pension transfer work has been revealed in a judgement delivered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

Tom Nall has been appointed to the newly-created role of director of workplace solutions at support services firm SimplyBiz Group.