A new software platform has launched today to offer back-office, training and business support to Financial Planners.

The number of victims of 'romance' financial scams increased by a fifth (22%) in 2023 compared to 2022, with men at more risk than women.

The FCA and its Practitioner Panel are set to launch a joint survey of 25,000 regulated firms shortly to seek feedback on how the FCA is regulating the sector.

Openwork director Claire Limon has been named as managing director of Openwork’s fast growing restricted advice wealth manager 2plan Wealth Management. 

There’s been a lot of coverage lately on how older generations, particularly the better off and HNW clients, are helping out younger generations by funnelling cash to hard-pressed family members.

There is no doubt in my mind that retirement planning is changing in unexpected ways. Whether it is changing for good or just adapting to a post-Covid, high cost of living world remains to be seen.

I suspect a cold shiver went down many the backs of many at the larger adviser firms this week with news that the FCA is asking for details of their ongoing charges.

As the next stage of the FCA's Consumer Duty looms in July - when legacy products and sales will be included - some new research suggests the Duty may be rather more of a burden on Financial Planners and advisers than first thought.

It’s been a torrid week for wealth manager St James’s Place and senior figures could be forgiven for reaching for the Scotch this weekend. Trebles I suspect.

Don’t reach for your hankies just yet, but I’m beginning to feel a touch of sympathy for our much-lambasted Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.