Are unregulated investments too good to be true?
In short, more than likely, yes. We all know the old adage, if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is. However, sometimes, an opportunity comes along that is easy to get carried away with. With a rise in financial scams being reported recently in the Financial Times and people looking [...]
Adviser Insights… From Independent Financial Adviser, Joe McGovern
We spoke with our Independent Financial Adviser (IFA), Joe McGovern, about finding his calling in Financial Services, striking the work-life balance and his passion for helping every age group to meet their financial goals. How did you get into Financial Services? “I guess you could say I took the long way round. I started [...]
How Has the Increase in Government Gilt Yields Affected the Pension Industry?
After the mini budget a couple of weeks ago the financial markets went into a tailspin, essentially due to the level of tax cuts announced and the fact the Government had not explained how they were going to pay for them. Income yields on Government Gilts rose dramatically, meaning the cost of borrowing to [...]
Brewin Dolphin acquisition by Royal Bank of Canada completes with a new brand look
Back in April 2022 we shared the story with you that the Bank of Canada were in the process of purchasing Brewin Dolphin. We have now received official confirmation that the acquisition has been completed and as a result, Brewin Dolphin will now be called “RBC Brewin Dolphin”. Due to the change of ownership, [...]
DB Transfer Values Have Fallen Dramatically in 2022
Have we seen the end of the market in Final Salary or Defined Benefit (DB) Pension Transfers? Probably yes and its all down to rising interest rates. The biggest contributor to the calculation of a DB transfer are interest rates. To be precise that means gilt yields as they are used in 3 stages [...]
How has the Mini Budget Affected Investments?
After the mega giveaway in the mini budget on Friday 23rd September 2022, it is safe to say that the various investment markets have not reacted favourably to the raft of tax changes and dash for growth that Kwasi Kwarteng announced. The bond markets have fallen, alongside the pound and the UK Stockmarket has [...]
September 2022 ‘Mini Budget’
Friday 23rd September saw Kwasi Kwarteng unveil his first (“mini”) budget in his new post as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. According to Kwarteng, the Governments priority is economic growth - this message being backed up with the introduction of a series of tax cuts, aimed at encouraging growth both at home and from [...]
MPA featured in This is Money
Tackling the often tricky subject of equity release, MPA's very own Independent Financial Adviser, Chris Wheeler, featured on popular money advice website, This is Money, over the Summer. With concerns about previous poor financial management an anonymous reader was worried about their 70 year-old parents taking out equity release for home improvements and holidays, without [...]
Office Closure – Monday 19 September
As a mark of respect we will be closing our office on Monday 19th September to observe Her Majesty The Queen's Funeral. We will be open as normal on Tuesday 20th September 2022. Our thoughts remain with the members of the Royal Family at this difficult time.