Money Marketing
26 October 2005

  • 2,500 jobs likely to go at Abbey

    26 Oct 2005

    Abbey has confirmed that more jobs are likely to go as part of the Grupo Santander cost-cutting plan. It is understood that 2,500 cuts will be made next year. The three-year plan is to increase revenue between 5 and 10 per cent on a yearly cumulative basis and transform Abbey into a full-service retail bank.

  • 2CG - Zenith European Income Fund

    1 Nov 2005

    2CGZenith European Income Fund

  • 2CG explore Euro income

    1 Nov 2005

    2CG, a company founded in 2000 by former M&G head of continental Europe Charles Glasse and former Credit Suisse manager Christopher Garsten, has introduced the Zenith European income fund.

  • 75% Say they would quit provider for poor service

    27 Oct 2005

    This view was particularly prevalent among 25-35-year- olds, with 86 per cent saying they would vote with their feet if they were faced with poor customer service, according to research commissioned by outsourcing firm Liberata Financial Services.Sixty-five per cent of policyholders say they would switch provider if it failed to provide them with clear and useful information to help them understand their pensions and 72 per cent of the 500 surveyed say they would change prov-iders ...

  • A decade of property for Abbey and Knight Frank

    1 Nov 2005

    Abbey for Intermediaries has, in conjunction with Knight Frank, established the residential property plan , a capital-protected bond linked to the performance of the Halifax House Price Index over a 10-year term.

  • A little too hard to stomach

    27 Oct 2005

    Positive Solutions' charis-matic chief executive David Harrison really does insist on an open forum with his IFA partners.At the annual confer-ence last week, Harrison felt it necessary to share with the 1,000-plus audience that a recent spell of medication had tampered with his digestive system.Seems the reason for taking them in the first place was that in trying to break into his own house, climbing through a window, Harrison hurt his arm, thus requiring painkillers.There ...

  • A perfect storm

    27 Oct 2005

    Perfection is easy to achieve if you set low standards but it is clients who will suffer

  • A vote of confidence?

    27 Oct 2005

    Standard Life's board has given the green light to demutualisation and the campaign for the yes vote is now officially under way.

  • Aberdeen ponders sweet equity deal

    27 Oct 2005

    The Aberdeen VCTs are looking at introducing a sweet equity co-investment scheme as industry commentators predict a deluge of such deals.Aberdeen manager Bill Nixon is talking to the VCTs' boards about the issue and an announcement is expected by the end of November.Meanwhile, Beringea, which runs the Pro Ven VCTs, is understood to have considered introducing a scheme but changed its mind following controversy over sweet equity. Beringea was unavailable for comment.On top ...

  • 'ABI must change its S2P stance'

    27 Oct 2005

    The ABI is not speaking for its members and should follow Scottish Widows, Axa and NU by advocating a universal pension and scrap S2P, say the LibDems.LibDem pensions spokesman Lord Oakeshott says the ABI should listen to its members and change its stance on pension reform.The ABI's current position is that the contracting-out rebate should be increased, with S2P becoming a flat-rate system and entitlements calculated as if everyone was earning 15,000 a year. Contracting out ...

  • ABI/Aifa give new advice on redress

    27 Oct 2005

    The ABI and Aifa are renewing their defences against claims management firms with new guidance telling members to compensate consumers direct.The trade bodies want to raise awareness that consumers can deal with firms directly for free and do not have to hire claims management firms, which on average will take a quarter of their compensation as a fee.The move follows ABI research showing success rates are higher for those who complain direct to the endowment company. Aifa and ...

  • ABN spices it up

    1 Nov 2005

    ABN Amro has brought out a Luxemburg-based Sicav that invests in Indian companies and companies deriving most of their business from India.

  • Alliance & Leicester - Two Year Fixed Rate Feesaver

    31 Oct 2005

    Alliance & LeicesterTwo Year Fixed Rate Feesaver

  • An enviable position

    27 Oct 2005

    Alison Turner Holmes - Protection marketing manager, Skandia

  • Another guarantee from Scot Wids

    1 Nov 2005

    The Scottish Widows guaranteed investment bond is a FTSE 100-linked guaranteed equity bond with a term of five years and six months.

  • Are friends Electra?

    27 Oct 2005

    The VCT season has started relatively slowly following the change in the listing rules in July. Since the start of September, about 25m has been raised. I expect this figure to pick up dramatically in the coming months as more VCTs are launched and more column inches are devoted to the subject.This is the last year for the 40 per cent tax rebate, so you will see all and sundry launch in the hope of capitalising. I have nothing against new managers but there are some tried and trusted ...

  • Ashley Law chooses Selestia

    27 Oct 2005

    Ashley Law has chosen Selestia as its preferred fund supermarket for all its advisers across the UK.Ashley Law follows recent decisions by IFA groups Park Row and SimplyBiz to also use Selestia's platform.It has 120 registered individuals working out of 70 franchise offices across the UK and says its strategy is more customer-centric than focusing on product.Selestia's services are offered online and, with the exception of its offshore bond, do not require a client signature.Ashley ...

  • Axa calls for year's delay to Sipp extension

    27 Oct 2005

    Axa is calling on the Treasury to delay A-Day plans to widen the range of investments available to Sipps until the products become regulated in 2007.The provider is concerned that estate agents are promoting residential property in Sipps without mentioning the potential risks and downsides.Although Sipp investors can hold residential property in their Sipps from next April, under Treasury proposals the pension wrapper will not be regulated until 2007- raising fears of a 12-month ...

  • Axa includes five multi-manager portfolios on Smart platform

    27 Oct 2005

    Axa Investment Managers is making five multi-manager funds available on its Smart platform, the firm's version of an internal fund supermarket.

  • B&W offers sweet combination

    1 Nov 2005

    Bristol & West has established the income and growth guaranteed equity bond which combines a guaranteed equity bond with a savings account.

  • Bank of England stats indicate recovery in housing market activity

    1 Nov 2005

    Figures released by the Bank of England show the number of new mortgage approvals for home purchases were a seasonally adjusted 107,000 in September, up less than1 per cent from 106,000 in August.

  • Bank of Ireland looks for balance

    31 Oct 2005

    Bank of Ireland has introduced the balanced guaranteed equity bond issue 27, which combines a guaranteed equity bond with a choice of two fixed rate savings accounts.

  • Barclays doubling its iShares product range

    27 Oct 2005

    The firm says it is responding to demand for ETFs offering diversified exposure to fixed income markets, prop-erty, Eastern Europe, the Far East and emerging markets.The ETFs are listing over a three-week period on the London Stock Exchange and include funds giving exposure to the MCSI emerging mar- kets index, the MCSI world index, MCSI Brazil, Korea, Taiwan and Far East excluding Japan indices as well as the Dow Jones Euro Stoxx growth, value and select dividend indices and the ...

  • BBB rejects multi-tie route

    27 Oct 2005

    Berkeley Berry Birch says it will not go down the multi-tie route as a way of raising capital because it would go against the wishes of the majority of its advisers.Marketing director Carey Shakespeare says some nat-ional IFAs have set-up multi-tie operations, not because their advisers wanted this but because directors needed to raise quick money.BBB is in discussions to wipe out its 12m capital adequacy deficit but Shakespeare says the firm has not changed its mind about ...

  • Bee says A-Day opportunities will only be enjoyed by 'chubby cats'

    27 Oct 2005

    A-Day represents a massive opportunity for advisers but they should forget about winning new business from young people on low in- comes, says Scottish Life head of pensions Steve Bee.Speaking to a room packed with IFAs at the Institute of Financial Planning conference last week, Bee said advisers should concentrate on the 10 to 12 million people currently in occupational pensions.But he warned advisers not to expect a fresh wave of clients after A-Day as he said the legislation ...

  • BM Solutions - Self Cert 4.85% Two Year Fixed

    1 Nov 2005

    BM SolutionsSelf Cert 4.85% Two Year Fixed

  • BM Solutions launches additional borrowing online

    1 Nov 2005

    BM Solutions has launched its online application process for additional borrowing.

  • Boxing clever with Positive Solutions

    27 Oct 2005

    Perhaps MM could arrange for a televised/internet debate between Simon Chamberlain (Thinc Destini), David Harrison (Positive Solutions) and Paul Tebutt (Millfield). May I suggest Paxman as host/referee? After all there is no boxing on TV anymore. I would imagine that Tebutt and Chamberlain would want to join together as a tag team coming up against the apparently superior business brain of Harrison, who appears to be one of those old-fashioned types who believe that shareholders ...

  • Broker spots Halifax loan clause problem

    27 Oct 2005

    A sharp-eyed broker spotted an omission in a mortgage application pack from the Halifax that could have rendered his client's application inadmissible.IFA George Harris from independent firm Tisco and his client saw that a clause in the declaration of a mortgage application required the client to have read a pamphlet on property assessments which was not made available to either of them, before signing the application.When he called the Halifax for the first time, he was told ...

  • Brokers feel full force of M-Day as profits dwindle

    27 Oct 2005

    Three out of four brokers say M-Day has made their jobs more difficult and profitability is decreasing, according to Alliance & Leicester.One year into mortgage regulation, brokers are still experiencing frustrations and lower profits, even more so than they reported to be the case 100 days after M-Day.Fifty-eight per cent of brokers are this month reporting falling profits compared with 44 per cent 100 days after M-Day.Fifty-one per cent of brokers are spending more time ...

  • BSA and PIMA welcome Rifkind Bill

    28 Oct 2005

    PIMA and the BSA have both welcomed Sir Malcolm Rifkinds Private Members Bill aimed at simplifying the pensions system and encouraging more people to save.PIMA says an important provision of the Bill is the idea long promoted by the body of a savings and retirement account, SaRA, offering the tax treatment of a pension with the functionality of an Isa.It says the Bill will permit long-term and retirement savings that fit modern lifestyles such as career changes and time out of ...

  • C share from Baronsmead 3

    31 Oct 2005

    Isis Equity Partners is raising up to 22m for the Baronsmead VCT 3 through a C share issue to expand the venture capital trust without diluting its existing portfolio.

  • Caught on film

    27 Oct 2005

    A nosey janitor caused quite a stir up at Bankhall the other week when, on seeing a pair of helmets and overall-wearing blokes running frantically from the building and screeching off in a "get-away car", he thought it best to err on the side of caution and phoned the police.The Diary is not sure who would have been most embarrassed when, on the Manchester Metropolitan Police arriving at their Southmark Building, it turned out that Peter Mann and Paul Hogarth were simply filming ...

  • Cavendish takes Aim

    1 Nov 2005

    Cavendish Asset Management has unveiled an Aim fund, the third fund in its Oeic range.

  • Changes at Fairs' parent firm

    1 Nov 2005

    Financial Objects, owners of IFA software provider Fairs, has appointed Karim Peermohamed as chief operating officer and Paul Fullagar as deputy chairman.Peermohamed will be responsible for the operating divisions of the company. Most recently he was managing director of the WMS division, which bought Fairs in May 2004.Fullagar joined the board as non-executive director in May 2004. He has worked in the software industry for 17 years including time at Marlborough Stirling.Financial ...

  • Cheshire Building Society - Buy To Let 2 Year Fixed Rate Remortgage

    31 Oct 2005

    Cheshire Building SocietyBuy To Let 2 Year Fixed Rate Remortgage

  • CII criticises FSA plans for firms to vet staff

    27 Oct 2005

    The Chartered Insurance Institute has attacked the FSA's proposals to shift responsibility for vetting new employees onto firms, arguing the move could increase misselling.In its recent consultation paper 05/10 on changes to the FSA Handbook, the regulator suggested dropping "customer controlled functions" from the regulatory regime where individuals are dealing with retail and wholesale customers. The customer controls functions aim to ensure that firms who appoint an approved ...

  • Close Brothers Investment - Close IHT AIM VCT

    1 Nov 2005

    Close Brothers InvestmentClose IHT AIM VCT

  • Close VCT relieves IHT

    1 Nov 2005

    Close Investment is planning to raise £25m for its Close Aim IHT VCT, a venture capital trust which provides inheritance tax relief as well as the usual income tax relief.

  • CML questions mortgage regulation on its first anniversary

    31 Oct 2005

    A year after the introduction of statutory FSA mortgage regulation, the CML argues that the costs of regulation have greatly exceeded original estimates.

  • Co-op offering a range of deals for first-time buyers

    27 Oct 2005

    Co-operative Bank is targeting first-time buyers with three new products and a dedicated telephone helpline.Its new range consists of a parental guarantor mortgage, a no-deposit or 100 per cent mortgage and a gradu- ate mortgage.Its Mortgage Minder helpline will direct callers to a dedicated team handling first- time buyer enquiries and will ensure that the same person always handles the applica- tion for consistency throughout the process.The bank is also producing a first-time ...

  • Correspondent's week

    27 Oct 2005

    This week by Tim Webb, a business reporter covering energy for the Independent on Sunday

  • Coventry Building Society - Buy To Let 4.99% Flexx Fixed Rate Mortgage

    31 Oct 2005

    Coventry Building SocietyBuy To Let 4.99% Flexx Fixed Rate Mortgage

  • Customer value is key

    27 Oct 2005

    David Robinson - Cheif Executive, Bright Grey

  • Dangerous U-turn

    27 Oct 2005

    Will taxpayers have to bear the consequences of the Govt's retreat on pensions?

  • Dawnay Day provides dual commodities products

    1 Nov 2005

    Structured product provider Dawnay Day Quantum has introduced two capital-protected bonds that are linked to a basket of eight industrial metals and energy-related commodities.

  • Dawnay Day Quantum - Protected Commodities Accelerator V

    1 Nov 2005

    Dawnay Day Quantum Protected Commodities Accelerator V

  • Dawnay Day Quantum - Protected Commodities Turbo

    1 Nov 2005

    Dawnay Day Quantum Protected Commodities Turbo

  • Deal struck on public sector pensions

    27 Oct 2005

    The Government and unions have reached agreement to reform public sector pensions, with the retirement age for new entrants rising to 65 while current workers continue to retire at 60.The deal was struck at the Public Sector Forum, made up of public sector unions and the Trades Union Congress, and includes a Government guarantee to retain the defined-benefit structure of public sector pensions.The forum was chaired by Department of Trade & Industry secretary Alan Johnson and ...

  • Deutsche appoints Standard to manage 107m portfolio

    27 Oct 2005

    The board of Deutsche equity income trust has selected Standard Life Investments to manage its 107m portfolio.The appointment, to take effect in November, follows a review of management arrangements following the takeover of DWS by Aberdeen after the departure of man-ager Graham Ashby.SLI head of UK institutional business George Walker will lead the core management team in charge of the contract and investment director Karen Robinson will be the lead fund manager.As part ...

  • Down on the farm

    27 Oct 2005

    I read that the Aifa and ABI are telling their member firms to dissuade claimants from being represented by so-called claim farmers in respect of endowments but balk at defining anyone not regulated by the FSA as such. Instead, they define them as being "not members of a professional regulatory body", which is obviously intended to defer to designated professional bodies such as solicitors (Law Society) and accountants (ICAEW). The latter's ranks, incidentally, are currently involved ...

  • Downing Corporate Finance - Electra Kingsway 3 VCT

    1 Nov 2005

    Downing Corporate FinanceElectra Kingsway 3 VCT

  • Downing Corporate Finance - Pennine Aim VCT 6

    1 Nov 2005

    Downing Corporate FinancePennine Aim VCT 6

  • Downing VCT explores IHT options

    1 Nov 2005

    Downing Corporate Finance has established the Pennine Aim VCT 6, a venture capital trust that has an inheritance tax option after three years.

  • Equitable Life settles with former chief executive

    28 Oct 2005

    Equitable Life has settled with one more of its former directors, Roy Ranson.The settlement with the former chief executive is on the basis that the society discontinues its claim with each side paying its own costs.The case against nine former directors continues, therefore Equitable Life is unable to make further comment.

  • Eurolife saves 1m in compensation

    27 Oct 2005

    Eurolife Assurance Group has saved a reported 1m in compensation after 25 per cent of investors in its secured income and growth bonds chose to take a smaller one-off payment instead of the five-year restructuring plan it offered when the bond defaulted in January.

  • Eurolife saves 1m in compensation

    26 Oct 2005

    Eurolife Assurance Group has saved a reported 1m in compensation after 25 per cent of investors in its secured income and growth bonds chose to take a smaller one-off payment instead of the five-year restructuring plan it originally offered when the bond defaulted in January.

  • Execution - only firms know the price of everything and value of nothing

    27 Oct 2005

    Ken Davy - Chairman, Simply Biz Services The issue of loss of consumer rights when they purchase on an execution-only basis is, or ought to be, a major issue for consumers and the associations which seek to protect them.Unfortunately, these organisations often seem to know the price of everything and the value of nothing as far as the difference between advice and execution-only is concerned.I am sure your campaign will lead to a change of attitude, particularly if you ...

  • F&C reemerges on IFAs' radar

    27 Oct 2005

    A series of high-profile departures sent F&C spinning out of IFAs' orbit but Matt Davis says fund launches and the arrival of a new UK team have stoked up interest

  • F&C's green team act on bird flu drug

    27 Oct 2005

    F&C's socially-responsible team has asked a maker of the anti-bird flu drug to consider its licensing position to allow other companies to make the drug.The threat of a bird flu pandemic has led to large-scale buying of anti-flu drug Tamiflu, raising the share price of Swiss maker Roche to record levels. But Roche faces pressure to allow other companies to manufacture the drug in the event of a crisis.F&C socially-responsible investment analyst Olivia Lankester flew out last ...

  • Fears for Credit Suisse fund as Harrison quits

    27 Oct 2005

    Credit Suisse's income fund is set to fall off IFAs' recommended lists following Leigh Harrison's defection to Threadneedle as head of UK retail investment.Harrison leaves Credit Suisse - where he ran its flagship 1.25bn UK income fund - to run Threadneedle's UK equity income fund, taking over from Chris White, who has run the fund since 2002. White will stay at Threadneedle to run a new fund, to be launched in 2006.Harrison picked up the reins of the UK income fund from star ...

  • Fidelity lines up retirement roadshows

    31 Oct 2005

    Fidelity is set to host a nationwide series of retirement planning roadshows from next month.The fund manager is lining up 29 regional masterclasses spanning England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland starting in Gatwick on November 21.The 90 minute sessions will cover the implications of growing life expectancy, A-day challenges and opportunities and provide an overview of FundsNetwork's Sipp.Advisers wishing to attend can book online.

  • Fidelity will pay trail on unwrapped funds

    27 Oct 2005

    Investment giant Fidelity will pay trail commission for the first time on unwrapped investments into 20 of its funds in response to IFA demand.The firm already pays trail on investments inside Isas but is making the move in response to repeated calls from IFAs to contribute towards the cost of their clients' ongoing portfolio management for lump- sum investments.Commission will now be paid on all new such investments into the majority of the firm's UK-domiciled products, including ...

  • First steps in saving

    27 Oct 2005

    The child trust fund means that, for the first time, all children will have some money behind them at the start of their adult lives

  • Foreign policy

    27 Oct 2005

    A home for our savings and pensions disappears every time a UK firm falls into foreign hands, says Troy French & Partners senior partner Peter French

  • Formosa Films - Clubbed

    1 Nov 2005

    Formosa FilmsClubbed

  • Foundation targets eight million people for advice

    27 Oct 2005

    Financial advice could be available in supermarkets for eight million financially excluded people by 2008 through a public/private scheme, says the newly launched Resolution Foundation.

  • Fox joins Suffolk Life

    1 Nov 2005

    Suffolk Life has appointed David Fox as head of intermediary development.Fox will report to director of sales and marketing John Moret. His responsibilities will include building new relationships with advisers as well as strengthening existing ones.He has over 15 years experience in the pensions and sipps industry including posts at Winterthur Life and Standard Life.Moret says: "It is further evidence of our growth plans which are based on our track record of excellence for ...

  • FPI goes for ultra flexibility

    1 Nov 2005

    Friends Provident International has brought out Premier ultra, an offshore unit-linked bond aimed at high-net-worth investors.

  • Free switching on Liverpool Vic bond

    27 Oct 2005

    Liverpool Victoria is launching an investment bond that allows free switches between three new with-profits funds - cautious, balanced and growth. The All-In-1 investment bond is available for sums between 10,000 and 500,000 and carries an option of a five-year capital preservation guarantee.

  • Free switching on Liverpool Vic bond

    26 Oct 2005

    Liverpool Victoria is launching an investment bond that allows free switches between three new with-profits funds - cautious, balanced and growth. The All-in-1 investment bond is available for sums between 10,000 and 500,000 and carries an option of a five year capital preservation guarantee.

  • FS Consumer Panel appoints new vice chairman

    27 Oct 2005

    The Financial Services Consumer Panel is appointing Adam Phillips as its new vice chairman from November 1.

  • FSA discount for early fine settlors

    27 Oct 2005

    The FSA will give discounts to firms who settle their fines early following a review of the regulator's enforcement procedures.Discounts will come in three stages - 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent - and will only apply to cases where investigators are appointed on or after October 20.The initiative is part of many changes designed to make its enforcement process more transparent and consistent. The changes are based on the recommendations of the FSA's enforcement process ...

  • FSA plans to launch mortgage website

    26 Oct 2005

    The FSA is launching a new mortgage website for consumers - mortgageslaidbare.info - bringing together existing mortgage tools and resources including budget calculators and mortgage tables. The website is launched to coincide with the first anniversary of mortgage regulation. A national and online advertising campaign promoting the web site is to follow.

  • Gerrard Investment Management -Protected Hindsight Plan 1

    26 Oct 2005

    Gerrard Investment ManagementProtected Hindsight Plan 1

  • Gerrard weights exposure

    1 Nov 2005

    Gerrard Investment Management has teamed up with structured product provider Woolwich Plan Managers to offer IFAs a structured product which has weighted exposure to four stockmarket indices depending on performance.

  • Goshawk to sell reinsurance arm

    26 Oct 2005

    Troubled British insurer Goshawk has agreed to the sale of its reinsurance business Rosemont Re to a consortium of private investors led by the former chairman of ACE Don Kramer, subject to terms. Goshawk admitted significant losses to its reinsurance arm following Hurricane Katrina this September.

  • Govt attacked over U-turn on public-sector pensions

    27 Oct 2005

    The Government's U-turn on public-sector pensions will make the job of selling reform in the private sector much harder, warns Aegon head of corporate affairs Francis McGee.McGee says last week's agreement between the Government and public-sector unions - which allows existing workers to continue to retire at 60 while the pension age for new entrants is increased to 65 - means the difficult decisions ahead will be tougher for private-sector employers and employees to stomach.McGee ...

  • Govt missed a trick on civil service plans

    27 Oct 2005

    Trade and Industry Secretary Alan Johnson's capitulation on civil servants' pensions is disappointing but sadly not surprising.

  • Green is the colour for Skandia

    1 Nov 2005

    Skandia Investment Management has established a multi-manager ethical fund that combines manager of managers with funds of funds approaches.

  • Hartford guide aims to help IFAs review WP with clients

    27 Oct 2005

    US-owned life office The Hartford has put together a with-profits review guide for advisers with clients in the asset class.The Hartford has consistently targeted with-profits money since launching into the UK last year.Its latest with-profits review guide includes key questions and issues to consider, template letters for approaching clients and providers and a data-gathering form.The Hartford is also offering an increased allocation rate of 102 per cent into its unit-linked ...

  • Health warning on IDD to say what no advice means

    27 Oct 2005

    I wish to offer my support to the Money Marketing No Advice, No Protection campaign. We believe that distributors which sell protection without giving advice and/ or without offering a full product range should make it clear to the consumer the limitations of their service and the rights the consumer is giving up.The FSA has introduced the Initial Disclosure Document, which seeks to educate the consumer about the status of the salesperson they are dealing with. However, the focus of ...

  • Hedge fund industry resists FSA

    28 Oct 2005

    The Alternative Investment Management Association has hit back at attempts by the FSA to impose tighter controls on the hedge fund industry. AIMA says it rejects the idea that there is lower compliance among hedge fund managers and says tougher regulation will force hedge fund managers out of the City. The association has gathered opinion from 50 of its members in response to an FSA assessment paper published this summer.

  • 'Hedge funds can exploit world themes'

    27 Oct 2005

    F&C optimistic despite signs of cherrypicking by funds

  • Henderson fund opens door to Asian property

    27 Oct 2005

    Henderson has introduced an offshore Asia-Pacific property equities fund to be managed by Chris Reilly based in Singapore.The fund will invest in quoted equities of companies which derive the main part of their revenue from the ownership, management or development of real estate throughout Asia and the Pacific and will take advantage of rising commercial asset values in the region as domestic consumption improves.It will be a dollar-denominated product benchmarked against an ...

  • Hot Topix from Jupiter

    1 Nov 2005

    Jupiter Asset Management has established the Jupiter Japan Income fund, a unit trust that will aim for income and growth by investing in Japanese equities.

  • HSBC Bank International - Eurozone Property Index Income Fund– CSGF 21

    1 Nov 2005

    HSBC Bank InternationalEurozone Property Index Income Fund– CSGF 21

  • HSBC Bank International - Hong Kong Growth Fund– CSGF 21

    1 Nov 2005

    HSBC Bank InternationalHong Kong Growth Fund– CSGF 21

  • HSBC Bank International - Japan Market Movement Fund– CSGF 21

    1 Nov 2005

    HSBC Bank InternationalJapan Market Movement Fund– CSGF 21

  • I smell a Ratner

    27 Oct 2005

    Those who know me well, know of my long-standing love affair with vintage scooters: Italian, German, Spanish, even a weird Indian bike called the Kelvinator Avanti. I have owned and ridden many beautiful machines in my time.

  • IFAs could lose cover in PI scam

    27 Oct 2005

    A growing number of IFAs are falling victim to the latest PI insurance scam to hit the market, warns PYV chief executive Neil Pointon.Pointon says the practice of "desking" quotes, where a broker offers non-existent terms to an IFA without contacting an underwriter, violates the FSA's Treating Customers Fairly principles but is becoming more common in today's highly-competitive soft market.These brokers often send an indication letter establishing premium terms but stating that ...

  • IFP threatens legal fight on CFP letters

    27 Oct 2005

    The Institute of Financial Planning is threatening legal action over the use of the letters CFP by the CII.The IFP says the CII's decision to launch its chartered financial planner qualification und-ermines its own certified financial planner accreditation.At its AGM last week, IFP president Ian Shipway pledged to do whatever necessary under trademark law to "protect the integrity of the CFP mark". He accused the CII of deliberately creating confusion with the launch of its ...

  • 'IFRS rules will hit discounted loans'

    27 Oct 2005

    The introduction of international financial reporting standards could lead to a trend away from discounted mortgage rates, says BM Sol- utions managing director Tim Hague.Under the new IFRS rules, which relate to accounting periods ending after April 2005, lenders have to report the average return based on the income received over the life of a mortgage rather than the income received each year, says Hague.He warns that this will make the balance sheets of lenders doing large ...

  • Important message

    27 Oct 2005

    In his enthusiasm to make his weekly column suitably thought-provoking, Nic Cicutti betrays a sorry lack of understanding of what differentiates the multi-tied agent from the true IFA, regardless of how the latter is remunerated. Virtually none of the public know or care about Aifa. It is just a trade body which IFAs rely on to argue their causes and grievances to the regulator (and heaven knows we need such a body). Most clients have no interest in either trade bodies or ...

  • Income FOF from New Star

    1 Nov 2005

    New Star has established a unit trust fund of funds that aims for growth and an estimated net income of 3.5 per cent a year while preserving investors original capital

  • India to the fore

    27 Oct 2005

    India's rapid economic growth looks set to continue, making it an attractive prospect for the investor

  • Invesco VCT to offer 25m in new shares

    27 Oct 2005

    The Invesco Perpetual Aim VCT will offer 25m in new ordinary shares in January 2006. The trust launched in June 2004 and was the most successful by a new entrant into the VCT market, raising 25.1m through an offer for subscription.

  • Invesco VCT to offer 25m in new shares

    26 Oct 2005

    The Invesco Perpetual Aim VCT will offer 25m in new ordinary shares in January 2006. The trust launched in June 2004 and was the most successful launch by a new entrant into the VCT marketplace, raising 25.1m through an offer for subscription.

  • Investment View: Playing the waiting game

    27 Oct 2005

    Last week was eventful in the world of investment. First, there was the collapse of Refco - hardly a household name but an important player nonetheless.

  • Investors could miss out on 'sweet spot'

    27 Oct 2005

    Financial markets are going through a short-term "sweet spot", according to investment management firm Morgan Stanley Quilter.The firm says while everyone is focused on oil, there are opportunities that are in danger of being missed in financial markets, and investment portfolios should be positioned to take advantage of profit growth that is ahead of expectations.Corporate profits were forecast by analysts at 8 per cent in early 2005. But following the half-year results season, ...

  • 'It was go down this route or don't buy a home'

    27 Oct 2005

    In the late 1980s and early 1990s life insurance policies linked to repayment mortgages were commonly marked up 600 per cent for gay customers, if they were available at all, says Ivan Massow.He says he helped clients get round this by researching and seeking out endowment providers with the highest sums assured without a lifestyle questionnaire being required.These products had life insurance included within the product.Without his specialist knowledge, there was no way ...

  • JPMF overseas trust under review

    27 Oct 2005

    The JPMF overseas investment trust is to undertake a strategic review follow-ing the declaration of an 18.2 per cent holding in the firm by arbitrageur Carrousel Capital.

  • JPMF overseas trust under review

    26 Oct 2005

    The JPMF overseas investment trust is to undertake a strategic review following the declaration of an 18.2 per cent holding in the firm by arbitrageur Carrousel Capital.

  • Keydata makes income bond third issue

    31 Oct 2005

    Keydata has made the third issue of its secure income bond offering 7.5 per cent income a year and full capital return at the end of the five year term.The bond invests in a mixture of cash and traded insurance contracts. The new issue opens on November 7 and closes December 23, 2005.

  • Law Society support for lawyers producing Hips

    27 Oct 2005

    The Law Society is planning to develop a product enabling solicitors to prepare home information packs for consumers selling their homes.

  • Lawrence House in aim to double IFA funds

    27 Oct 2005

    Fledgling multi-manager Lawrence House has attracted £10m in multi-manager funds from small to medium-sized IFAs in nine months and is aiming to double the figure next year.

  • Leeds Building Society - Two Year Fixed Rate Mortgage

    31 Oct 2005

    Leeds Building SocietyTwo Year Fixed Rate Mortgage

  • Leitch teams up with Zurich allies

    27 Oct 2005

    Ex-Zurich chief executive Sandy Leitch has teamed up with his former Zurich allies to launch a new 30m multi-tie proposition in the new year.Lord Leitch's comeback venture, revealed in Money Marketing two weeks ago, aims to capture 1,000 advisers in the next four to five years and has secured 30m funding from backers, including Bank of Scotland, Friends Provident and South African group, Sanlam.The operation, currently dubbed Intrinsic, will be hea-ded by Leitch's old Zurich ...

  • Level paying field

    27 Oct 2005

    What are the arguments in favour of a flat rate of income tax and how likely is it to be adopted in the UK?

  • LGIM appoints Chambers as Chief Executive

    1 Nov 2005

    L&G Investment Management has appointed Peter Chambers to be its chief executive officer.Chambers was previously chief execuitve of Framlington and will join LGIM on November 14, 2005. LGIM's current head Tim Breedon will be taking over as chief executive of the L&G group on January 1,2006.

  • Life insurance sector to remain stable for the next 12 months

    27 Oct 2005

    Robust risk management, prudential regulation and a resilient UK economy will ensure stability in the life insurance industry over the next 12 months, says a Standard & Poor's report.Eighty-five per cent of ratings in the UK are currently stable, according to the Life Insurance Industry Risk Analysis report, the first of it type carr-ied out by the ratings agency.Since S&P revised its outlook on the UK market to stable from negative in September 2004, there have been no rating ...

  • Life office manager salary tops 100k

    27 Oct 2005

    More than a quarter of life office account managers will earn in excess of 100,000 plus benefits this year, according to financial services headhunters Paul Harper Search.For most intermediary facing salespeople, 100,000 has been seen as something of a magical figure, having been achieved by only a few brokers, but this is becoming increasingly common among leading life offices, says the firm.Principal Paul Harper says these amounts are not the market norm, with most firms keeping ...

  • Liverpool Victoria widens distribution net

    28 Oct 2005

    Mansfield Building Society has signed a tied distribution deal with Liverpool Victoria that will see it distribute the friendly society's products through its network of five branches.Mansfield Building Society advisers wil act as introducer on Liverpool Victoria's investments, life insurance and pensions products.Mansfield Building Society chief executive David Fisher says: "When we decided to extend the services offered through our branches we were looking for a partner whose ...

  • Look sharp

    27 Oct 2005

    Mortgage Business Expo which takes place on November 16-17 at Earls Court, London, will be offering visitors an image consultancy service through firm Dress2Kill.If your career is being dampened by your image, Dress2Kill will provide a free consultation and prescription to smarten up your dress sense.Men will also be able to get a wet shave and a discount on suits. Gone will be the grey polyester outfits, thick gold medallions and ties emblazoned with Donald Duck playing golf.Oh ...

  • Massow slams 'barbaric' treatment over claims

    27 Oct 2005

    Prominent IFA Ivan Massow says endowments and FSAVC claims against him should be dropped because these were the best products for the gay community in the early 1990s.Massow faces a 90,000 claim from Sesame for misselling compensation when he was a member of DBS. He is arguing that the homophobic practices of life offices and pension trustees in the early 1990s meant his gay clients literally had no alternative to the products he recommended.Massow, a former chairman of the ...

  • Matrix doubles up on foresight

    1 Nov 2005

    Matrix Money Management is raising up to 24m each for the Foresight 3 and Foresight 4 venture capital trusts which aim for growth by investing in unquoted technology-based companies in the UK.

  • Matrix focuses on buy-outs

    1 Nov 2005

    Matrix Money Management is raising up to 20m for the Matrix income & growth VCT, a venture capital trust focusing on management buy-outs.

  • Matrix Money Management - Foresight 3 and 4 VCTs

    31 Oct 2005

    Matrix Money ManagementForesight 3 and 4 VCTs

  • MFS International UK - MFS Meridian Emerging Markets Debt Fund

    31 Oct 2005

    MFS International UK MFS Meridian Emerging Markets Debt Fund

  • MFS International UK - MFS Meridian European High Yield Bond Fund

    31 Oct 2005

    MFS INternational UKMFS Meridian European High Yield Bond Fund

  • MFS International UK - MFS Meridian European Smaller Companies Fund

    31 Oct 2005

    MFS International UKMFS Meridian European Smaller Companies Fund

  • MFS International UK - MFS Meridian Research International Fund

    31 Oct 2005

    MFS International UKMFS Meridian Research International Fund

  • MFS International UK - MFS Meridian Technology Fund

    31 Oct 2005

    MFS International UKMFS Meridian Technology Fund

  • MFS International UK - MFS Meridian US Government Bond Fund

    31 Oct 2005

    MFS International UKMFS Meridian US Government Bond Fund

  • MFS majors on Meridian

    1 Nov 2005

    MFS International UK, part of Boston-based MFS Investment Management, has merged its UK, Cayman Islands and Luxemburg fund ranges to create a new Ucits III compliant Sicav range for UK investors, MFS Meridian Funds.

  • 'Misys would be better off if it ditched Sesame'

    27 Oct 2005

    Misys' stockmarket value would be increased by offloading Sesame for almost any price, according to analysts.Bell Lawrie small cap analyst Ian McArthur says he agrees with the sentiment of a recent Cazenove report which has been reported as suggesting Misys stock would be boosted by ditching the IFA network for a nominal fee.McArthur says by getting rid of Sesame, Misys would become a more complete, less diluted software player, making it more attractive.This view is endorsed ...

  • Mortgage View: What is best advice?

    27 Oct 2005

    What constitutes best advice in the mortgage market? We all know that it is more than price and includes value and service levels of the lender. But every so often a product comes along which ticks all the boxes and you question why anyone else can be doing business at all in that sector.

  • Naismith says Isas could provide solution

    27 Oct 2005

    The development of Isas as a retirement solution could improve women's pensions, said Scottish Widows head of pension market development Ian Naismith.Speaking at the House of Lords, Naismith said evidence shows women are attracted to Isas disproportionately more than other long-term savings products. He said this fact should be capitalised on as after A-Day Isas can be automatically converted into a pension as the saver moves tow-ards retirement.Naismith said the Government ...

  • NDF Administration - Growth Plan September 05

    31 Oct 2005

    NDF AdministrationGrowth Plan September 05

  • Nelson in move to HSBC to run public relations

    27 Oct 2005

    The Money Portal's former head of communications Kerry Nelson is joining HSBC Investments UK on October 31 as associate director of external communications.Nelson will be responsible for the group's public relat- ions strategy and acting as a spokeswoman for its investment business which com- prises fund management, its specialist alpha team, hedge funds, quant, structured products, property, as well as private client and discretionary services.Nelson will report directly to ...

  • Neptune continues to make waves

    27 Oct 2005

    Neptune Investment Management, founded by Robin Geffen in 2002, has produced outstanding results across the board.

  • Neptune Investment Management - Neptune-Calculus Income & Growth VCT

    1 Nov 2005

    Neptune Investment ManagementNeptune-Calculus Income & Growth VCT

  • New Star launches Euro high yield fund

    27 Oct 2005

    New Star International is launching the New Star Euro high yield fund, a sub-fund of New Star global investment funds, its Dublin-based Oeic.

  • Noble & Company - Noble VCT A Shares

    1 Nov 2005

    Noble & CompanyNoble VCT A Shares

  • Norwich Union - Guaranteed Capital Plan

    1 Nov 2005

    Norwich UnionGuaranteed Capital Plan

  • NU International hits record new business levels in Q3

    27 Oct 2005

    Norwich Union International hit new business levels of £243m by Q3 of 2005.

  • NU survey highlights funding shortfall by divorced women

    27 Oct 2005

    Middle-aged female divorcees are facing a retirement funding crisis, claims a rep- ort from Norwich Union Equity Release.According to the Asset Rich, Cash Poor report, just 4 per cent of divorced women over 50 have received any of their former husband's pension pot on divorce or separation despite recent legis- lation which gives women a better deal on pension splitting.This problem is brought sharply into focus by the fact that, apart from the state pension, many woman are ...

  • Nvesta - Momentum Tracker Plan 2

    31 Oct 2005

    NvestaMomentum Tracker Plan 2

  • Ombudsman will speak at Aifa AGM

    27 Oct 2005

    Financial Ombudsman Service chairman Sir Christopher Kelly is to speak at the Aifa annual general meeting on November 29.Aifa director general Chris Cummings expects a good turnout and is prompting IFAs to take advantage of the networking opportunity and chance to discuss their issues around depolarisation and industry regulation.The event will take place at the Drapers Hall, London, with Aifa chairman John Gummer MP hosting the dinner.Members will experience a champagne ...

  • 'Only way to ensure money was passed to their partners'

    27 Oct 2005

    Ivan Massow says he advised free-standing AVCs to gay clients in the late 1980s and early 1990s because it was the only way to ensure money was passed to their partners.He says FSAVCs had to be used as there was a risk that pension trustees would not pay out AVCs to gay partners and dependants if the policyhol-der died.Massow says only one prov-ider paid out a lump sum to any of his gay clients' partners and that was only because the dependent was a bedridden 90-year-old.In ...

  • Optimal choice for Britannia International

    1 Nov 2005

    Britannia International has established the optimum growth bond 11, a FTSE 100-linked guaranteed equity bond that could mature earlier than its six-year term.

  • Our campaign to protect consumers gathers force

    27 Oct 2005

    Which? and Aifa are throwing their support behind Money Marketing's No Advice, No Protection campaign, asking for consumers to be better informed when buying protection on an execution-only basis.Both bodies believe a simple table of bullet points is needed to outline the fact that execution-only consumers relinquish some protection from the Financial Ombudsman Service. But they stress that any form of presales literature should be succinct.Aifa deputy director general Fay Goddard ...

  • Pack up your troubles

    27 Oct 2005

    Our panel believe packagers have adapted sufficiently to defy predictions of their early demise. Plus, the costs of regulation are assessed

  • Packagers create their own lender

    27 Oct 2005

    The Professional Mortgage Packagers Alliance is launching its own lender, Unity Homeloans, amid concerns that lenders are sidestepping packagers in favour of intermediary and direct sales.The PMPA says it is not seeking to replace existing lender relationships but is looking at ways of controlling and securing distribution with the launch.Unity will initially offer a sub-prime range exclusively to the PMPA's 22 members with backing from Investec Bank UK. It is looking at complementing ...

  • Parents prefer cash child trust funds

    26 Oct 2005

    Almost three quarters of parents opted for cash where providers offered both cash and stakeholder child trust fund options, according to the Building Society Association. In September, net receipts into cash CTFs totalled 10.9m, while over 259,000 cash CTFs have been opened to date.

  • Passive portfolio from Scot Eq

    1 Nov 2005

    Scottish Equitable has linked up with Merrill Lynch Investment Managers to establish life and offshore versions of its balanced passive pension fund, which has a four year track record.

  • 'Pension target is unlikely to be met'

    27 Oct 2005

    The Government's long-term target of achieving 40 per cent state and 60 per cent private pension provision is unlikely to be achieved, according to the Pensions Policy Institute.A study carried out by the PPI and the Nuffield Foundation concludes that the state is likely to remain the major provider for many people as only the state can guarantee poverty prevention.The distinction between state and private refers to the delivery of the pension rather than how it is paid for, ...

  • Pension trustees set to demand more money from companies

    1 Nov 2005

    The Pension Regulator's aim to remove final salary scheme deficits within 10 years means companies should expect greater cash demands from trustees.TPR's consultation document on final salary scheme funding says it will, in most instances, compel companies to fund their DB scheme deficits within a decade.PricewaterhouseCoopers pensions practice lead partner Marc Hommel says this will increase pressure on trustees who will have to negotiate extra funding from employers.Hommel ...

  • Pink Home Loans - BM Solutions Lifetime Tracker

    1 Nov 2005

    Pink Home LoansBM Solutions Lifetime Tracker

  • Pink Home Loans - BM Solutions Two Year Tracker

    31 Oct 2005

    Pink Home LoansBM Solutions Two Year Tracker

  • Preferred Mortgages - Light 1 Year Discount Standard Verification

    31 Oct 2005

    Preferred MortgagesLight 1 Year Discount Standard Verification

  • Pressure mounting on FSA to name and shame 11 providers

    27 Oct 2005

    The FSA faces renewed pressure to name the 11 providers it found guilty of misusing Lautro projections after the revelation that it avoided a pension-style review of endowments to maintain financial stability.Ex-FSA chairman Sir Howard Davies's recent admission that the FSA took a less aggressive approach over endowments to avoid the possible collapse of life offices has led to criticism that it paid scant regard to IFAs.IFA defence union chief Evan Owen believes the regulator's ...

  • Private enterprise

    27 Oct 2005

    The private sector needs to play a greater role in influencing the debate on future healthcare funding, says Bupa Insurance managing director Fergus Kee

  • Protection providers called on to release claims data

    27 Oct 2005

    All protection providers should reveal their claims statistics to improve understanding and decrease instances of non-disclosure by clients, according to Abbey for Intermediaries.Head of life and health propositions (protection) Sue Wilkinson made her call as ScotProv released its critical-illness claims data for January to June 2005. The data shows that the majority of unsuccessful claims were as a result of non-disclosure.Wilkinson says advisers and clients need to understand ...

  • Pru figures are wrong

    27 Oct 2005

    In response to the article in last week's Money Marketing headlined, Speculation ends as Pru chief Wood is set to leave, you reproduced a quote from an unnamed insurance analyst in which it was claimed: "Pru has been losing a lot of market share and profitability." This is just not true and the figures bear this out. Our market share increased from 6.9 per cent in Q1 2004 to 12.3 per cent at the end of Q2, 2005 (source: ABI). Annual premium equivalent (APE) sales in H1 2005 ...

  • RBS offers pre-approved funding levels

    27 Oct 2005

    Royal Bank of Scotland is speeding up its commercial property transaction procedure in anticipation of a pre A-Day rush.RBS is offering pre-approved funding levels for commercial property investments into self-administered schemes, in conjunction with James Hay, Westerbys and Merchant Investors.The bank will marry IFAs with lenders, with RBS assessing loan feasibility. Through its local links with IFAs, pension funds and valuers, the bank says it can offer a more centralised ...

  • Relying on family advice can be costly

    27 Oct 2005

    Research from stockbroker Brewin Dolphin shows 53 per cent of people who invested in a unit trust over the past five years consulted an IFA and 77 per cent were satisfied or very satisfied with its performance.Out of the 31 per cent of investors who turned to friends, family and colleagues, or the 37 per cent who relied on their own research, only 67 per cent were satisfied or very satisfied with performance.The investment provider also found that people in the South-east are ...

  • Rifkind calls for new savings account

    26 Oct 2005

    Tory work and pensions shadow Sir Malcolm Rifkind has tabled a Private Members Bill calling for the introduction of a new Savings and Retirement Account, SaRa, as an alternative to stakeholder pensions. The product would allow capital withdrawals but would be designed to encourage longer-term saving.

  • Rifkind calls for new savings account

    27 Oct 2005

    Tory work and pensions shadow Sir Malcolm Rifkind has tabled a Private Members Bill calling for the introduction of a savings and retirement account, SaRa, as an alternative to stakeholder pensions. The product would allow cap-ital withdrawals but would be designed to encourage longer-term saving.

  • Schroders - Schroder Income Maximiser

    1 Nov 2005

    Schroders Schroder Income Maximiser

  • ScotEq Protect improves its online underwriting

    27 Oct 2005

    Scottish Equitable Protect is making changes to its online protection underwriting service, including single data entry and better commission.The system now allows single data entry, with pre-population of quotation data and gives 10 per cent commission for online applications.The changes go live on October 24 and Scottish Equitable says IFAs will now be able to get cover in place faster and receive better commission.Scottish Equitable is also creating a data-capture form ...

  • Scottish Life appoints area sales manager

    26 Oct 2005

    Scottish Life has appointed Brian Bradshaw as area sales manager in Bristol where he will be responsible for developing business relationships with key IFAs in the region and managing a team of seven IFA sales consultants. He will report to head of branch sales, South, Paul England and joins from Barclays Financial Planning.

  • Scottish Widows Investment Partnership - European Real Estate Fund

    31 Oct 2005

    Scottish Widows Investment Partnership European Real Estate Fund

  • Second bite from Man

    1 Nov 2005

    Man Investments has given investors a new opportunity to invest in Man-IP-200 by adding euro and dollar share classes to this capital-protected portfolio of futures and hedge funds.

  • SEI adds four new funds to its PCP range

    28 Oct 2005

    Scottish Equitable International is adding four funds to its core selection fund range.

  • SJP's pension audit looks to minimise recovery tax

    27 Oct 2005

    St James's Place is warning wealthy individuals that inaction on pension planning ahead of A-Day next April could result in them facing a 55 per cent recovery tax.SJP is looking to mop up affluent, disintermediated people with the launch of a pension audit service that aims to maximise retirement income post-A-Day.The audit will consider whether individuals should be looking at either primary or enhanced protection and what level of contribution they should be paying.The ...

  • Skandia asks the experts

    1 Nov 2005

    Skandia Investment Management has brought out a global property fund which will be managed by property investment specialist La Salle Investment Management.

  • Skandia Investment Management - Ethical Fund

    1 Nov 2005

    Skandia Investment ManagementEthical Fund

  • Skandia issues another protected portfolio

    1 Nov 2005

    Skandias protected portfolio investment range provides capital growth linked to an equally weighted portfolio of five externally managed funds with varying degrees of capital protection and return over a five year term.

  • Slow-motion replay

    27 Oct 2005

    Retrospective Andrea Tryphonides turns back the clock to assess how regulation has impacted on the market

  • Speculation grows over Bolton launch

    27 Oct 2005

    What is clear though is that even with Bolton's good track record, success is not going to be a foregone conclusion, explains Andrea Tryphonides

  • Standard Life to buy FirstAssist

    26 Oct 2005

    Beachcroft Wansbroughs financial services arm will be advising on Standard Life Healthcare on purchase of the PMI business of FirstAssist Insurance Services. The purchase is subject to FSA and court approval and the formal portfolio transfer of the insurance risk to Standard Life Healthcare, which will be completed in the first quarter of 2006.

  • Stars and stripes for JOHCM

    1 Nov 2005

    JO Hambro Capital Management has added the JOHCM American growth fund to its Oeic range.

  • Stephen Haddrill

    27 Oct 2005

    With a diplomacy not often heard in the sector, the former civil servant who now heads the ABI praises the FSA as a world-class regulator on the one hand while compiling a dossier that aims to document its regulatory failings. But James Salmon finds he is more openly critical of the Government's failure to give the pension industry adequate guidance ahead of A-Day and of its overzealous application of regulation in British industry

  • Structured Solutions Group - Early Bonus Plan IV

    1 Nov 2005

    Structured Solutions GroupEarly Bonus Plan IV

  • Swip gets real with Reits

    1 Nov 2005

    Scottish Widows Investment Partnership has established the Swip European real estate fund, an Oeic which invests in property shares across Europe including the UK.

  • Taking in vista

    27 Oct 2005

    In recent weeks, there seems to have been a considerable amount of hype bordering on scaremongering appearing in certain other industry trade publications about the risk of IFAs not being ready for the launch of Microsoft's Vista operating system and the need to take urgent action to prepare for it.

  • Tax offsets in the air as investors get wind of ethical opportunities

    27 Oct 2005

    German wind power could inflate income for investors.The new Keydata Nielebock wind power limited liability partnership has an 18-year agreement with the Neilebock wind farm in Madeburg, Germany, to generate an annual income of 6 per cent.The wind farm has been generating revenues since 2003 through long-term power sale agreements.The LLP allows investors to offset their subscription against existing income and capital gains for the current and prior tax years and income ...

  • The daddy of all complaints

    27 Oct 2005

    A lot of honest IFAs are being caught up in a flawed complaints process

  • The fight for independence

    27 Oct 2005

    I have always appreciated the unusual or the quirky. The venue for the IFP conference for the last two years has certainly been both. As you enter, you are greeted by a statue of Atlas (I presume) holding up not the world but the circular ceiling in reception.

  • The macro picture

    27 Oct 2005

    It is said that the camera never lies but Nicola York finds that taking a macro snapshot of an economy could give a false picture of the state of the stockmarket

  • The MCOB evaders

    27 Oct 2005

    MCOB The FSA needs to get tough with those companies that persistently ignore MCOB 3 rules, writes Nicola York

  • The orphan age

    27 Oct 2005

    Following the recent depolarisation of the advice market, Sonia Speedy explores the potential pitfalls facing advisers and examines whether fears about the creation of IFA orphans are justified

  • Threadneedle bonds with absolute returns

    1 Nov 2005

    Threadneedle Investments has brought out the absolute return bond fund, an Oeic that aims to provide a positive return in any stock market environment.

  • Threadneedle Investments - Absolute Return Bond Fund

    31 Oct 2005

    Threadneedle InvestmentsAbsolute Return Bond Fund

  • UCB Home Loans launches new 2-year tracker to self-cert range

    28 Oct 2005

    UCB Home Loans is adding a two-year tracker, free from early repayment charges, to its self-cetification range on October 31.

  • Watchdog's not so fierce

    27 Oct 2005

    There are misconceptions in some quarters as to the way the Financial Ombudsman Service works and how it comes to decisions. I should like to take this opportunity to lay to rest some of these commonly held but mistaken opinions on the way we operate.

  • When you wish upon a Star

    27 Oct 2005

    Have dreams come true for investors who put their money in Duffield's funds?

  • Where there's a will, there are several ways

    27 Oct 2005

    Key to will planning is the interaction between advisers and the level of access to funds for the investor

  • Which? attacks ABI basic advice regime

    27 Oct 2005

    Consumer group Which? has criticised the ABI's guidance on basic advice for fail-ing to alert consumers to their reduced regulatory protection under the basic advice regime.The ABI's guidance is des-igned to improve consumer knowledge and confidence in the basic advice. It outlines what this is and what is expec-ted of financial advisers who offer basic advice.But senior policy adviser McAteer says the ABI guidance fails to warn consumers that they will have less recourse to ...

  • Window of opportunity

    27 Oct 2005

    M-Day With Mortgage Day came much industry grumbling, especially over KFIs, but it's not all been bad, explains Lindsey Rogerson

  • Winterthur Life - Section 32 Plan

    31 Oct 2005

    Winterthur LifeSection 32 Plan

  • Wise Investment - CF Wise Income

    31 Oct 2005

    Wise InvestmentCF Wise Income

  • 'Women heading for retirement poverty'

    27 Oct 2005

    Tackling unfairness in women's pensions will be a central plank in the reform of pensions for both sexes, according to Bar-oness Hollis of Heigham.Speaking at the launch of a Scottish Widows What Women Want report at the House of Lords, Hollis said that with an increasing number of men looking after children or older relatives as well as a general need for more flexibility in modern life, getting women's pensions right will benefit everyone.Hollis said the industry needs to ...

  • Woolwich Plan Managers - Capital Growth Plan - Issue 11

    1 Nov 2005

    Woolwich Plan ManagersCapital Growth Plan - Issue 11

  • Zeros 'set for comeback'

    27 Oct 2005

    The zero-dividend preference share market continues to throw up opportunities despite shrinking by a quarter in the last three years, says F&C.The asset class has fallen out of favour since the high-profile problems in the split-capital investment trust market, shrinking from 2.7bn in 2002 to 2.1bn in 2005, but new zeros are now being created which are not linked to investment trusts.Fund manager Peter Hewitt points to the 26m zeros issue by property specialist Economic Lifestyle ...

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