Feature

From its conception by Dr Marius Barnard to its current incarnation, critical illness cover has changed dramatically. Bonnie Burns reports on how the product must continue to move with the times.

With the results from COVER's latest annual Insight research revealed, Peter Carvill looks at trends in the protection industry and the effect they are having on intermediaries.

The Income Protection Task Force did not anticipate such resistance to its advice, but, as Peter Le Beau explains, the team is still struggling to resuscitate the beleaguered product.

Insisting that consumers take more responsibility over their own financial security, David Macgregor explains the straggling take-up of individual IP and how it can edge its way to the front of the pack.

With the variance in survival rates so dependent on type, insurers underwriting clients with brain tumours must stay informed on all the relevant statistics. Angela Kidd provides the details.

With an FSA review of the proposed ICOB regulation changes pending, Peter Barnett analyses the potential outcomes and implications on product viability and adviser confidence.

As two more firms announce their plans to merge at the start of November this year, Sam Barrett reviews what appears to be a perfect pairing, while recalling a recent merger that failed to ignite.

Compliance consultant Branko Bjelobaba looks back at how Financial Services Authority regulation has affected the PMI sector and forecasts the future outlook.

With the Government and employers edging away from their pension scheme responsibilities, it is now up to the individual to plan for their family's future. Edward Murray reports.