Adviser platform AJ Bell Investcentre is to give financial advisers access to third party Managed Portfolio Services (MPS) from external Discretionary Fund Managers via its platform for the first time.

IFA firm Wren Sterling has agreed to purchase Frobisher Capital Ltd, an independent advisory firm based in Woking.

The Financial Conduct Authority has urged firms which have begun holding increased client money balances during the Coronavirus pandemic to consider returning the money to clients.

Dynamic Planner has expanded its risk profiling service to include investment trusts.

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

NatWest is bringing all its wealth businesses under the management of the CEO of private banking Peter Flavel in order to drive a growth in assets under management.

STM Group has acquired Berkeley Burke (Financial Services) and Berkeley Burke Employee Benefit Consultants, which provide administration and consultancy services to SSAS and international businesses, in a deal worth up to £2.9m.

North-east based wealth manager Seven Bridges has acquired pension and investments firm Pension Matters, and has said it is looking for for further acquisitions.

Aegon’s UK profits rose to £71m for the first half of 2020, driven by higher fee income from a growth in platform assets and improved protection earnings.

Financial Planners expect to see an increase in the demand for advice in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, as clients seek support in navigating personal challenges and economic uncertainty, according to new research.