Technology

The gap between fixed interest and equity fund sales narrowed in the final rush of the ISA season, says Skandia, in a sign investor confidence is growing.

Aviva has reduced the annual management charge (AMC) on its wrap for new business and re-registrations for one year.

An overwhelming majority of advisers would consider adopting a "mini-wrap" to cater for clients with more modest investment needs, according to OPAL.

IFAonline editor Katrina Baugh on the FSA’s recent Discussion Paper on platforms.

This week AT8's Mark Loosmore spends time with Friends Provident to see what technology it offers to support its Group Pensions Schemes

Friends Provident has launched a corporate investment platform aimed at employee benefit consultants and trustees in the unbundled pensions market.

The FSA is set to bring in new capital adequacy requirements for platforms, it said today in its platform discussion paper, warning the cost of ongoing business for some players will increase.

Cofunds chief executive Brett Williams believes proposed changes to platform remuneration are likely to lead to increased costs and heightened adviser confusion.

The FSA is making it compulsory for platforms to offer re-registration by 31 December 2012.

An unbundled charging structure will improve clarity for customers according to the FSA's RDR, published today.