Scottish Widows

A case against Scottish Widows, brought by a company pension scheme over poor advice, has been rejected in the courts.

Employers and employees must open their eyes to the challenges they face before auto-enrolment is introduced in 2012.

The Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) will hold pilot paraplanning examinations in the next month as the professional body prepares to roll out the country's first level four qualification for paraplanners.

The market for over 50s life cover plans is set to grow and, says James Eaglen, the products are already in the market

Lloyds reported sales through its intermediary channel fell 35% in 2009 contributing to a 26% drop for UK life, pensions and investments sales to £12.97bn.

Platforms should come under the same whole of market regulatory scope as investment products post-RDR, according to advisers.

Clerical Medical's managing director, John van Der Wielen, is to step down as part of a high-level reshuffle at Lloyds Banking Group.

"No adviser wearing the independent label should be financially rewarded by the products they sell."

Scottish Widows will help develop the Level 4 Institute of Financial Planning IFP) paraplanner qualification

An IFA has accused annuity providers of failing to treat customers fairly if they continue to offer the products at well below leading rates.