IRESS

Annuity rates are at their lowest level for almost two years, but the proportion of enhanced contracts sold is increasing, according to the latest IRESS At Retirement report.

Australian technology business IRESS has reported an upswing in underlying profits of 27.7% after its UK operations benefited from a "strong demand" from advisers and wealth managers, the group has said.

The April pension freedoms mean greater flexibility in accessing pension funds, but ensuring people are clearly picturing where their money can and will go is important to its success, says Mark Loosmore

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Demand for annuities climbed 10.5% in September despite tumbling rates, analysis from IRESS has found.

National advice firm Positive Solutions said it is close to resolving an IT error which has left several advisers without pay for as many as four days.

Annuity sales have dropped 43.8% year on year as retirees wait for pension freedoms to begin in April 2015, according to latest research.

Why paraplanners are more important than ever

With transparency at the forefront, an increasing need to demonstrate value to clients, and charging rules changing, technology has never been more central.

Prudential UK has struck a deal with technology provider IRESS to use its XPlan wealth management platform for its 300-adviser restricted advice proposition.