ctf

We're approaching that time of year again when financial services companies go crazy issuing Christmas-themed press releases in a bid to get media coverage.

Jason Hollands, head of communications at F&C, says there is some evidence suggesting cross-selling of children's products is taking place on the back of CTF sales.

A total of 13,000 child trust fund (CTF) accounts were opened in July by providers that offer both the cash and the stakeholder option, according to the latest figures from the Building Societies Association (BSA).

Figures published by HM Treasury suggest a third of all child trust fund (CTF) vouchers issued remain unused, although the ratio of earlier vouchers used is higher.

Henderson is facing claims of negligence, according to this morning's Times, as the fund manager looking after the nest eggs of 2.3m Pearl policyholders put money into an Italian fitness clubs business whose chief executive is facing fraud charges.

Up to a million child trust fund vouchers are yet to be invested and latest research suggests significant variations in spending patterns among recipients of CTF lump sums at age 18, based on parental propensity to save, Nationwide says.

Parents are finally starting to invest their child's trust fund vouchers as the amount invested in cash accounts rose by over £3m in the last month.

Research published by Sainsbury's Bank suggests 1.2m Child Trust Fund (CFT) vouchers, or three-quarters of those so far sent to parents by the Government are gathering dust awaiting an investment decision.

Awareness of Child Trust Funds has increased since last summer but many parents are still confused over eligibility requirements, says the Association of Investment Trust Companies.

Rule changes announced in the Budget mean investors in Child Trust Funds will be able to invest in property through collective investment schemes.