Regulation

Advisers should consider selling their businesses within the next 18 months before prices offered by consolidators fall, according to a consultancy firm.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has appointed three chairmen, including the chief executive of Nationwide, to lead the independent panels set up to represent its constituents' interests and provide independent views to the regulator.

The incoming Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has outlined how it plans to use new powers permitting it to publish details of enforcement cases at one of the earliest stages of its proceedings.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has cut its interim levy for investment intermediaries for 2012/13 from £25m to £20m, and has said it will not rule out pre-funding as a means of raising cash for the scheme.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has apologised for comments made by staff and its overall conduct during a meeting with an unnamed firm.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) is warning consumers of a new tactic adopted by fraudsters - setting up fake versions of its website and register.

A barrister who failed to pass on his VAT to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has been jailed for tax fraud.

Gerard Lemos, the chairman of the Money Advice Service (MAS), is to stand down at the end of September when his three-year term of office comes to an end.

ARMCHAIR CRITIC

RDR HICCUPS