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Standard Life executives to reap gains

Shares in the FTSE 100 life insurer reached their highest level since 2008 after first-half operating profits rose 15 per cent to £302m, surprising analysts who forecast a 3 per cent fall.

Swiss bank acquires Irish financial operation

The deal will see $84 billion in assets under management and more than 2,000 employees transfer to Julius Bär, which will now be operational in several new markets, including Luxembourg, Spain, India and Ireland.

Has Hambro struck gold with London Mining deal?

It will also turn his specialised vehicle into a more attractive proposition in the eyes of income-seeking investors.

Van Lanschot: investment and cost reduction programme on track

Assets under management up 2%

GAM First-Half Profit Rebounds After Lower Charge on Artio Stake‎

Net new money inflows at Group level were CHF 0.9 billionfor the first six months of 2012, up from the CHF 0.6 billion reported in the first half of 2011 and a significant improvement on the net outflows

End of line for 'free' financial advice

Analysis by the FSA before it launched its review suggested consumers were losing £43m a year because of advisers, driven by commission, encouraging them to switch pensions.

Tax cuts 'fail to stop more than half of Britain's super-rich losing confidence in Osborne'

A ‘Millionaire Monitor’ survey of the country’s super-rich revealed that more than half of them now have ‘no confidence’ in the Government’s ability to lead the country out of recession.

Swiss see no sign of mass German money exodus ahead of tax deal

After the two countries struck the tax deal in April, some Swiss bankers advised clients to transfer funds to Singapore or elsewhere before it was enforced, according to a German media report.

Bank of England governor calls on finance sector to learn lessons from Team GB

His comments come in the wake of the Libor scandal that has seen Barclays slapped with a £290m fine for manipulating the key benchmark borrowing rate.

Private banks try to become more exclusive

Earlier this year HSBC shut down its in-branch financial planning arm, resulting in the loss of 550 adviser jobs. The bank still offers investment advisory services for “Premier” customers with about £150,000 in investable assets.

Julius Baer confirms purchase of Merrill Lynch private bank outside US‎

Approximately two thirds of IWM AuM are from clients domiciled in growth markets in Asia (more than half), Latin America and the Middle East.

BNP Paribas wins global private bank custody contract

Following an extensive tender and due diligence process to rationalise the business and optimise costs, the Bank’s management chose to consolidate its assets under custody with BNP Paribas based on the custodian’s global reach, technology offe

OCM Wealth Management expands with Hertfordshire firm merger

Stather-Lodge said he planned to attract more advisers to work under the OCM brand and use its centralised investment proposition.

Germany's Wealth Grab

The impulse to soak the rich isn't exclusively French.

Canaccord Open to Making Smaller U.K. Wealth Acquisitions

Paul Reynolds, president and chief executive of Canaccord, said the independent brokerage firm would "take a look" at small acquisitions in the U.K. that would prove "fairly attractive or highly accretive" to the company.

SocGen to offload TCW

The transaction, which will see Amundi sell its holding in the company, is subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

French bank woos women with handbag insurance, handyman hotline

What does every woman want? One French bank thinks it knows the answer: Handbag insurance and a handyman hotline.

The Wealth Manager for Rich Geeks

Financial advice is a tricky sell in the Valley. The place is full of Ph.D.s with problem-solving skills, an unusually strong aversion to fees, and no clue what to do with their money.

Cazenove set for Asia push with Hong Kong office plans

He said Cazenove had found its investment approach had gained traction in the market.

Skandia International offshore bond sales fall by a quarter in H1

Skandia International’s offshore bond sales fell 26% in the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2011.

Wealth and Asset Management