News

LV= has signified its intent to become the cheapest income protection (IP) provider by reducing prices for the next three months.

Standard & Poor's has maintained its AAA long-term credit rating for the UK and said the outlook remains stable, while warning GDP will be lower than forecast for the next three years.

Friends Life has defended its direct to consumer proposition, PlanWise, against an claims it is using the service to cut advisers out of the sales process.

Chancellor George Osborne has revealed the government will use credit easing to direct money towards small businesses.

Wrap platform Novia has added Ashcourt Rowan Asset Management to its panel of discretionary managers.

Torquil Clark has launched a telephone-based simplified advice service, using four risk-based portfolios to allocate investments.

Index provider Russell has launched a set of pan-European indices in partnership with Chi-X Europe as part of a global expansion of its index offering.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has restarted its review of Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) funding, with a view to formally consult in the first half of 2012.

HSBC Global Asset Management (GAM) is to launch three low-cost portfolios, offering access to global equity and bond markets as well as alternative investments.

Protection provider Unum received a broadly positive reaction on Twitter to its upbeat adverts for income protection, aired last night, in stark contrast to the wave of criticism levelled at larger rival Aviva for its shock-tactic ads.