Business Development Updates

09 June 2014

IHT planning strategies - Structured CPD Learning

Treasury statistics show that last year, one in 20 people were affected by inheritance tax. Octopus Investments IHT business line manager, Mark Williams interviewed by Mark Colegate for Akademia, explains tax planning wrappers, helping estate planning and longer term risks. And this video comes with CPD points. 

For more information on IHT solutions you can contact Octopus Investments on 0800 316 2067 or click here>>

02 June 2014

Tony Wickenden explains BPR

02 June 2014

Who earns what in Financial Services?

BWD, our partners for Professional Qualification support have produced their second annual Census looking at salaries, total earnings and benefits in the UK financial services sector. Fascinating reading – covers earnings by region, by gender and by job function. Also looks at the impact of qualifications on earnings.

To receive your copy click here>>

24 May 2014

Professional Connection Workshop

Our research tells us that working with Professional Connections is important to the IFA market. You may already have relationships in place or you may be starting from scratch. Which ever camp you fall into - This free workshop may be of interest to you.

It has been put together by Adviser Home to help IFAs build effective strategies to help win new clients & build Professional connections.

Three different businesses will be presenting, each with great ideas on how you can develop yours.

The workshops are going to be restricted to 15 at each event to allow for productive conversation, engagement and sharing of ideas. The workshop is for IFAs – business owners/decision makers and senior advisers.

4 locations – all morning sessions:

Harrogate - 11th June
Liverpool - 12th June
London - 17th June
Leicester - 24th June

Further details and registration can be found on the above links. We hope you find them on interest.

 

16 May 2014

Adviser Home brings Peer- to- Peer Lending to the Adviser Market

Over the last few months we have been working with RateSetter, a leader in the new peer- to- peer market, to help create an Adviser Portal to assist with your management of client’s cash or near cash deposits.

We are pleased to say the Portal is now live, and can be accessed at no cost for either you or your clients.

The sector is now regulated by the FCA ( from April 2014) and offers deposit rates significantly in excess of those normally available. The amounts on deposit have grown quickly as sectors of the consumer market recognise the value in this new approach. RateSetter has also gained a rating from FE, the first peer- to peer lender to be rated anywhere in the world. Naturally, you will also look at the risks associated with the underlying company.

We have gathered together some helpful information for you to consider whether these products may be of interest – either as near cash solutions for short term purposes, or longer term portfolio holdings as low risk investments.

If you have a look at this Adviser Home link you will see details of our Adviser Research, FCA Papers on the sector and a brief video from RateSetter. From there, you can register directly with the Adviser Portal.

We are pleased to be able to bring this new Adviser Portal to your attention – it’s been designed with intense adviser input and we feel it will act as a valuable business tool to help organise your clients’ cash holdings whilst offering very attractive rates.

12 May 2014

IT Helpline

24 April 2014

The Inducements question - what's in and what's out?

The FCA paper on inducements, here for your reference continues to cause much debate. Here’s a couple of views for you.

And one from us, expressed in Professional Adviser’s Armchair Critic column

Just one essential observation – the FCA paper makes it clear that the obligation to comply applies equally to both parties, so an invite does not imply regulatory permission to attend. Each firm, distributor and providers,  must develop their own policy and practice.

Interesting times!

14 April 2014

Budget - FCA guidance

14 April 2014

Protection Zone - Pipeline in your pocket

25 March 2014

How the 2014 Budget creates opportunities for advisers

From Octopus Investments.

George Osborne’s 2014 Budget was one of the most significant ever for savers and investors – so here are answers to some of the key questions advisers have been asking us so far.

How will the stricter EIS and VCT rules affect Octopus products?
After the Finance Bill receives Royal Assent, renewable energy companies that receive Renewable Obligation Certificates will no longer qualify as new EIS or VCT investments.

The change will not be retrospective so it does not affect previous investments or anyone investing in the latest tranche of Octopus EIS before the closing date of 26 March. We are also considering opening another EIS tranche after 26 March, which we will invest before the Finance Bill receives Royal Assent. The Octopus Eureka EIS Portfolio Service, our VCTs and the Octopus Inheritance Tax Service won’t be affected by this change.

What will happen with Octopus EIS after this change takes effect?
Our investment team is experienced in adapting to changes made by successive governments.  We expected that a new policy would be announced at some point and have been exploring other EIS-qualifying investment opportunities for some time.

How will the change to VCT dividend payments affect investors?
The restrictions on VCT dividends only apply to shares issued from 6 April 2014, so they do not affect existing shareholders in our VCTs. This change ensures all VCT shareholders are treated fairly and that VCTs remain attractive for investors.

Will the option to hold VCT shares in a nominee account make a real difference to investors?
This change is great news as it means advisers and investors can buy new VCT shares through platforms. We were already in discussion with a number of platforms and will keep you updated.

What opportunities are created by the changes to ISAs and pensions?
It’s pleasing to see the government showing increased commitment to ISAs. And the changes to pensions – particularly the ending of the requirement to buy an annuity – will give investors more flexibility in how they plan for retirement. We look forward to working with advisers as they help clients take advantage of the options that will now be available to them.

Want to know more?

If you have any questions, please call us on 0207 768 0041 and we’ll be delighted to help.

24 March 2014

Budget reaction from City Trustees

25 February 2014

Tax Planning Tools and Scenarios

At Adviser Home we are always looking for ideas or fresh approaches to help support advisers in their business.

We think this toolkit falls into this category. It's new - interactive and includes some excellent tax planning case studies.Take a look - we think it could be helpful.

Further details can be found in the Tax Planning Investment Zone.

25 February 2014

New Investment Software from Selectapension - Join the Webinars

Adviser Home has worked with Selectapension from the start and we are pleased to see it expand its scope to include new investment tools. In brief: 

• The new Asset Reviewer allows you to compare new and existing products and funds all in one place
• The tools allow you to use your existing risk assessment software
• You can use Asset Reviewer to conduct your research and generate an audit trail for future review and compliance
• You control the input and the software generates the client report
• You make more efficient use of your time and ensure that your clients portfolios match their requirements
Choice of Webinar

A live demo is really the only way to see what Asset Reviewer can do for you and your business. And a webinar is the most time- efficient way to get that demo! These webinars will last no more than 30 minutes and we have a choice of dates for you...

Tuesday 4th March 10am
Wednesday 5th March 11am

To register just email [email protected]  indicate your choice of session and include your telephone number, thanks.

If any of your colleagues would like to attend then please feel free to forward this invite on to them.

 

25 February 2014

New product launch - Long Term Care

Just Retirement have launched into this relatively ill served sector with a new tax efficient plan. Join their Webinar on 27th February to see how it could fit with your business and help your clients. The Webinar covers:

• An insight into the market today and the typical care recipient
• The Care Bill and its implications
• Tax benefits of an immediate needs annuity
• Advice – what’s required
• The Just Retirement Care Funding Plan – how it works
• Adviser views - a leading long term care adviser shares his thoughts
• Q&A session so that you can put your questions to presenters and adviser guest.

Join Just Retirement on 27 February 09.30 or 11.30 for 45 mins with CPD points. For more details and to Register>>
 

09 February 2014

Developing your bespoke pensions practice

One way to achieve sustainable growth in your practice is to develop services less likely to be offered by other distributors. A prime example is the more tailored end of the pensions market where our new strategic partner, City Trustees (part of Mattioli Woods), provides specialist support and expertise at your disposal.   We have created a Bespoke Pension Centre on site to act as a gateway to the City Trustees services. There is a new Help Line – why not call to see how they can help with technical assistance, business generation ideas and the benefits of harmonising business finance with pensions arrangements.   And ... we will be bringing you more ideas, from City Trustees, over the coming weeks and months.      

13 January 2014

Adviser Resolutions Book 2014

Adviser Resolutions 2014: view here>>