Wealth manager and Financial Planner Brewin Dolphin has confirmed it is in exclusive talks to take over Investec’s wealth management business in the Republic of Ireland.

Aviva has agreed to acquire Irish insurer Friends First Life Assurance Company (Friends First) for €130m (£116m).

Royal London has reported first half new life and pensions business up 45% year on year to over £6bn thanks to growth in several areas, including income drawdown, but has voiced concern about some aspects of income drawdown growth.