Opinion

The implementation of the feedback RDR proposals, which include setting QCA level four qualification as the minimum entry level for investment advisers, has the potential to cause a seismic shift in the advice landscape.

You have nothing to fear from the Retail Distribution Review proposals. I promise.

There are many reasons to hold your head high as a financial adviser - helping clients secure their financial future coming top of the list.

Is the Equitable Life saga finally staggering to a conclusion? We have had the report of the Parliamentary Ombudsman and are now waiting for the government's response to that.

I've recently had the fortune, though some may say misfortune, to be involved in several conversations and debates, some a little heated, about the number and validity of various award ceremonies in the protection industry.

Some weeks ago I wrote about what we at Barclays call the happiness curve. The basic premise is that investors are thrilled when they are making money on their investments, but disproportionately despondent when they endure a small loss.

For several weeks now we have been trying to get straight answers to simple questions regarding the security of clients' assets.

I heard a cultural commentator say that Heavy Metal had fallen from grace as you don't hear it on the radio any more. But it is still there, and has a popular, dedicated following, as what you see is what you get. No need to reinvent itself.

We recently submitted our RMAR Report to the FSA and were surprised to receive a very stern response telling us that it was not accurate.

If September was incredible, then what is there to say about October? Looking back, at my last blog, it appears almost as though it could have been written six months ago and in a different world.