AIA launched two new products yesterday Cash Back Life Cover and Farmers Revenue Protection Cover in an innovative new approach to road shows.

Newpark has announced a strategic partnership with a national marketing and lead generation company to provide pre-qualified leads for its members to help increase their activity.

Risks of implementing voluntary authorisation are the creation of a de facto regulatory standard and the dilution of the authorised financial adviser (AFA) brand according to the proposal made to Cabinet.

Last week's GDP figures and the US Federal Reserve's preparedness to provide "additional accommodation" have surprised everyone and now economists are all on the same page with the next Official Cash Rate (OCR) increase not expected until March 2011 and long term fixed rate expected to go lower.

MMG advisers say they are positive about the closure of the company as it has been a challenge to work under the brand name over the last few years.

ING Life has announced its response to the July 1 tax changes, staggering its new business and in-force premium rate increases by 3% per annum for the next five years till 2014 and reducing adviser commission bonuses.

Are independent financial advisers doomed?

That's the question asked by Lord Newby, the Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesman in the UK - and as we've been following a similar regulatory track, we should consider: is that where we are going?

Industry associations are happy and relieved to hear that voluntary authorisation will be allowed after a mammoth effort since June to lobby Government over the issue.

TOWER Health & Life has appointed David Rodgers as its professional development and product accreditation manager.

The ISI has released its improved Replacement Policy Advice brochure and form following consultation with adviser groups and it is now asking for wider industry review and feedback.

ETITO has given advisers a wake-up call today announcing that 29 October is the date by which advisers must be registered with ETITO, with examination and assessment reservations made for Standard Sets B and C if they are to be authorised by 01 July 2011.

Commerce Minister Simon Power today approved the Code of Professional Conduct for Authorised Financial Advisers (AFAs).

The burning question of whether insurance advisers and mortgage brokers can voluntarily become authorised has not been answered even though Commerce Minister Simon Power has approved the Code of Professional Conduct for authorised financial advisers (AFAs).

Less than 10% of potential authorised financial advisers (AFAs) have registered for an important national roadshow that provides an opportunity to prepare for competence assessments leading to authorisation.

The Commerce Commission has informed investors on whether they will get paid some of the $45 million settlement from ANZ over ING's Diversified Yield (DYF) and Regular Income Funds (RIF), but questions have arisen over the fairness of individual payments.

Stuart Ayres has been appointed as the manager of Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR), the Government's reserve scheme.