Regulation

Controversial proposals to allow existing pensioners to sell their annuities for cash - and insurers to compete for the contracts - are to be discussed by ministers this week ahead of the 18 March Budget, according to reports.

Consumers must accept responsibility for their decisions in retirement when the new flexibility rules come into force in April, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) chief executive Martin Wheatley has said.

An industry initiative managed by the Tax Incentivised Savings Association (TISA) and backed by 50 firms and trade bodies has called on the regulator to agree on a ‘common sense' standard for the delivery of guidance to consumers.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is to investigate the activities of the former operators of the Connaught Income Series 1 fund, Capita Financial Managers and Blue Gate Capital.

Where have all the good guys gone?

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) technical specialist Rory Percival has hinted the regulator and ombudsman are working to agree on guidelines around suitability reporting for advisers.

The majority of advisers have turned clients away in the last year, mainly because they were concerned the advice was too expensive, research from the Association of Professional Financial Advisers (APFA) suggested.

Arch cru investors have been told they must continue to wait to get back what value there is left in the failed fund range, as the liquidation process looks set to drag on beyond this year.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is "well behind the curve" on pensions freedom regulation and is operating a watching brief to act after things go wrong, Bruce Moss has said.

This signposting to advice is welcome indeed, but...