Panacea News
Trust Scottish Provident to make it easier
September 8 2010
At Scottish Provident we want to make the use of trusts as simple as possible so your clients can understand and appreciate the benefit of placing their protection plans in trust. more...
Fortis Life setting the new standard in protection
September 8 2010
When it comes to the things that matter most to advisers - like value for money, speed of service, and relationship management, NMG research shows that Fortis are out in front. more...
Defaqto - Fund managers acting more cautiously
September 8 2010
The latest findings from independent financial research company Defaqto suggest that fund managers are acting more cautiously than 12 months ago because of growing fears of a double-dip recession. more...
Last few days to register for the Thames River Multi-Manager Roadshows
September 8 2010
Thames River would like to invite you to the Multi-Managers Roadshow with fund managers Rob Burdett and Gary Potter. See table below for dates and venues. Please note that places are strictly limited. more...
TechTalk monthly communicaton
September 6 2010
Check out the latest news from TechTalk: 1. Return of the MIP? 2. Forestalling a bolt from the blue. 3. A quick guide to Absolute Return Funds. more...
Transition to RDR with Retirement Account
September 6 2010
Retirement Account from Scottish Widows provides complete transparency helping you to transition to RDR now, so you're ready for 2013. It offers you a range of benefits to help with your progression to RDR. more...
Royal London 360 makes further Sales Appointment in Middle East
September 6 2010
Royal London 360 has made a further addition to its team in the Middle East with the appointment of Steve Hopkinson as Regional Sales Consultant. more...
M&G launch new UK Inflation Linked Corporate Bond Fund
September 6 2010
The new M&G UK Inflation Linked Corporate Bond Fund is due to be launched on 16 September 2010. This innovative fund – one of the first of its kind in the UK – is designed to exceed inflation, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) over the medium to long term. more...
Paraplanner of the Year Awards 2010
September 6 2010
Wizard Learning is again lending its support to the Paraplanner of the Year Awards this year. This includes the design and use of our Wizard Learning system for the technical element. As you will see from the awards website the prizes are very generous and it is well worth entering if your current role is as a paraplanner. more...
The Hunters' Tails
September 3 2010
Markets are febrile, and will fall (again) if today’s US (un)employment numbers are bad. Well, it could be worse. One of us, or one of you, could be among the 32 people trying to read grim Gordon’s opus, The Change we Choose: Speeches 2007-2009. We’re delighted that Labour’s luminary will be addressing you at next year’s Evenings with Artemis. So rather than buy his book, you can hear his speeches then. (Only kidding) more...
The market's first PAIF launches on Ascentric
September 3 2010
Independent wrap Ascentric announces the launch of the Royal London Property Fund on the platform. Managed by Royal London Asset Management (RLAM), the fund is a Property Authorised Investment Fund (PAIF) and is the only one of its type in the market. more...
Standard Life to cut up to 500 jobs, RBS to cut 3,500 jobs, Number of high-earning FSA staff trebles
September 2 2010
What interesting times we live in. Regulation in many ways is a self-perpetuating industry. Essential in so many ways yet almost unaccountable for the costs involved and impact of its actions upon those it regulates. more...
The Shanghai market according to Gartmore's Charlie Awdry
September 2 2010
Since the start of the year, the Shanghai market has fallen approximately 20%. Charlie Awdry, manager of the Gartmore China Opportunities Fund, considers the reasons behind the fall and what the future may hold for investors. more...
Letter from Lyn Cook IFA
September 1 2010
I have sent this to the current (Labour) MP & the Conservative PPC for the area. I just think it is the end for loads of small people like me... I guess I should be ashamed of my income, but I am trying to do it the ‘new’ way and charge fees but my clients are ordinary people.
more...
Huge FSCS supplementary call on IFA practices
September 1 2010
IFA letter of the week
Dear Mr Darling, Lord Myners and Mr Byrne,
I write to you as those ultimately responsible for the Financial Regulatory structure of the FSA and FSCS. I had wished to include Gordon Brown but it is noted that the ability to email him has been withdrawn (something to do with a security issue?).
more...
Which? fails 90% of banks on advice!
September 1 2010
IFA letter of the week. Almost 90 per cent of banks and building societies gave inappropriate financial advice on how to invest a lump sum to mystery shoppers from Which?, in an undercover investigation. more...
Update - good news
September 1 2010
Andrew Tyrie MP has been appointed Chair of the Treasury Select Committee.
The FSA fits the BIG STATE small citizen problem outlined by David Cameron and now the FSA is on the back foot and answerable to its critics! more...
CGT dilemma for those not keen on multi-manager funds
September 1 2010
IFA letter of the week. CGT dilemma for those not keen on multi-manager funds - By Jeremy Askew, Conduit Financial Solutions. Investment and financial planners often ignore multi-manager funds because they do not believe they offer value for money. Where the manager is providing real value it's hard to argue against them. more...
CPMA 22 September 2010 consultation deadline approaches, get your views known before it is too late!!!
September 1 2010
This seems to be something that could easily be missed and it is not receiving a lot of press- at the moment. HMT have published a consultation "A new approach to financial regulation: judgement, focus and stability" which sets out the Government's plans to reform the UK's financial regulatory framework, following on from the Chancellor's Mansion House speech. more...
Scottish Provident - Self Assurance update
September 1 2010
Self Assurance two year earnings commission. As of 27 September 2010 we will be making changes to our Self Assurance commission terms for two year earnings period cases. more...
Royal London 360° increases LifePlan term benefit to 80
September 1 2010
Royal London 360° has added two new benefits to its whole of life international protection product, LifePlan, to mark its first birthday. Term benefits are now available until the age of 80, an increase from the previous limit of 65, which will allow the policyholder greater flexibility. more...
Wizard Learning - Two R01 modules to guide you to exam success
August 31 2010
We now have two training modules available for the CII's R01 Financial services, regulation and ethics exam.
1. Online Multimedia Course
2. Gap Analysis and Assessment Tool more...
Defaqto - Advisers need to gain working knowledge of alternative investments
August 31 2010
Independent financial research company Defaqto has warned that financial advisers need to gain a working knowledge of some of the alternative asset classes and vehicles available in the industry if they wish to remain independent more...
Who shot "speckled Jim"? FOS keeps quiet on qualifications
August 27 2010
In Money marketing last week, IFA "Tom" wrote in response to the FOS win an iPad competition the following - The FOS has clearly been run on the basis of Judge (Melchit) Jury (Darling) and defendant (Blackadder). Remember when Melchit's carrier pigeon was shot. An IFAs life and career I am afraid are of no more value to these 'officers' than that of WW1 soldier's in the trenches, just a number and less of us everyday. more...
Gartmore - Call for buybacks as corporate cash levels reach record highs
August 27 2010
According to data from the US Federal Reserve, non-financial S&P 500 companies have more cash on their balance-sheets than at any point in the past 58 years. In the year to the end of March, American companies increased their liquid assets by 26% to $1.84 trillion, the highest level since records began in 1952. more...
Gartmore Roadshow - Meet the Managers at a venue near you
August 27 2010
Our annual investment roadshow is coming to a venue near you this October. This will be an opportunity for you to hear directly, and gain insights, from four of our leading investment managers.
more...
LV= latest news
August 27 2010
Check out the latest news from LV=
1. Equity Release set to become big growth area for IFAs. 2. Accident, Sickness and Unemployment cover with no nasty surprises. 3. LV= State of Retirement Report- August 2010. Introducing LV= - A new guide for financial advisers more...
Asset.tv September update
August 27 2010
This report features the Asset.tv September update which takes a look at SWIP Multi-manager funds by Mark Harries and Simon Wood. You can automatically launch the report on Asset.tv Professional and download the transcript and link to additional information. more...
Thames River invitation to Multi-Manager roadshow
August 27 2010
Thames River would like to invite you to the Multi-Managers Roadshow with fund managers Rob Burdett and Gary Potter. See table below for dates and venues. Please note that places are strictly limited. more...
Techtalk - monthly communication
August 26 2010
Check out the latest news from Techtalk:
1. Halfway there? The 2010 Scottish Widows UK pensions report. 2. To vary or not to vary? That is the question. 3.
Return of the MIP? more...
Defaqto launches free guide to multi-manager funds
August 25 2010
Independent financial research company Defaqto has published an updated free guide to multi-managers, which provides IFAs with the investment information they need when selecting multi-manager funds for their clients. more...
Scottish Widows - Productive marketing pays dividends
August 25 2010
There are two main challenges for marketing: how to find the time to organise it and how to maximise its productivity. The case study summarises how to invest a day to overcome these challenges and achieve commitment to the plan.
more...
Bright Grey - Much more than selling a mortgage
August 25 2010
As we all know, the mortgage market is far from the dizzy heights of a few years ago, and 100% mortgages are a thing of the past. But the opportunities are still there. Whether your clients are moving home or not, millions of homeowners still need to remortgage. And first-time buyers are taking the plunge. more...
Tax Elected Funds (TEF) now available on Ascentric
August 25 2010
Users of the independent wrap Ascentric now have access to Tax Elected Funds (TEF) for the first time following the launch of Querns Income First Fund on the platform. The fund is provided by Querns Asset Managers and is managed by former New Star managers Stephen Whittaker and Phil Roantree. more...
Fortis Life - Which life company did advisers say looked after them the best?
August 25 2010
NMG research reveals that advisers think Fortis Life is way out in front when it comes to connecting with them. In fact, they rated us first in 10 out of 12 areas of relationship management. Advisers say we don't just turn up for a chat. We work with you to add value to your business.
more...
AEGON - Referrals from professional connections. Interested?
August 24 2010
Today's progressive financial adviser is becoming intensely aware that having good connections with the right professionals will be invaluable to future success. The impact of the Legal Services Act means solicitors are faced with a growing need to become more commercial and move their businesses beyond straightforward transactional work. more...
Penrose Financial: Survey of European investment industry reveals pressure on fund managers to boost shareholder engagement
August 24 2010
Following our recent survey on the future of the investment industry, please find attached the results and headline findings. The survey has provided us with some revealing insights into the direction of the industry and we hope that you find it an interesting read.
more...
Defaqto - Comprehensive due diligence is essential when recommending SIPPs
August 23 2010
Independent financial research company Defaqto has published a free guide to Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), which gives IFAs guidance on factors that should be considered when recommending these products to clients. more...
PanaceaIFA have launched a new area on the site
August 23 2010
PanaceaIFA is delighted to have launched a new area of the site called the Panacea Academy. Here our partners have provided exam assistance, a range of learning support materials and expert opinions to assist with your training needs and help develop your business. more...
The Ethical Partnership - my next blog....
August 20 2010
Apathy, as quoted by Wikipedia, is a state of indifference, or the suppression of emotions such as concern, excitement, motivation and passion. An apathetic individual has an absence of interest or concern to emotional, social, or physical life. They may also exhibit an insensibility or sluggishness. more...