AKG in the News

Through its role as a leading provider of independent information, both ratings and other assessment and comparative data, AKG regularly appears across trade and national publications. AKG enjoys a particularly high profile with intermediary firms and product providers and other key bodies.

A roundup of appearances is provided here for reference.

The role of financial strength in the adviser due diligence process

The theme of adviser due diligence processes remains a hot topic, particularly in light of the FCA’s paper related to this subject – TR16/1: Assessing suitability: Research and due diligence of products and services – published in February 2016. In this feature Matt Ward from AKG looks at the role of financial strength in the adviser due diligence process for platforms.

Insider on Investments, Simplybiz Group - 28 Jun 2016

What next for the SIPP market?

Ahead of the new SIPP capital adequacy framework’s arrival in September this year, Matt Ward at AKG examines the implications for providers and advisers alike.

Financial Solutions, the magazine of the Personal Finance Society - 07 Jun 2016

AKG reviews Royal London’s new Drawdown Governance Service

Royal London commissioned AKG to carry out an independent review of the new Royal London Drawdown Governance Service. The AKG review was written for an adviser audience and it assesses the functionality and methodology of the service, as well as looking at the potential merits of the service and the key considerations for advisers seeking to understand the service in more detail. The full AKG report and a report summary are now available on Royal London for advisers.

Royal London for advisers - 01 Jun 2016

Due diligence: how to get the right partners on board

AKG’s Guy Vanner speaks to Abbie Knight at discus about some of the key considerations for financial advisers when carrying out due diligence on DFMs. A due diligence process underpinned by four core pillars is suggested including the importance of giving some consideration to the profile and financial strength of DFMs.

discus (Discretionary Investment Services Coming Under Scrutiny) - 11 May 2016

Prudential gives advisers free access to independent analysis of its With-Profits Fund

Prudential has given advisers free access to independent analysis of its With-Profits Fund, undertaken by AKG. Financial advisers seeking independent analysis of the Prudential With-Profits Fund can now download a Prudential extract of AKG’s 2015 UK Life Office With Profits Reports specifically highlighting Prudential's details, including its popular PruFund range of funds, from the company’s adviser website.

Prudential - 09 May 2016

Rise of robos for pension advice

Part of a series of features appearing in FT Adviser’s April 2016 Guide to FAMR, this one looks at the role of technology in the future provision of advice and guidance. It includes comments from a range of industry experts, including AKG.

FTAdviser - 28 Apr 2016

New ways your clients can pay for pension advice

Part of a series of features appearing in FT Adviser’s April 2016 Guide to FAMR, this one looks at the recommendation made within the final FAMR report that the government should explore options to give people access to a small part of their pension funds to pay for financial advice before normal retirement age. It includes comments from a range of industry experts, including AKG.

FTAdviser - 28 Apr 2016

Improved due diligence tools are making SIPP scrutiny easier

AKG’s Guy Vanner discusses the evolving SIPP market ahead of the formal introduction of the FCA’s SIPP capital adequacy requirements and the requirement for advisers to carry out robust due diligence processes when considering SIPP business partners in order to ensure positive customer outcomes. The feature also describes AKG’s assessment and financial strength work in this area of the market.

New Model Adviser magazine - 11 Apr 2016

Solvency II and the international life sector

Discussing the implications of Solvency II for international life companies, written by AKG's Guy Vanner

International Adviser - 06 Apr 2016

Only six with-profit providers chasing business: Cazalet

Reference to AKG’s UK Life Office With Profits Reports (assessment of with profits funds) and AKG comment on the amount of with profits business in force.

FTAdviser - 02 Mar 2016

Pension freedoms 'will drive interest' in with profit funds

Coverage from AKG's press release heralding the arrival of our 2015 UK Life Office With Profits Reports and linking to the pension freedoms theme.

financialreporter - 02 Feb 2016

Pension freedoms could resurrect with profits: AKG

Coverage from AKG’s press release heralding the arrival of our 2015 UK Life Office With Profits Reports and linking to the pension freedoms theme.

FTAdviser - 02 Feb 2016

The role of guarantees post-pension freedoms

Money Marketing roundtable discussion about the role of hybrid products and unit linked guarantees in retirement income planning, involving AKG's Head of Communications, Matt Ward, and other industry experts.

Money Marketing - 27 Nov 2015

Adviser Kate v Adviser John: How important is platforms' financial health?

Terry Huddart from the lang cat takes a look at platform due diligence from an adviser perspective including the role of platform financial strength in this process and makes reference to AKG financial strength ratings.

Professional Adviser - 10 Nov 2015

'Firing Line' interview with Cirencester Friendly's chief executive, Paul Hudson

Paul Hudson, chief executive at Cirencester Friendly Society, talks to FTAdviser about his time in the courts, growth figures and the mutual's healthy B minus financial strength rating from AKG, all against a backdrop of regulatory upheaval.

FTAdviser - 08 Oct 2015

Advisers fear retrospective action over insistent client transfers

A report by AKG entitled Pension Freedoms: Clearing the hurdles to business success in the retirement income market recently revealed advisers are concerned of a reputational risk to the sector as the new environment evolves.

Pensions Age - 30 Jul 2015

Sinking feeling: Winners and losers from Osborne’s pensions revolution

Money Marketing’s Sam Brodbeck takes a look at the impact of pension freedoms on key retirement income market participants since the introduction of the changes and includes quotes from various market commentators including AKG’s Head of Communications, Matt Ward

Money Marketing - 30 Jul 2015

Mid-market advice has most potential, report says

The long-term potential for the advice sector lies in the mid-market, according to a report by Surrey-based actuarial firm AKG.

FT Adviser - 24 Jul 2015

Pension product innovation 'won't emerge until 2016'

Strategic responses to the pension changes and the launch of new retirement income solutions are unlikely to fully materialise until early 2016 as providers tackle the challenges of the changing retirement income market, according to AKG.

Financial Reporter - 15 Jul 2015

Don’t expect pension product innovation until next year: AKG

The majority of pension provider product innovation will not materialise until early 2016, as providers tackle the new challenges of a changing retirement income market, according to consultancy AKG.

FT Adviser - 15 Jul 2015

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