The Southern Cross adviser team has undergone a recent expansion as part of an ongoing commitment to advisers and three new recruits have joined.

The Securities Commission has given a guarded thumbs up to the way financial advisers are adapting to the February 29 disclosure rules.

Auckland

Auckland

The Minister of Commerce says it is still her intention to pass the Financial Advisers Bill before the election, and Good Returns understands the bill has been given a higher priority.

Wellington

Christchurch

Wellington

Fisher Funds founders Carmel and Hugh Fisher have pushed their stake in the business to 83% and are now considering options for bringing in new investors.

Dunedin

Auckland

Tower Investments has appointed Matthew Johns as business development manager – KiwiSaver.

Minister and CEO on regulation; Vestar vapourised; Tower changes manager of Spotlight Europe Fund; St Laurence slated for weekend rule.

Market statistics for life insurance at the end of June 2008, recorded an increase of 9.6% in the total premiums paid for in-force life policies from $1.35 billion to $1.48 billion over the past year.

Geneva Finance is carrying out a full review of its loan portfolio in response to the ongoing deterioration in market conditions.