There is, as you may have noticed, an election. The big rise in probate fees is at the very least shelved by the Government because there is not enough Parliamentary time before the election.
Barnett Waddingham’s Malcolm McLean says the election could strengthen the Government’s hand when it comes to cutting back pension tax relief. The Government claims to have broken even as it sells the final stake in Lloyds.
LV has paid out on 94% of claims over the past year and will now pay an early £10,000 on all death claims after discussions with the Protection Distribution Group.
Professional Adviser says the cost of gold may rise because of global uncertainty.
The FCA business plan warns advisers over the total cost of investing and is particularly concerned about the total cost of advice/platforms etc in comparison with the cost of the asset.
In a related story, the Lang Cat’s Mark Polson warns that platforms have failed to drive down costs and that the regulator knows it.
The FCA will also review its approach to phoenixing firms and take another run at preventing the practice.
FCA boss Andrew Bailey warns the Trump administraton’s potential changes to the Dodd Frank could cause problems internationally as it could jeopardise global work on winding up failed banks.
The Conservatives refuse to answer questions on the triple lock on the state pension despite the Labour opposition’s solidy backing for it.
Money Marketing asks has the LISA failed to take off?
Xafinity says that the number of DB transfers increased 166 per cent in the first three months of the year compared with 2016.
Markets have jumped this morning as Emmanuel Macron come out ahead of Marine Le Pen in the first round of the French Presidential election. The FTSE 100 is up; the German Dax at an all time high.
