Regulation

Legacy trail commission may create a "moral hazard" in which advisers encourage investors to stay in investments longer than they should, analysts at Barclays have warned.

Self-directed wealth platform Hargreaves Lansdown has posted record half-yearly revenue and profits as the business noted a "general trend" towards DIY investing as a result of changes brought about by the Retail Distribution Review (RDR).

Employed advisers' total earnings fell to £62,838 last year, from just over £66,000 in 2011, according to research, though this pay level was still higher than for self-employed advisers.

The suspended EEA Life Settlements fund has submitted its plans to the Guernsey regulator for restructuring.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has said it plans more education of firms and invention to curb market abuse on the ‘front line' of financial services.

Platform giant Skandia has reversed its post-RDR stance requiring advisers who take a percentage fee to get a new client agreement every time a top-up into an investment is made.

Kate Brookes, IFA at Jones Hill, said she is feeling positive about the future after failing to hit a much anticipated "brick wall" on 1 January.

Sandringham Financial Partners, the national advisory business, has signed up as a partner of the New Model Business Academy (NMBA) to invest in not-for-profit training and development.

The chief executive of Lloyds Banking Group has suggested claims management companies should be forced to cover the costs of false claims.

GOSLING'S GROUSE