KiwiSaver compulsion is unnecessary at the present time as many of the gains from compulsion can be achieved by other means, according to the Savings Working Group report.

The Investment Savings & Insurance Association's (ISI) search for a new chief executive is drawing to a close as the board interviews shortlisted candidates, according to communications manager Stephen Leslie.

Tax changes are "essential" to remove the distortions that favour housing as an investment over basic savings products, according to the Savings Working Group report.

Despite stabilising, the housing market "remains very fragile and unlikely able to withstand rate increases for some time, particularly as house prices continue to decline," said ASB economist Nick Tuffley.

An increase in the retirement age is ‘inevitable’ and earlier access to KiwiSaver funds “would reduce the long term fiscal cost of NZ Superannuation”, according to the ISI.

Fidelity Life has reduced its KiwiSaver advice force by 90%, citing new AFA regulations for the dramatic reduction.

The creation of a New Zealand-controlled fund holding domestic assets would boost investment in equity markets and help stave off foreign takeovers of financial services companies, Fidelity Life chief executive Milton Jennings says.

Investors expecting to receive a letter from Allan Hubbard as part of plans to regain control of his investment companies may be disappointed.

Investors expecting to receive a letter from Allan Hubbard as part of plans to regain control of his investment companies may be disappointed.

Perpetual does a deal with Diversified Investment Strategies, gowing its advisory force and adding to its funds management capabilities.

Despite a pass rate of 77% advisers waiting to sit the ETITO Set B exam should not think "no preparation is required," said ETITO communications adviser Rachael Back.

There has been some clarification around how the Standard Set B exams work, plus we have full details about how many advisers have sat and passed exams.

Responsible investment is the preferred approach for an increasing number of institutional and individual investors as an alternative to conventional investment practices, according a report from the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA).

News the Retirement Commission has ruled out making KiwiSaver compulsory has been welcomed by Institute of Financial Advisers chief executive Peter Lee, who favours other methods over “the blunt instrument of compulsion.”

Ray White-owned mortgage broker group Loan Market has joined forces with newly created insurance group, Ginger.

Hubbard supporters lobby MPs; Capital + Merchant directors vow to fight charges; Credit Sails probed.