News

UK markets were firmer today, reaching new highs for 2012 as investors went to risk-on mode, despite the threat of a stand-off between Greece and its bondholders.

In 2011 the equity release market enjoyed the first annual rise in both total lending and plan sales since 2007 according to Key Retirement Solutions.

Guernsey-based QROPS specialist, Overseas Pension, is organising a number of information initiatives to help IFAs understand what the forthcoming changes to QROPS legislation mean for clients. The first will be conference call on 26 January.

High cost of living in the Antipodes hits popularity as expat destination, according to a survey by TSB International.

LV= has launched a pension information microsite for advisers.

Proposed legislation designed to prevent the abuse of qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes (QROPS) could increase providers' costs by 150%, Fairbairns has warned.

The Treasury Select Committee has criticised proposals by the Bank of England to increase accountability, saying they fall "well short" of what is needed.

Sanlam Private Wealth (SPW) has purchased the client banks of two businesses as it ramps up its acquisition plans ahead of implementation of the retail distribution review (RDR).

It's our round-up of the stories your clients may have read in the weekend's national newspapers...

Axa Wealth has announced a restructure of its sales and support team in a move which puts 50 jobs at risk.