IFA

The Co-op may sell its £18bn life insurance business in a re-organisation instigated by new CEO Neville Richardson.

Around three-quarters of retirees bought financial products via a bank adviser, with only 20% using an IFA, according to AXA's Retirement Scope report.

One IFA is already planning his new catering career after Finance Secretary to the Treasury Mark Hoban said IFAs were no more qualifed than a McDonald's shift manager.

A new video highlighting the importance of IFAs and the challenges facing the industry as a result of the RDR has been posted on YouTube.

IFA consolidator Succession Advisory Services has received FSA authorisation to arrange investment deals, though not to give advice.

The retirement income service launched by Annuity Clearing House (ACH) in June has had a positive reaction from advisers, chairman Peter Quinton says.

A website offering generic financial advice to consumers for an annual fee of £49 has been launched.

Advisers have likened public sector pensions to 'Ponzi' schemes and say reform is long overdue.

Shifting the link between public sector pension schemes and final salaries to a career-average earnings option could hit female retirees hardest, experts say.

Up to 1,500 investors in Keydata-style life settlement-backed products have been told they will receive a fraction of their expected return because the bonds failed to get regulatory approval.