Scottish Life

Over 90% of IFAs believe pensions, including personal accounts, cannot be distributed in the workplace safely if generic advice is the only available option.

The Treasury has defended Gordon Brown's decision to remove dividend tax credits in 1997, calling it an "anomaly" in the tax system which "distorted business decisions and discouraged long-term investment".

HSBC was accused yesterday of running its pension funds in a way that could be as damaging to shareholders as its disastrous foray into US sub-prime mortgages, reports the Times .

IFAs are focusing on too broad a sector of the market and as a result there is too much reliance on commission from continually selling products rather than on a holistic long term planning service, argues Abbey.

Personal accounts will go ahead with means-testing in place as there is no viable alternative, claims the government.

New life and pensions business at Royal London increased by 8% in the 12 months to 31 December 2006 on an annualised premium equivalent (APE) basis, according to the group's new business results.

Government plans to limit the taxpayer's liability for civil service pensions could be seen as a sign public sector pensions are finally following the private sector and taking action on the sustainability of their funding.

Royal London is to create a new division which will bring all of its IFA businesses under the control of a new arrival, following the departure of Brian Duffin next year.

Scottish Life is adding a self-invested personal pension product to its range of individual pensions as part of its rebranding exercise.

The future of pensions will not be about people voluntarily saving in what is "basically privatised welfare", says Steve Bee.