Regulation

Customer service, we are constantly told, is a prime way to differentiate between insurance providers.

Adviser networks had half of the complaints against them referred to Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) upheld in the first six months of the year.

The first advisers have begun signing up to AIFA's new Diploma in Investment Planning.

Switching to fee-based advice has overtaken attaining a Level 4 qualification as advisers' biggest concern ahead of the RDR's implementation, research suggests.

The IFP has added a series of adviser workshops to its upcoming annual conference.

Margaret Cole, FSA director of enforcement and financial crime, has been appointed to the FSA board.

A European-wide Systemic Risk Board and three separate agencies will be set up to monitor securities, banks and insurance companies, but Britain has been assured the deal will not weaken its sovereignty.

The FSA has fined Money Wise IFA £19,600 for compliance failings on investment advice it gave to more than 500 customers using platforms and discretionary portfolios.

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has revealed that consumers and businesses are digging their heels in over disputes forcing it to make a greater number of decisions.

The number of FSA staff earning more than £100,000 has almost trebled in the past four years.