Latest News & Blog

The vulnerability issue

12 Dec 2017

Vital as it is to demonstrate compliance with the regulations on protecting vulnerable clients, writes Gary Kershaw, the FCA's guidelines really only formalise the warning signs advisers should be adept at reading.

Government must help meet the needs of the elderly

11 Oct 2017 Ken Davy

Being able to congratulate the FCA, while not by any means a first, is not something I am able to do regularly.

"A princely way of looking at succession issues"

04 Oct 2017 Ken Davy

Seeing all the stories about Prince George starting school set me thinking about longevity and business succession issues for financial advisers.

Adviser Landscape

14 Sep 2017 Ken Davy

SimplyBiz Group Chairman, Ken Davy, gives us his unique perspective on the biggest industry issues of recent months.

"The historic significance of pension freedoms"

19 Apr 2017 Ken Davy

On my first day in financial services in 1970, I was taught about the vital importance of the Life Assurance Act of 1774, which introduced insurable interest.

Keeley Paddon: Top of the QROPS

04 Apr 2017

Keeley Paddon outlines the practicalities advisers need to consider in the wake of the changes to the tax treatment of QROPS transfers outlined in last month's Spring Budget

"To boldly go where no robot has gone before"

20 Mar 2017 Ken Davy

I am sure Star Trek would have flopped had it just been a bunch of robots exploring the galaxies; it needed great characters to bring it alive for its followers.

"Tory change of attitude is heart of the matter"

22 Feb 2017 Ken Davy

Going head-to-head with one’s editor – in my case the knowledgeable and dynamic Emma Ann Hughes – is always somewhat high risk. However, on this occasion, it is a risk I have to take.  

"'Voluntary agreement' has implications for FSCS"

02 Feb 2017 Ken Davy

Even when the subject matter of my weekly column is quite serious, I generally begin with a somewhat light-hearted anecdote. 

Keeley Paddon: Pension scam cold-callers - we've got your number

19 Jan 2017

For far too long, says Keeley Paddon, cold-callers and pension scams have been a blight on the pensions sector and it is good to see the authorities finally appear to be grasping the nettle