This week's news...condensed

Ten of this week's best-read articles...

1. FSCS review

The FSA finally restarted its review of the funding of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

2. Towry

Yet more Towry-related news: a former Edward Jones adviser filed an official complaint against the FSA, accusing it of poorly regulating Towry Law. Meanwhile, the company's head of compliance has left.

3. Friends Life

Friends Life was forced to defend its new D2C proposition, PlanWise, against claims it is using the service to cut advisers out of the sales process.

4. Simplified advice

Not many companies have stepped forward to commit to any simplified advice plans. However, one firm is diving straight in.

5. Unsuitable investment

There seems to be more and more enforcement action over unsuitable investments and SIPP providers seem to be taking note and increasing their screening levels.

6. Outsourcing protection

LifeSearch has developed an outsourced protection service for advisers which it will bring to market if there is support for the offering. Let CEO Tom Baigrie know what you think.

7. Platform pricing

Expecting clarity over the platform pricing issue any time soon? Think again. The consultation process will not begin until May or June next year.

8. SPS

There are still 65 weeks before anyone needs one, but already a few advisers have got their statements of professional standing.

9. Solvency II delay

Isn't it nice when you get a bit of extra breathing space ahead of new regulations? Insurers have been given another year to become compliant with Solvency II.

10. No tax cuts

The situation is getting pretty desperate now if you're hoping for tax cuts in the current parliament. George Osborne has signaled he is unlikely to implement any before the next election.