CleverAdviser, a cloud-based fund analysis software for IFAs which uses artificial intelligence, has reported passing the milestone of £1 billion of clients’ assets on the process.

The FCA’s Upper Tribunal has upheld the regulator’s decision to ban Charles Palmer, the former chief executive of Financial Limited and Investments Limited, from performing FCA significant influence functions.

A third (34%) of British adults say that economic uncertainty has impacted their thinking on retirement saving and nearly a third (30%) are concerned about the impact of Brexit on their retirement.

Leeds-based Chartered and Certified Financial Planning firm Manse Capital has launched a new brand identity as it prepares for expansion plans and celebrates 21 years in business.

Irwin Mitchell Private Wealth has recruited two new partners to its Newbury and Chichester offices in the Tax, Trusts and Estates team.

Sanlam UK has recruited an ex-Close Brothers Asset Management head of private client, Penny Lovell, to launch its new Private Office business which is aimed at HNW clients.

Two of the world’s leading client risk assessment software providers – PlanPlus of Toronto and Finamentrica of Australia - are to merge from this month.

The merged business is called PlanPlus Global but the PlanPlus and FinaMetrica brands will continue to offer their products on a stand-alone basis. Finametrica is widely used by UK Financial Planners and was co-founded Paul Resnik, a well known figure in the UK.

PlanPlus is known for its multi-currency, multi-jurisdiction financial and investment planning software and FinaMetrica for its personal financial risk tolerance measurement tools. The joint business says the merger means that PlanPlus Global can offer an integrated solution around evidence-based investment suitability to banks, investment managers and financial advice enterprises.

PlanPlus founder and CEO, Shawn Brayman said: “Our products range from the world's most respected psychometric risk tolerance profiler to a goal-based robo adviser to comprehensive Financial Planning, all in several languages with more than 12,000 users in dozens of countries.”

The two firms say they have collaborated for over a decade, sharing a belief that customers and providers benefit when rigorous academic research underpins financial advice processes.

FinaMetrica co-founder Paul Resnik said: “The strategic match between FinaMetrica and PlanPlus is extraordinary. Our products complement each other and we share a common commitment to delivering financial systems that prioritize client’s best interests.

“Meanwhile, we both have global businesses serving the corporate market and individual advisors. The merger comes at just the right time for us to meet the market’s demands for an affordable, scalable and defensible advice solution that can be applied internationally across platforms, channels and borders.”

The merged business serves customers in more than 30 countries with significant presences in Canada, US, UK and Australia and substantial user bases in India, Germany, South Africa and Malaysia. PlanPlus Global has staff, offices and representatives in all major time zones.

FinaMetrica co-founder Geoff Davey will exit the business after his retirement from executive roles in 2015.

Paul Resnik said “FinaMetrica’s world leading reputation in financial risk tolerance is largely the result of Geoff’s insight, intellectual rigour and hard work. We thank him and wish him a long and happy retirement.”

Chartered Financial Planning firm Lloyd & Co has selected PortfolioMetrix as its investment management partner and plans to utilise the full range of investment tools offered by the firm.

Fund research company RSMR has added propositions from Brewin Dolphin and Quilter Cheviot to its list of rated Discretionary Fund Managers (DFMs).

Surrey-based Chartered Financial Planning firm Informed Choice has integrated with Amazon Alexa, the voice control technology system, and believes it is the first Financial Planner to deliver a daily audio ‘Flash Briefing’ to users.