AJ Bell has opposed FCA plans for a default investment fund for non-workplace pensions.

The average stocks and share ISA provided a return of 6.92% over the past 12 months - well down on the 13.55% seen in the previous 12 months.

The acquisitive Financial Planning and wealth management firm Kingswood has today completed its deal to buy South-Yorkshire-based DJ Cooke (Life & Pensions) in a deal worth £1.5m.

Just under a third (30%) of over-55s with a defined contribution pension plan to release equity from their home to help fund retirement plans.

Liontrust’s David Roberts is to retire from fund management in August following a 34-year career managing fixed income funds.

Protection provider LV= has made its payment break option permanent.

The Financial Conduct Authority has refused RTC Management Solutions Ltd’s application to be authorised as it continues its crack down of claims management companies (CMCs).

Schroders Personal Wealth (SPW) has appointed former Barclays executive Rupert Dickinson as an independent non-executive director to its board.

Stephen Kavanagh is to retire as CEO of national IFA firm Chase de Vere and become the company’s new chairman.

FE Investments, the investing arm of investment data and technology provider FE fundinfo, has added a range of responsible investment reports for its managed portfolio ranges.