The Institute of Financial Planning has opened for entries its prestigious David Norton "Building Excellence" award. Read more ...

Defaqto chairman Patrick Gale is to leave the company following a £27.6m MBO of the business funded in part by Synova Capital LLP, which hopes to double the company in size after taking a majority stake. Read more ...

FCA chief executive Martin Wheatley has voiced concerns about abuses of Power of Attorney potentially "spiralling" out of control and adversely affecting vulnerable clients. Read more ...

Sesame Bankhall Group has axed its wealth management arm for advisory firms which will result in all its investment advice firm members having to become directly authorised or choosing to become appointed representatives elsewhere. Read more ...

Tavistock Investments has announced on the Stock Exchange that it has acquired the entire issued share capital of Cornerstone Asset Holdings Limited for an initial fee of £1 plus a deferred consideration of £100,000. Read more ...

Fund researcher and ratings group RSMR has responded to the issue of costs and tracking errors in passive funds by creating a 'guide to passive investing' as part of its new service on passive funds launched recently. Read more ...

Sipp provider Suffolk Life has reported a significant increase in the number of capped drawdown applications in the lead up to 6 April when the opportunity to set up new plans disappears.

HMRC and the Treasury have confirmed a long list of tax changes coming into effect today (1 April). Read more ...

A consumer survey for the National Association of Pension Funds has found that 82% of people are positive about the pension changes coming into effect next week but 63% worry they will run out of money before they die. Read more ...

AFH, a Financial Planning-led investment management firm, has acquired Clarendon Financial Solutions, a Nottingham-based IFA. Read more ...