Investment research company Morningstar has launched a series of blended multi-asset funds via its Morningstar Investment Management Europe arm.

Profits have risen 56% at adviser support company SimplyBiz, as an improvement in underlying earnings from the first six full months of trading following the Defaqto acquisition helped offset a significant reduction in valuation income.

Financial information and technology firm Defaqto has hired ex-Morningstar exec Chris Deavin to head its new analytics service.

Defaqto has added ESG reviews to its Financial Planning software Defaqto Engage.