Steel pension rule changes should be open to all, says Aon, on the day the British Steel Pension Scheme consultation closes June 23, 2016 Any changes to pension rules should apply across the board and not just to select industries, Aon Hewitt has told the government. The consulting giant has today revealed that, in its response to a Department for Work and Pensions consultation examining possible changes that could be made to the British Steel Pension Scheme, it advised that [...]
Will Brexit put paid to the sector giving the next generation of British businesses a leg up? June 23, 2016 Today's vote, should it be to exit the European Union, is likely to have far reaching consequences – some potentially negative, but some potentially positive – for the alternative finance scene here in the UK. This market accounted for £3.2bn of investment into startups, scaleups and the “S” in SMEs in 2015, and is now an [...]
Wealth management firms told to target social media as they face fintech challenge June 23, 2016 Wealth management firms are being encouraged to up their game on social media to better cater for the digital needs of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Capgemini’s 20th World Wealth Report also warned fintech companies are “making inroads along the entire expanse of the wealth management lifecycle”. “Firms need to be making progress on all aspects of [...]
Is it acceptable to kiss your colleagues? If you’re in doubt, play things safe and go for the handshake June 23, 2016 After a divisive referendum campaign, now is the time to kiss and make up. So it is fitting that polling day coincides with National Kissing Day. The referendum calls for the UK to define our identity as a nation. And if Britishness conjures up images of extreme politeness and reservedness, the etiquette of our European counterparts [...]
Government to write to the thousands who could miss new state pension requirements June 22, 2016 Government has agreed to get in touch with those who are not on track to meet the qualifying requirements for the new state pension, the Work and Pensions committee revealed today. Responding to a recommendation from the committee, government has agreed to write directly to those who look like they will not satisfy the minimum qualifying [...]
These money transfer startups are restricting services on referendum day June 22, 2016 Several of the UK's fast growing online money transfer companies have said they will restrict their services on the day of the EU referendum. The unprecedented step is due to the potential volatility of currency markets on Friday. Startup Azimo has said it will temporarily suspend money transfers from 6am on Thursday morning when polls open, until "things have settled [...]
Before the bell: What you need to know before the US market open June 22, 2016 It's the calm before the storm as investors await a second round of testimony from Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen and the UK Brexit referendum approaches. Here's what you need to know before the US market open at 14:30 London time. In the pre-market US futures are up, albeit barely. The S&P is up by 0.05 per cent. [...]
Annuities may be regaining popularity, but here’s eight myths we’re still falling for June 22, 2016 Interest in annuities may be on the rebound, but research out today shows that some people might be starting out on their retirement product shopping trip with a few misapprehensions in mind. Common preconceptions unearthed by Retirement Advantage included "annuities are poor value", "I won't live long enough to worry about buying an annuity" and "I'd [...]
EU referendum: UBS roadmap for day after vote points to FTSE falling below 5,000 if Brexit happens June 22, 2016 The blue-chip FTSE 100 index could fall to lows not seen since 2011 if the UK votes to quit the EU, UBS analysts have warned. In a note to clients this morning UBS cautioned the FTSE 100 could slip under 5,000 points post Brexit, though could rise to up 6,800 if the country votes to remain. The polls are currently [...]
Wealth manager’s share price drops after reporting £1m loss in “challenging trading environment” June 22, 2016 The share price of wealth manager European Wealth dropped nearly two per cent this morning after the company reported a pre-tax loss of £1m. The results The alternative investment market (Aim)-listed firm reported a 20 per cent increase in funds under management (FUM) in the year to 31 December 2015. Read more: Wealth managers facing [...]