Standard Life

BRITAIN'S BIGGEST building society, Nationwide, is considering offering mortgages to people with credit problems as part of a planned push aimed at regaining its position of strength in the home loans market, reports the Guardian.

An apparent loophole which may allow individuals to pass on money from their pensions without attracting an Inheritance Tax (IHT) charge is being investigated by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The majority of the UK population does not understand the reasons for an organisation choosing to convert from a mutual to a public company, research published by the Association of Mutual Insurers (AMI) claims.

Mis-trust of wrap platforms by IFAs, and fears providers could sell direct to consumers are understandable but unfounded, claims Standard Life's marketing director.

Standard Life has decided to keep its discounted gift plan (DGP) trust under suspension following changes to the Inheritance Tax (IHT) treatment of trusts in the Budget.

A-Day changes to Retirement Annuity Contracts (RAC) about the acceptance of employer contributions seem to be causing confusion between IFAs and providers.

We're still looking for your views on whether clients should vote yes to Standard Life's plans for demutualisation.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has said it could regulate the suitability of advice given to people opting out of a National Pensions Savings Scheme (NPSS) should it be introduced.

THE BREAK-UP of Equitable Life has moved closer following the launch yesterday of a vulture fund, Synesis, backed by some of the City's most powerful institutions, to buy out distressed annuity and pension liabilities, reports The Guardian .

Industry talk about the Standard Life demutualisation suggests not all financial intermediaries support current plans for the mutual life insurer's flotation on the London Stock Exchange.