IFA

Employed advisers' total earnings fell to £62,838 last year, from just over £66,000 in 2011, according to research, though this pay level was still higher than for self-employed advisers.

Kate Brookes, IFA at Jones Hill, said she is feeling positive about the future after failing to hit a much anticipated "brick wall" on 1 January.

IFAs believe those with pension pots of less than £65,000 are unlikely to pay upfront for advice, according to research by Axa.

A law firm is preparing to launch claims amounting to £23m against Yorkshire Bank for professional negligence related to money invested in Arck LLP.

Industry veteran Phil Billingham has criticised restricted firms for peddling independence "myths".

A network allowing de-authorised advisers to continue to claim trail commission is to launch in March this year.

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has published guidance for intermediaries who advise on complex financial products, including a report detailing nine principles on best practice.

Average growth of IFAs will be 4% in 2013 according to a new report, but companies should be careful to retain profitability as they expand, an analyst said.

The current scope of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) is only a temporary measure which will be expanded to mortgage and insurance advisers in the future, according to consumer finance expert Jasmine Birtles.

IFA consolidator, Bellpenny, has purchased four IFA businesses with combined funds under management in excess of £300m and more than 2,500 active clients.