Optimism in the financial services sector is improving at the fastest pace since June 2015, according to the latest CBI-PWC Financial Services Survey.

Bancroft Wealth, an IFA and wealth manager, has launched a £500 flat-fee advice service it claims will challenge traditional wealth managers charging a percentage fee.

 The London Institute of Banking & Finance has today launched a new Level 4 qualification in Paraplanning designed to be completed within 9 months.

The Financial Conduct Authority has begun High Court proceedings against alleged unauthorised deposit takers and secured an injunction freezing £1.3m in assets.

Low cost fund manager Vanguard is mulling plans to enter the UK financial advice market and, at the same time, boosting its team working with advisers and engaging direct with consumers.

The newly-merged Premier Miton Group saw net outflows of £222m in its first quarter, figures for its first three months in business revealed today.

UK equity funds had their best month for net retail sales for six months but there was a trend towards lower volatility funds.

The latest data suggests that only 14% of divorcees are splitting retirement assets when they break up, according to a national wealth manager.

The FSCS said today that it cannot help 283 London Capital & Finance victims because they became customers before the firm was authorised in June 2016.

The Financial Conduct Authority is planning major reform of the easy access cash savings and cash ISA markets to provide a better deal for savers.