Platform and SIPP provider AJ Bell has reported strong growth in revenue and profits in its results for the year ended 30 September published today.

Managed Portfolio Service assets are growing faster on average than the platform market and costs and charges for clients are falling, according to a new report by a wealth consultancy.

The Financial Ombudsman Service expects British Steel Pension Scheme cases to fall in the coming year amid an expected plateauing in investment and pensions complaints.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the government-backed body which compensates clients of failed regulated firms, has confirmed that it declared six financial services in default over the past two months.

Nearly a third (32%) of over-55s have deferred their retirement plans since the Coronavirus pandemic began in early 2020.

Auo-enrolment pension provider Nest has joined the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the major trade body for the insurance and long-term savings sector.

The FCA says some progress has been made in encouraging providers to increase savings rates but too many accounts - especially closed accounts - let savers down by paying derisory rates.

Expanding Chartered Financial Planner HFMC Wealth has bought London-based Harford Financial Ltd in its fourth deal of 2023.

Acquisitive South Coast-based wealth manager and financial adviser Skerritts has acquired £230m AUM Financial Planning firm Chadwick McLean, which is based in Chester.

The Financial Ombudsman Service is considering charging Claims Management Companies fees of up to £650 per case to help cut down on the tide of speculative claims that can clog up the service.