adviser firms

More than 60 per cent of intermediaries have said they are confident about business growth in the next 12 months, according to a Sterling Insurance survey.

More than 74,000 Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) exams were taken in financial services subjects in 2011, the CII has said in its Annual Review for 2011.

The availability of bereavement benefits is not widely known, with just 14% of UK adults aware of potential £2,000 tax-free lump sums, many miss out, despite meeting eligibility criteria.

An IFA who allegedly reduced a client to tears after a drunken meeting has claimed she was unfairly forced out of the business by her employer.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has confirmed that the 30-month rule applies to most Retail Distribution Review (RDR) activities.

Ageas Protect has launched a technical communication programme, through e-mails and its website, helping protection intermediaries understand the impact of legislation towards the end of 2012.

April Medibroker has bought healthcare underwriters Medicare International from Lloyds broker Lonmar Global Risks.

Kevin Carr gives his verdicts on five key developments in the industry this month.

From December, life insurance policies will become the same for men and women. 
Rachel Dalton finds out what IFAs need to do to prepare for the change.

The Association of Independent Financial Advisers (AIFA) is still hopeful of more amendments to the Financial Services Bill, including the reintroduction of a long-stop, after the legislation progressed through its latest stage.