SIPP provider Curtis Banks has launched a new tree planning initiative that will see more than 38,000 trees planted during 2023.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has launched an investigation into Newport-based Niche Independent Financial Advisers Ltd (FRN: 472635).

Sales of annuities surged more than a fifth during the first three months of the year to reach their highest level for eight years.

Integrafin, parent company of platform Transact, suffered a near £4m fall in IFRS pre-tax profit in the half year to 31 March as it was hit by rising costs and adverse markets.

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme has cut its 2023/24 levy for the Life Distribution & Investment Intermediation class - which includes financial advisers -by £4.4m.