AIFA

AIFA has begun a top-to-bottom strategic review by inviting members to comment on the future role and responsibility of the organisation.

Simon Badley, director of intermediary at Aviva, says the industry needs to work together to change the client view of financial advice.

New AIFA boss Stephen Gay says firms should not risk their businesses banking on late changes to the RDR and explains why fighting fire with fire usually leads to failure.

New AIFA boss Stephen Gay has batted away suggestions the trade body picked the wrong man for the job as he unveiled his first major project as director general: a top-to-bottom strategic review of the organisation.

Alan Easter, strategy, product and development director at Honister Capital, has called on advisers to rally around AIFA during the transition to RDR and ignore those who make vocal exits from the trade body.

A new member of the AIFA council has pledged to fight the need for advisers to get reauthorisation when changing firms.

The Association of IFAs (AIFA) has told the FSA there are plenty of "risk indicators" it could use to determine which firms should contribute lower annual fees.

AIFA policy director Andrew Strange has warned ministers the RDR is likely to be seen as a failure because it does not meet the key standards of good regulation, including avoiding constant flux.

The FSCS is facing angry calls from both IFAs and investors to make its decision-making process more transparent, after two controversial judgments involving Lifemark-backed Keydata bonds and Lehman Brothers-backed NDF products.

In a scenario more synonymous with English football, new AIFA director general Stephen Gay has been criticised before he has even sat down at his new desk.