Aviva has apologised and launched an investigation after advisers were falsely told the value of the clients’ portfolios had plummeted.

Ortec Finance, provider of investment decision technology and solutions, has announced the appointment of Deon Dreyer as UK managing director.

Optimism in the financial services sector has fallen for the fourth quarter in a row, reaching similar levels to the gloom that enveloped the sector during the financial crisis, a report suggests.

Brexit fears have knocked confidence within the financial services sector where sentiment deteriorated in the three months to September, according to the latest CBI/PwC Financial Services Survey.