HSBC

GOVERNMENT TEAMS responsible for applying European Union laws are often under-engaged, poorly resourced and prone to making mistakes, companies have told a Treasury-commissioned survey.

Using "intelligent copy out" to implement the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) will result in prescriptive rules and legalistic wording, according to Dan Waters, director of retail policy at the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

HSBC's plans to pilot an equity release service in conjunction with specialist provider In Retirement Services has met with concern on its lack of independent financial advice.

BRITAIN'S PENSION troubles have claimed another two corporate victims. Financial advisory group Berkeley Berry Birch and leather tanners Pittards were both declared insolvent yesterday as a result of crippling pension deficits, reports The Daily Telegraph...

The FTSE 100 Index gained 39 points, or 0.7%, to 5,897 points today, led by the financial and telecoms sectors.

The FTSE 100 Index is up 34.9 points at 5,893.6 points this morning, after earlier hitting 5,900 points for the first time since June 2001, led by HSBC and the telecoms sector.

LISTED PROPERTY companies have "hijacked" the debate over government plans to introduce real estate investment trusts, according to William Hill, head of property at Schoders, reports this morning's Financial Times .

ABOUT 40,000 investors who lost hundreds of millions of pounds in split-capital investment trusts face further delays before they receive compensation payments, according to the Daily Telegraph .

Women in the UK are more prepared for their future retirement than we are led to believe, with over a quarter seeking advice from their IFA, claims a global survey.

HSBC will refer customers to market research from The Annuity Bureau in a deal directed at providing greater access to the open market option for the bank's customers.