SIPP provider STM has reported half year, pre-tax profit down by £400,000 as negotiations over a takeover bid for the group are extended again.

Nucleus Financial Platforms has completed its £242m acquisition of SIPP and SSAS provider Curtis Banks to create a retirement-focused adviser platform with approximately £80bn AUM.

Only one in 10 financial advisers support the government’s proposed changes to the tax rules surrounding pension death benefits.

Former Milton Keynes financial adviser firm Mike Norris Financial Services (FRN 542126) has been declared as failed by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

This month's Martin Tilley Column is written by colleague Alan Godbeer as Martin is taking a short break.