Prime Minister John Key announced this week that GST could rise to 15% and the big question is:

Will it lead to a lift in general wage and price setting behaviour against which the Reserve Bank may need to act with some extra tightening of monetary policy?

AMP dominated KiwiSaver fund growth in the December 2009 quarter with its conservative, balanced and growth funds all the best performers toppling Huljich Wealth Management from the top.

KPMG believes the silence on depreciation today in the Prime Minister's speech on tax indicates that this remains very much a focus for the government in its tax reforms.

A six step advice process has been developed to help mortgage brokers prepare their businesses for the new requirements in the Financial Advisers Act.

Kiwibank is the first bank to change its floating mortgage rate this year, cutting it by 14 basis points to 5.65% which is the second lowest floating rate behind BNZ's TotalMoney product offered at 5.59%.

Tyndall is looking to expand the number of retail funds that advisers can access through wrap platforms according to its new managing director Peter Lynn.

The Open Polytechnic is now a financial services training provider and with its specialisation in distance education, it will be ideal for many financial advisers who want to fit study in around work.

The Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation have invested in catastrophe bonds with an initial commitment to the strategy of US$125 million with potential to expand to US$250 million.

A former ASB investment banker has pleaded guilty to fraud charges of nearly $18 million in the country's largest employee theft.

Ross Butler has resigned as chairman and director of Mortgage Link and as director of insurance advice group Triple Jump to ensure he protects the integrity of the regulation process he is leading as the chairman of the Code Committee.

Jenha White reviews economist's predictions of when the OCR will rise and by how much.

The Securities Commission says it recognises that financial advisers are confused about the Financial Advisers Act definition of a "financial planning service" and it is working on giving the definition more clarity.

Almost half of those aged between 18 and 29 are confident that KiwiSaver alone will support them into retirement according to the ASB Investor Confidence Survey.

Property remained the most favoured investment class in the last quarter despite property tax to be introduced in the next budget according to the ASB Investor Confidence survey.

The OCR will stay at 2.50% this week and is likely to reach 6% sometime early in 2012 predicts BNZ economist Tony Alexander.

Members of the Southern Cross Medical Society have approved a resolution allowing the group to offer a broader range of insurance products and it will start by introducing critical illness cover.