Industry news and views from Panacea and our partners.
RDR_
RDR thought of the day
"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
Independent, Restricted or IFR, a third way?
As a country the UK has moved away from the manufacture of goods and products and has moved toward the manufacture and provision of intangible goods and services.
Defining business vision and objectives
'Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time. Action with vision is making a positive difference.'
RDR client competency programmes 2012
Delegates participating in the Engage Partnership Ltd, Better Client Relationships workshop can claim CPD hours towards the CII member CPD scheme for each training programme.
RDR - the clock is ticking...
Read our RDR plans and why we believe Scottish Life really is best placed to help you through the RDR transition.
Transitions
Our RDR Transition microsite has been designed with input from providers, IFAs and various support services to promote an understanding of what you need to do to ensure the ongoing success of your business in light of all the changes RDR presents.
You've got the exams, changed the business model. Surely something's missing?
The FSA assures the IFA community that RDR is in the customers benefit. However, seemingly no one had surveyed IFAs on how their clients feel about the impending changes in regulation.
That's life (policies)
We take a look at the treatment of legacy assets now the FSA has confirmed that trail commission can continue to be paid following a fund switch or re-direction within a life policy.
Abolition of contracting out - the practical implications
On a money purchase basis this has obvious practical implications for those individuals who made a conscious decision to stay out of the State Second Pension (S2P).
Independent v restricted advice
Will you remain independent post RDR? We examine some of the factors that could influence your decision.
Automatic enrolment and the future of the transfer market
Expect some fundamental changes to the rules in the future. Read a summary of our response to the DWP consultation on improving pension transfers and dealing with small pension pots.
Aviva: We're making sure you're ready for RDR
From 31 December 2012, the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) will radically change group pension business.
Scottish Provident: An opportunity to take your business to the next level
Last year with the help of Duncan Bannatyne we launched The Next Level as part of our drive to make your business even more successful.
Scottish Widows: Supporting you through RDR
As we approach the deadline for implementation of RDR, we are keen to provide on going guidance and support as you prepare your business
Moron Advice Service?
We have become ever more concerned that there is no Cunning Plan at the FSA to educate consumers, and especially consumers who have an IFA relationship.
Who breaks a butterfly upon a wheel?
A beam of light shone brightly, albeit briefly, into the regulatory darkness when I read that the Prudential had branded the FSA legacy proposals as ludicrous and horrendous for consumers.
The new guidance sets out when VAT will be exempt on Adviser Charging arrangements post RDR
The new guidance sets out when VAT will be exempt on Adviser Charging arrangements post RDR.
That's life policies
We take a look at the treatment of legacy assets now the FSA has confirmed that trail commission can continue to be paid following a fund switch or re-direction within a life policy.
George Kinder Presents: EVOKE(R) Life Planning Process and Client Results
George Kinder presents his signature EVOKE(R) model, a methodology that takes clients through a five-stage interview process (Exploration - Vision - Obstacles - Knowledge - Execution), leading to a comprehensive and highly tailored plan of action.
Bode's Sensitivity Integral and the Waterbed effect
The Waterbed effect is a phenomenon that will increasingly cause concern to those who regulate the industry and those it regulates in regard to pricing, consumer detriment and delayed back office system upgrades.
AEGON: Clarity on Trail will help us all plan for the future
Change is never easy and its made even harder when barriers are put in our way.
Scottish Life: We're stronger than ever
Scottish Life has had a third successive year of record new business, with the 2011 total being almost 50% higher than in 2008.
In the spotlight-Majority of firms will reach chartered status
Fay Goddard, Chief Executive of the Personal Finance Society discusses the most important year as we approach the crucial RDR deadline.
Paradox - Common sense in regulation?
Regulation is a paradox in that it means to be absolute, and yet is relative in that it somehow always goes beyond itself and yet never escapes itself.
IFA alert
IFAs beware. It is reassuring to see that the FSA is conducting an RDR readiness survey.
Hub eNews: Investment strategy with OBSR; Burdett & Potter on income; Starting the RDR conversation
"Even after their strong rally, stockmarkets are still 5% to 10% below our year-end total return forecasts - although timing entry is now very difficult given the scale of recent gains and buying equity markets that are at their most overbought for a year is not an edifying prospect.
I saw the light on the night that I passed by her window ..
Many were agog that FSA MD Margaret Cole, once tipped to be The Boss, is leaving after seven years at the regulator.
Compliancy Services: FSA head outlines twin peaks regulatory changes
The chief executive of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has issued an update on the process of the twin peaks regulatory changes, it was announced recently.
Twitter simple advice to make it work for you
Twitter has grown in popularity; it has developed a culture of its own. Whilst having fewer members than face book an interesting fact is that while 12% of face book members update their profile daily 52% of twitter members update their status every day.
MyTouchstone set to demonstrate new look reports for IFAs at the Fund5live road shows
MyTouchstone, the market leading IFA database which is operated by the wealth and investment intelligence services division of Equifax, will be showcasing its offering and benefits to IFAs at this years highly informative fund5live roadshows.
LV= launches new low cost pension plan
Retirement specialist LV= today announces the launch of a new low cost personal pension, with a 0.25% annual service charge.
FSA RDR guide for firms
This guide is designed to help you implement the requirements of our Retail Distribution Review (RDR) in your firm. It asks some key questions that you can use to check progress, identify any gaps, and prioritise and plan your next steps.
Restricted or Independent the choice is yours
The new rules on adviser services apply to firms advising retail clients in the UK on retail investment products.
Wizard Learning: Audiovisual guide to CPD
As you will be aware it is an FSA requirement that all advisers must first become competent, but then must maintain that competence by way of CPD in order that they can continue to be effective.
Twin Peaks
The iconic TV series made over 20 years ago- Twin Peaks, was a part murder mystery, part soap opera spoof, part comedy and part supernatural drama.
FundsNetwork: Are you considering moving to fees ahead of the RDR deadline?
Make the move to fees now! Adviser Ongoing Fee - Move to fees before the RDR and see the benefits now
IFA letter of the week: FOS procedures
Further my email to you on the 5th December 2011, nearly 2 months ago, I am still waiting for a reply.
Wizard Learning: news on AF5, R06, CPD and gap fill
In this update we cover: 1. New additions to our CPD and gap fill system 2. AF5 Expected Solution 3. R06 Expected Solution 4. Do you know an Unsung Hero? 5. Discounts and free online learning skills course