The average UK worker has a pension shortfall of around £50,000, according to a study by Datamonitor.
Stakeholder-style products are likely to help plug the saving gap for high rather than lower earners, suggests evidence from Datamonitor, because providers will not provide them unless they earn sufficient profit from premiums.
More costly credit and more difficulty in obtaining credit for those with adverse credit histories could be the outcome of new rules coming into force on 31 October with changes to the Consumer Credit Act, warns consultant Datamonitor.
Sales of life assurance products will stage a strong comeback over the next four years and IFAs should be able to hold onto a position of strength in the distribution chain, says Datamonitor.
With-profits products have a bright future despite the current glut of bad newsflow surrounding this type of financial product, says Datamonitor.
IFAs may need to give "serious consideration" to finding new revenue streams, suggests Datamonitor, ahead of a potential slump in the critical illness market.
Depolarisation is now unlikely to alter the IFA market, its labels and distribution processes, contrary to discussions when the FSA's first consultation on the issue surfaced, says Datamonitor.
One-quarter of IFAs expect at least 50% of their business to be placed in wrap accounts within five years because of their administrative advantages, suggests the latest Incisive Insight report.
Independent financial advisers are more likely to GAIN from depolarisation, as the latest Datamonitor report now suggests banks will struggle to gain market share of business from IFAs.