Friends Life

Adviser early warning system among changes reviewed

Prudential has topped the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) list of the most complained about pension firms, as the number of grievances raised about retirement products jumps 20%.

Adviser network Sesame posted a loss of £10.3m in the year before it pulled the plug on its investment adviser arm - £20m less than the previous year, latest accounts show.

Insurer Aviva has vowed to drive up the number of products held by its customers following the integration of former rival Friends Life and launch of a direct to consumer service.

Friends Life is planning to transfer £24bn worth of segregated mandates from AXA Investment Managers to Aviva Investors, following its takeover by the latter's parent company at the end of last year.

F&TRC has launched a ratings service to better assist advisers and employers navigate the workplace pensions market.

Friends Life, now part of the Aviva Group, has announced enhancements to its Protect+ income protection proposition, including improved guaranteed benefits.

Debt-laden network Sesame has been given access to a £45m bailout fund by its parents Aviva and Friends Life.

Insurer Aviva has launched a direct to consumer (D2C) platform giving consumers access to a general investment account, and ISA and a self-invested personal pension (SIPP).

The opening up of the retirement income market will drive the emergence of more adviser-provider partnerships, according to Foster Denovo.