For the first time in April, the IFP North East Branch held an all-day meeting, sponsored by JP Morgan and Transact.
The new format proved popular, looking in detail at what investment proposition delegates would follow post-RDR and whether they have the correct corporate governance in place.
JP Morgan kicked off with Rob Worthington sharing research on the public's perception of adviser charging. He outlined solutions from fee structure, client propositions, to additional back office resources.
After JP Morgan's look at multi-asset investing and a global approach to income investing, David Ingram of AIM TWO THREE updated delegates on the latest FSA consultation papers in respect of investment propositions – warning that planners should expect more papers to come.
Tim Hale provided useful insight into controlling risk within client portfolios and also how planners should communicate the decisions made to the client. Transact's Malcolm Murray took a look at the big picture and how clients' attitude to retirement will change in the future to become more flexible. Finally, David Stevenson, a freelance journalist who regularly contributes to FT publications, talked about "The New Normal," highlighting that in future advisers would have to consider alternative investments as part of their asset allocation and outlined a 10 point check list to help planners with due diligence when considering funds.