A new report calls for an overhaul of pensions policy and financial advice to address the current pensions gap, which sees men accumulating 75 per cent more in their defined-contribution (DC) pension pots by age 60 than women, according to DWP figures. The report, from the University of Edinburgh, supported by wealth manager, Evelyn Partners, calls on the financial-services sector to recognise hidden systemic, social and situational factors preventing women from saving and pl

New research from Aviva reveals a ‘worrying gap’ in retirement planning among the UK’s self-employed, freelancers and digital nomads.   According to the study, around a third (34 per cent) of digital nomads (those who use technology to work remotely while travelling and living in various locations) are actively saving into a pension or retirement plan.  The research revealed a similar picture for the self-employed and freelancers, with just 38 per cent and 40 per cent, respec

Lloyds Banking Group has announced the appointment of Peter Fitzgerald as chief investment officer, succeeding Kevin Doran, who will leave the group early next year after a successful tenure shaping its investment proposition. In his new role, Peter will oversee investment strategy and fund management across Scottish Widows and the recently acquired Schroders Personal Wealth business, supporting the group’s ambition to deliver market-leading solutions for customers. Peter joi

Research from Standard Life UK has found that UK adults are prioritising holidays over pensions.   While the survey of 6000 people found that managing day-to-day finances was their main concern (cited by 40 per cent), this was followed by saving for holidays (31 per cent). Just 15 per cent said that contributing to their pension is one of their top financial priorities. Almost a third (28 per cent) said they prefer to live for today rather than plan for the future. Nearly hal

New research from St. James’s Place (SJP) has revealed that saving with other people is one of the strongest motivators for building better financial habits, particularly among younger generations. According to the study, nearly half (47 per cent) of UK adults find it easier to save when working towards a shared goal with a partner or family member. This rises to 64 per cent (9.7 million people) for 18–34-year-olds. Nearly nine in 10 (87 per cent) savers working towards a spe

In a poll of 100 UK charity board directors, finance directors, investment managers and investment directors looking after £3.7bn in investments, wealth-management group, Rathbones, found that 87 per cent of charities are being negatively impacted by probate delays. More than one in 10 reported being very badly affected.   Over half (57 per cent) of respondents said delays have meant that they have sold vital assets, such as property, to fill the financial gap. Around half (5

Following the announcement that the Bank of England has held the base rate at four per cent, Ben Thompson, deputy chief executive at Mortgage Advice Bureau commented: “It’s no surprise that the Bank of England has acted with caution, choosing to hold the base rate at four per cent. “This decision breaks the streak of quarterly rate cuts, and with the autumn Budget fast approaching and meaningful tax rises likely to be imminent, the Bank is clearly waiting for certainty on the

As the Chancellor faces mounting pressure to address a fiscal shortfall ahead of the Budget, an economic analysis of previous wealth taxes by Rathbones, suggests that more than £100bn of wealth could shift overseas, or into less productive assets, if a wealth tax were imposed here. The wealth-and-asset-management firm also says that a wealth tax could cost the government £600m to set up, with ongoing compliance and administrative costs to taxpayers of £700m a year or more. It

Venture capital (VC) investment into Scotland’s start-up and scale-up businesses increased in the third quarter of 2025, according to the latest KPMG Private Enterprise Venture Pulse report.  Scottish businesses raised £116.1m in the third quarter of 2025 – up more than 200 per cent from £36.2m in Q2.    A total of 23 investments were completed between July and September; the same number as Q2, signalling the sustained confidence of VC investors in supporting Scotland’s small

Rachel Geddes, strategic lender relationship director at Mortgage Advice Bureau comments on the news that inflation has held at 3.8 per cent: "While inflation holding steady at 3.8 per cent reflects the persistent pressures from political uncertainty and elevated costs, the mortgage market continues to remain resilient. In fact, many don't realise they’re now in a prime position to get onto the property ladder – especially compared to this time last year, or even six months a

A new report by Aviva highlights the impacts of climate change on the UK's homes, as well as on some of its iconic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle.   In 2021, the castle experienced surface-water flooding, which triggered emergency-response protocols. Commenting on the report, Jason Storah, chief executive, UK & Ireland General Insurance, Aviva, said: “In the UK we have seen the impacts of our changing climate and this year is no exception. Record temperatures, wildfire

What should you expect, if you're looking to buy or remortgage property this autumn? ESPC shares insights about mortgage rates, lenders and why it can be helpful to seek out guidance from a broker. As the leaves turn and the Scottish property market enters its traditional autumn phase, many buyers, movers and remortgagers will be watching closely for shifts in mortgage conditions. The good news is that recent moves in interest rates and lending criteria are opening up new o

New analysis from ARC Research shows private-client portfolios continued to perform strongly in Q3, but sentiment among chief investment...

Mortgage broker, First Mortgage, part of the award-winning Mortgage Advice Bureau, has announced a strategic partnership with digital...

Tweed Wealth Management has announced the acquisition of a personal-finance consultancy, The James Boyd Practice. James Boyd, a financial...

Following this morning's announcement that inflation has held at 3.8 per cent, Ben Thompson, deputy chief executive at Mortgage Advice...

Specialist data-intelligence platform Fundpath, which supports fund distribution within asset management and wealth management has...

Financial-planning firm, rockwealth Edinburgh, is celebrating its first anniversary, having opened its doors at the end of August 2024.  ...

Complex red tape is deterring high-net-worth (HNW) families from leaving money to charities, despite increasing desire to do so,...

A new firm, Dunedin Financial, is opening its doors for business, from 4 August, in Edinburgh’s New Town.  Director, Lee Edwardson, who...