The FCA is proposing to increase advice firms’ regulatory fees by 2.8% from April next year.

The aggregate surplus of DB pension schemes fell to £215.5bn at the end of March, according to the latest Pension Protection Fund (PPF) 7800 Index.

The FCA says it will make it easier for firms to test innovative products by providing them with an authorisation case officer from the start of the process.

Fast-growing Financial Planning firm Perspective Financial Group reported today that it has completed nine further acquisitions this year, adding £900m in assets under advice.

Directors can from today voluntarily verify their identity on Companies House ahead of it becoming a legal requirement later this year.

Expanding Financial Planner and wealth manager MKC Wealth has acquired £120m AUA adviser Yodelar Investments Ltd and online platform Yodelar.com for an undisclosed amount.

The FCA is proposing a major rule overhaul for managers of alternative investments to promote growth and get rid of old EU regulations.

Chartered Financial Planner Susan Hope, a business development director at Scottish Widows and a pensions advocate, writes about how, as National Insurance changes take effect, salary exchange (also called salary sacrifice), could be a new opportunity for Financial Planners. 

Surrey-based adviser firm Jacob Hopkins McKenzie Ltd (FRN: 793392) - which also traded as 'How Refreshing' - has been declared in default by the Financial Services Compensation scheme.

Financial Planners are holding firm in their advice to clients as a result of the global market crash but do not rule out making changes to client plans in the near future, they have told Financial Planning Today.