Q2 Regional Conferences Announced »
Predictable bias, business protection and Budget 2016 The Personal Finance Society's quarter two Regional Conferences run from 12 April in Sussex through to London II on 23 June. For quarter two we have another packed and varied programme of practical and business relevant CPD. Changes and opportunities resulting from the Budget will form a central part of the day, with essential highlights including: Budget 2016: Implications and opportunities - Technical Connection Business protection for a nation of SMEs - Research insights The 6 key elements of a strategic plan - 3 short 'how to' videos from Steve Billingham Fiona Tait will take a closer look at changes to pensions tax relief Working with predictable bias (and other behavioural finance insights) Reviewing DB pensions schemes Who wants to be a Fund Manager?

Backstage with Keith Richards »
Ageing times they are a-changin'.   It's great to have the opportunity to meet with so many members at our regional conferences which continue to grow in popularity. I visited Wales last week and I'm on my way to Scotland later today with the objective of visiting all regions during the course of the year.

Due acknowledgement for due diligence review »
The Personal Finance Society (PFS), have commended the 'constructive approach' shown by the FCA in their latest thematic review (TR16/1), on research and due diligence.

My PFS - Technical news - 16/02/16 »
Personal Finance Society news update from 3rd February to 16th February 2016 on taxation, retirement planning, and investments.

Society of Mortgage Professionals welcome FCA exam review »
The Society of Mortgage Professionals have expressed confidence in the FCA's announcement of a review of examination standards across a broad range of regulated activities - including mortgages - to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

Mortgage market review - February 2016 »
Mortgage market update for February 2016

Protection market review - February 2016 »
Protection market news update for February 2016

Personal Finance Society Response to the Financial Advice Market Review Consultation »
Along with our colleagues at the Chartered Insurance Institute, we believe that the Financial Advice Market Review (FAMR) offers a once in a generation opportunity to explore how advice can be provided in its broadest sense and to introduce new thinking on ways it could be made readily accessible to all who need it. Any efforts to streamline, simplify and improve the market must be done from a consumer perspective and in a way that builds confidence. They must not be allowed to re-invigorate the very problems the RDR and Thoresen Review were meant to solve, or create loopholes for the unscrupulous to exploit.

Key messages from the Pensions Regulator February 2016 »
February key fact: The start of automatic enrolment for small and micro employers has been a success with more than 90% of the first group to reach their staging date now compliant. With a significant rise in the number of employers having automatic enrolment duties it is no surprise that there has been an increase in the amount of times that The Pensions Regulator has used its statutory powers.  The Pensions Regulator takes a risk based proportionate approach and the vast majority of employers who do the right thing want to see that non compliant employers are dealt with.

Retirement Choices 2016 - a virtual conference by Panacea Adviser »
Pension Reforms and Industry Views The Government announced at the 2014 Budget proposals that from April 2015 it would allow people aged 55 and above to access to their money purchase pension savings as they wish during retirement, subject to their marginal rate of income tax.

Backstage with Keith Richards »
Regional officers recognised.   Over the past few years the Personal Finance Society has become increasingly recognised for its contribution on key issues affecting both the advice profession and the public alike. This was demonstrated more recently when we were asked to contribute to the House of Lords select committee review of the Government's proposed finance bill. Opportunities like this are helping to continually raise the profile of professional advice and more importantly, the positive role it plays in society. Whilst I'm very conscious of the need to be balanced with opinion, bearing in mind the perception of the advice sector is still disproportionately and unfairly negative, increasing work with government, regulators and consumer groups is helping to restore some balance.

My PFS - Technical news - 02/02/2016 »
Personal Finance Society news update from 20th January to 2nd February 2016 on taxation, retirement planning, and investments.

Member discount to attend the next worthstone Social Investment Academy »
Social investment is here to stay and growing. Will your clients be asking to be a part of this fast expanding opportunity in 2016? If this is something you've been thinking about we wanted to flag up the Social Investment Academy. It offers a unique opportunity to network with the leading UK influencers, wealth managers and financial planners active within this fast developing sector while being PFS accredited CPD. These events have been well supported by private wealth advisers from across the UK and the feedback has been very positive. Next Academy: 2 March 2016 in London will include: FCA and a Government Minister as keynote speakers Several practitioners who are leading in this area A social entrepreneur who can offer insights into specific social enterprises that they're running Specifics: Venue: Hogan Lovells, London Date: 2nd March 2016 Time: 9am-2pm. 9-9:30am Breakfast & Registration. 1:15-2pm Networking lunch." Ticket Booking The 25% off early-bird booking fee of £72 (exc. booking fee) expires on 29th January, but PFS members can still register at this price after this deadline by sing the code "PFS-SIA". Book your place now via the following link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-investment-tax-relief-concept-to-reality-tickets-20070636815

Backstage with Keith Richards »
Members give back through successful CAB scheme.   Following a meeting with a director of Citizens Advice last week, the pro bono advice initiative 'MoneyPlan' introduced last year continues to evolve and is receiving very positive consumer feedback - it is equally helping to raise the profile of the profession. Whilst we continue to learn as we go, there is enthusiastic support to extend the initiative across the country. From an adviser perspective it can be very rewarding and highlights the evolution of the advice profession by giving something back to their local communities. I'm personally very proud of the response from members who are freely giving up their time to help those members of the public who couldn't otherwise access professional services.

Mortgage and Protection Roadshows Announced »
The Mortgage and Protection Landscape The Society of Mortgage Professionals (SMP) is pleased to announce a brand new series of roadshows for Q1.