Failed Firms

Glossary

Blog Posts

Home » Blog Posts » Blog Posts » Page 32

Blog Posts

“FCA’s ESG Labels: Preventing Greenwashing?”

an investment product. The FCA is introducing three labels to investment products in order to increase transparency and establish trust with investors. The labels will indicate whether an investment product is aligned with the Paris Agreement on climate change and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as providing details on the investment strategies used to achieve these goals. They will also require investment firms to provide information on the risks associated with ESG investments, including the potential for greenwashing. Despite some concerns, the labels are a step in the right direction to help investors make more informed decisions and ensure they are not being misled about the environmental benefits of a particular product.

Blog Posts

Childcare Reforms and the Pension Gap

-term, it could help to lay the foundations for a more equitable pension system in the future. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's Budget included the provision of free childcare hours for children from nine months old, which could help to reduce the gender pension gap. This could be achieved by enabling women to continue working and contributing to their pensions, as well as by challenging cultural and societal factors which contribute to the gap. While the impact may be modest in the short-term, this reform could help to lay the foundations for a more equitable pension system in the future.

Blog Posts

Pensions for Social Care Funding

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has proposed diverting tax relief on pension contributions to fund social care in the UK. This has been welcomed by many providers and advisers, however there are practical issues that need to be addressed. These include the impact on those already contributing to pensions and younger generations, as well as the amount of funding that could be generated. Despite these concerns, the proposal has sparked an important conversation about the need for additional funding for social care.

Blog Posts

Ex-Lloyds Executive Appointed Kingswood Chief Risk Officer

Kingswood has appointed Paul Hammick as its new Chief Risk Officer. Hammick brings over 26 years of experience in the financial services industry, having held executive-level roles at Lloyds Banking Group. He holds an MBA from the University of Southampton and a Certificate in Business Continuity Management from the Business Continuity Institute. In his new role, Hammick will be responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of the company's risk operations, ensuring that Kingswood continues to maintain its commitment to excellence in risk management. His extensive experience and proven track record in risk management make him well-positioned to help ensure that Kingswood meets and exceeds regulatory expectations in this area. Hammick's appointment is a positive development for Kingswood as it seeks to strengthen its leadership team and further enhance its risk management capabilities.

Blog Posts

Ascot Lloyd Launches Adviser Academy

Ascot Lloyd has launched its own adviser academy, Pathway to IFA, to recruit and train the next generation of financial advisers. Led by Duncan Gregory, the academy provides comprehensive and structured training programmes in all aspects of financial advice. This move is part of a wider trend in the industry, with many firms investing in their own academies to ensure they have a pipeline of skilled and knowledgeable advisers to meet the evolving needs of their clients.

Blog Posts

US Crackdown on Data Security

password, the user must provide an additional piece of information, such as a code sent via text message, to gain access to the system. This provides an additional layer of security and can help to prevent unauthorised access. At the T3 Technology Tools for Today conference, I gained valuable insight into the role of artificial intelligence in advice and the stringent approach US regulators are taking towards data security. UK advisers need to take note of this and ensure that they are taking proactive steps to protect their clients' data and stay up to date with the latest security developments. This includes conducting due diligence on third-party software and applications, regularly reviewing security policies and implementing two-factor authentication.

Blog Posts

Apple’s US Savings Account Launch

ield account with easy access, Apple is making financial services more accessible and convenient for its users. The partnership with Goldman Sachs is also a sign of the increasing collaboration between Big Tech firms and established financial institutions.

Blog Posts

How Annuities Help Retirement?

In 2014, George Osborne abolished the requirement for retirees to buy an annuity. Steve Webb, former pensions minister, suggests "eventual annuities" as an alternative solution, which involves investing a portion of pension savings in a deferred annuity that can be activated later in life. This provides a guaranteed income stream for a fixed period, while also giving retirees flexibility and control over the remaining savings. However, there are potential downsides such as expensive annuities and the risk of outliving the annuity's term. Ultimately, eventual annuities are an interesting alternative to traditional annuities and other investment options, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons and seek professional advice before making a decision.

From the blog

Our latest posts