The week's news...condensed

And five big stories this week were...

Alpha 2 Omega was back in the news after two of its former directors received fines from the FSA.

Worrying details emerged about some of the sales practices employed by a handful of the network's appointed representative advisers. They were so notorious, according to the FSA, they had earned themselves a collective nickname. But what was it?

In Westminster Chris Evans, a former Lloyds TSB adviser, told colleagues IFAs and bank advisers were all interested in selling products rather than helping clients.

Meanwhile, John Glen stressed the importance of independent financial advice to soldiers.

Openwork completed its acquisition of 2plan Wealth Management after gaining final FSA approval, taking on around 200 advisers.

The network also made an important appointment to spearhead the development of its IFA arm.

Although consistently ruled out for RDR qualifications, the FSA said it will consider the issue of grandfathering during its consultation on updating the examination standards for investment managers.

On the pensions front politicians sounded a warning about the monitoring of 'suspicious' auto-enrolment opt outs.

And finally...

The best financial planning tool (overall) is... click HERE.