Well done, Michael Portillo, for his self-deprecating manner.
The former Conservative MP recently told a forum of IFAs how the moment of his demise – when he lost his Parliamentary seat, followed his home and his career in politics – was voted the third best moment of the 20th Century by Observer readers and Channel 4 viewers. He says Tony Blair even used a clip of that moment as part of the montage of highlights as he gave his parting speech last week. Portillo says: “If that was a highlight for Mr Blair, then I do feel very sorry for him indeed.” “I might not sound upmarket but I do have a silk hanky.” Positive Solutions executive chairman David Harrison.View more on these topicsNews
Short circuit
The sub-prime mortgage market was always expected to be the source of most problems after regulation but the FSA also has misgivings about the prime sector.
Prime Professions in PI deal for IFAs
A group of former Alexander Forbes directors has set up a professional indemnity brokerage for IFAs.
Prime Professions has been servicing the legal, accounting, construction and insurance professions for a year and is about to target financial services intermediaries.
The firm says it is launching to the IFA community on November 1 to coincide with the renewal date for most IFA contracts.
Prime says it will offer an indication of PI renewal terms without the need to complete a proposal form.
The firm has been added to the panel of brokers for insurance company Chubb.
Prime says it is the biggest threat in the market to rival companies PYV, NCG and First City’s non-network IFA business.
Managing director Duncan Philpott says: “We want to get back to talking to clients and moving away from the old-style values. People’s changing attitudes and a softer market bring the opportunity to make a difference.”
But PYV chief executive Neil Pointon says: “I would have thought that a new underwriter would have brought more value than a new broker. If I was an IFA, I would be very wary of a new firm without a proven book of business.”
Loansome traveller
Offshore mortgages: RBS International chief executive Ian Henderson explains to Philip Scott how he targets potential markets and why borrowers should be careful of speculating in foreign markets despite the lucrative deals often portrayed in TV property programmes
Is property starting to get shaky?
Property has become the increasingly favoured asset class for many investors over the last few years and money has been pouring into UK property funds.
The return of emerging markets
Ewan Thompson, Head of Emerging Market Equities, Neptune Although in political terms 2016 will be remembered for the seismic shocks of the Brexit vote and Trump’s presidential victory, the year was also a watershed for the global economy and emerging markets in particular. Following five years in the wilderness, the conditions are now in place […]
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Phil Wickenden: The hard work others fear brings special results
You have to do hard things to be successful in life. The things no one else does. Why? Life coaches will tell you those are the things that define you; the things that make the difference between existing and living. This may well be true but if that does not float your boat, then American […]
LEBC: Women less likely to shop around for retirement income
Only a quarter of women are shopping around for their retirement income, according to national IFA LEBC. Customers of LEBC pension advice business The Retirement Adviser are far more likely to use its whole of market service to find the best retirement income solution if they are male. LEBC says the proportion of women using […]
The Wells Street Journal: Brexit Monopoly and teen dreams
A weekly account of the curious goings-on in the world of financial services A game of Brexit MonopolyLast week, in a foreign policy speech, Theresa May said Brexit negotiations were in their “endgame”. WSJ thinks this is highly unlikely, having heard that not even a quarter of European law has been rolled over yet. Wingate […]
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