FCA data released today shows that number of complaints recorded by firms rose to 3.32 million in the first half of 2017 compared to 3.04 million in the second half of 2016.

The FCA has imposed a fine of £34.52m on Merrill Lynch International (MLI) for failing to report 68.5 million exchange traded derivative transactions between February 2014 and February 2016.

A large-scale consumer study has provided a more upbeat assessment of how the pension freedoms are working with half (49%) of retirees now finding the new phase of life “exciting.”

A Financial Planning assistant aiming to become a Chartered Financial Planner has been awarded at a financial services ceremony for having the highest exam result.

National IFA firm Foster Denovo has acquired employee benefits consultancy TEBC and plans to merge it with its own employee benefits operation.

Three-office Midlands Financial Planning firm Newell Palmer has made its largest acquisition to date with the purchase of £100m FUM Northampton-based Lane Wealth Management LLP.

The nationwide, female-focused Financial Planning firm Independent Women, part of the Succession wealth management group, is planning to expand significantly in 2018 as it celebrates 20 years in business.

Standard Life’s Financial Planning business 1825 has agreed to acquire Bristol-based Financial Planning firm Fraser Heath Financial Management and will utilise the firm as 1825’s South West regional office.

City of London Police have joined forces with the FCA, Trading Standards officers and HMRC to carry out a ‘day of action’ to highlight the growing problem of ‘binary options’ investment scams which have seen investors lose over £59m in five years.

The ABI has welcomed confirmation today from Pensions Minister Guy Opperman that the Pensions Dashboard will go ahead.