Category Archives: Financial Services

Financial Services

Checking & Savings, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Investment, IRA, Money, Personal Finance, Retirement

Standard Life Launches Ground-Breaking Corporate Investment Range

Standard Life has launched a new range of investments for corporate pension schemes aimed at making it easier for employees to select an investment strategy to suit their individual needs and attitude to risk.

The two new risk-based fund ranges, built on the success of MyFolio, are specifically tailored for the corporate pensions market and introduce new auto-enrolment default options, addressing the challenge of meeting the diverse needs of a workforce

Ann Flynn, Head of Corporate Marketing said: “Over the past two years we have been conducting extensive research with advisers, employers and employees. The employee’s investment choice, and lack of engagement in it, has been an issue the industry has been wrestling with for many years.

“The majority of employees are invested in the default fund and that’s why default strategy needs to be able to meet the diverse needs of a workforce. We’re now excited to be launching a range of investment solutions which addresses this challenge head on.”

Key findings of the research include:
– Employees find a wide range of investment choice confusing however there is still a demand to have some level of choice.
– Employees want a level of risk and return which is right for them but managed by experts.
– Employers simply want better outcomes for their employees within a strong governance framework, with competitive charging and minimal risk.

Flynn added: “Against a backdrop of negative pension stories and turbulent stock markets, employees tend to have a very low tolerance for taking investment risk with their pension and understandably so. However for many, a level of risk is needed to help generate the returns to achieve a decent standard of living in retirement.

“Our new range will help employees identify their attitude to risk through a simple questionnaire and align themselves to a strategy that best fits their needs. The information will be presented in a way that keeps it simple and shows them at a high level what they are investing in. However, they will also be able to ‘look under the bonnet’ if they want to. The risk-based range will be dynamically managed by internal and external experts who will monitor and adjust asset allocation to optimise performance.”

Key features and benefits of the range include two new risk-based ranges, Passive Plus and Active Plus, specifically for the corporate pensions market to complement the MyFolio Managed funds. A new life styling approach allows the underlying funds to be changed as necessary to help future-proof the investments while the Vanguard index-tracking funds, added in December 2011, will complement the BlackRock index-tracking range.

Employees will be able to easily identify their risk appetite and select an investment strategy to meet their needs and risk-based funds will be actively managed to help optimise returns. Moreover, employees will be offered clear options, based on how ‘hands on’ or ‘hands off’ they want to be with their investment selection and the new range provides employers and trustees with the flexibility to support a broad demographic. Advisers will also be able to recommend from an ‘off the shelf’ package of investment funds or design bespoke solutions for their clients.

Via EPR Network
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Debts, Financial, Financial Services, Loans, Money, Personal Finance

Brand New Media Launch For UK’s Quick Term Loan Website

Currently one of the main UK’s short term loan obtaining web sites is very happy to declare the release of its completely new website design to the general public.

Payday Loans UK are actually stoked by the news. Having worked with a leading Midlands based development team in Forme Creative to design a fresh appearance for their site which will render the process of applying for a payday loan easier still and will make the charges involved less complicated for consumers to comprehend whilst, at the same time offering the website an effective new personality and branding.

The web sites manager Russ Beech stated “ We certainly have worked hard to develop the new internet site to be as user friendly as it can be. Our company want to slowly but surely develop into one of the UK’s top information and facts websites intended to help consumers looking to make an application for online payday loans.”

“Working together with Forme has been exceptional. Our previous website ended up being very fatigued and wasn’t so simple for people to work with so we offered the creative artwork team a brief to generally chop all the fuss and hassle out of obtaining a cash advance and now we are delighted with the final outcome.”

The brand new Paydayloansuk.org.uk website is presently exiting development. The soft launch is predicted to go live on the Fifteenth March 2012 together with the final launch which you can follow on the Nineteenth following the short bug repairing stage we will need to undertake.

Pay Day Loans UK provide a no cost financial loan acquiring service. They have access to more than 30 United Kingdom financial lending institutions. Their website engineering compares an candidates requirements to the different considerations of lenders to help enhance a prospects potential for being approved for the money that they require.

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Debts, Financial, Financial Services, Loans, Money, Personal Finance

Payday Express Sponsor Employee To Do NSPCC Gherkin Challenge

UK payday loan lender Payday Express has sponsored a staff member to take part in the NSPCC Step Change 2012: The Gherkin Challenge.

Marketing assistant at Payday Express, Cigdem Husseyin, took part in the challenge on Sunday March 4 to raise money for ChildLine, where last year counsellors at NSPCC responded to about 670,000 calls and online communications from children in distress.

All participants raced up 1,037 steps over 38 floors in the iconic London building that has been nicknamed The Gherkin.

Cigdem wanted to take part in the NSPCC Step Change challenge as she felt it is an incredible charity, and one that she has always supported.

“I admire the work that the NSPCC does to support children that are in danger.

“I have always supported the NSPCC and I wanted to support the charity further by taking part in this great event to help raise money,” said Cigdem.

She trained hard for the event, and ensured that her training programme was integrated into her working day, by taking the stairs up to the Payday Express office on the fourth floor every day, rather than the lift.

Individuals who took part in The Gherkin Challenge were asked to raise a minimum of£250 each, but Payday Express, provider of payday loans online, decided to support Cigdem by giving a generous donation of £500.

In addition to this £500, individual staff members made donations and offered her lots of encouragement in the build up and on the day of the event.

Sarah Carroll, operations manager at Payday Express, said: “We are always happy and proud to support our employees who undertake challenges to raise money for great causes.”

Via EPR Network
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Confused.com Reveals UK Households Wasting £1.7 Billion By Not Switching Home Insurance Providers

Confused.com has revealed that UK households are wasting on average £1.7 billion* a year because they “can’t be bothered”** to switch home insurance providers.

According to the latest Confused.com research, which surveyed homeowner’s attitudes to switching insurance providers, 73 per cent stated that they have home insurance, but a surprising 34 per cent said they had never switched home insurance provider.

In fact, 70 per cent said they had been with the same provider for two years or more, potentially missing out on an average saving of £95.26*** per year just by switching home insurance providers. Collectively, UK households could be wasting£1.7 billion by not shopping around to get the best deal.

32 per cent of those surveyed say they haven’t switched providers because they can’t be bothered while 29 per cent say their current deal is so good there is no point switching.

22 per cent of homeowners are under the illusion that switching home insurance is too complicated. However, with 66 per cent of people saying they would be willing to switch home insurance if they could save money, it’s not really affordability that should be questioned but inertia and people’s attitudes towards switching.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Home Insurance at Confused.com, said: “We are a money saving nation, however most of us still aren’t making the effort when it comes to getting insurance for our homes. At Confused.com home insurance customers could save money on their insurance premium.

“Shopping around can not only ensure the best value for money, but can also prompt homeowners to ensure they have the right level of cover. Levels of cover can vary between providers so check everything you want is covered and then select a policy that meets your needs. It’s worth doing this on an annual basis or after a big purchase to make sure you’ve got the right cover at the right price – loyalty doesn’t pay and you may be able to find better cover at a lower price.”

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Confused Announce £1000 Giveaway When Purchasing Home Insurance

Confused.com is offering £1,000 to spend on household bills to four lucky people who get a home insurance quote through the price comparison site during March.

The giveaway comes on the back of recent Confused.com research which found that 34 per cent of homeowners admitted that they have never switched home insurance provider*. This is despite the fact 70 per cent of Confused.com home insurance customers could save money on their home insurance premium**.

To motivate people to shop around for a better deal, four lucky customers who get a quote on home insurance in March through Confused.com will be randomly selected to win £1,000 to spend on household bills.

Gareth Kloet, Confused.com Head of Home insurance said: “We wanted to say thank you to those people who are looking to get home insurance through Confused.com, by giving them a chance to win £1,000.

“As we all know, money is a topic of much discussion and many people can’t afford to buy those essentials for the home, or even pay some bills. Therefore at Confused.com we wanted to give our customers a helping hand. Not only by saving them money by using our comparison site but by also giving them the chance to win £1,000 to spend on things they need.

“We want people to be aware that they could save hundreds of pounds on their home insurance just by shopping around for a lower quote. 22 per cent of homeowners are under the illusion that switching home insurance is too complicated*** but by using a comparison site like Confused.com it means that we do the hard work for them.”

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NY Gold Buyer Uncovers Synagogue Bandit: Crime of Hate, or Opportunity?

NYPD caught the thief who stole over a dozen religious artifacts from Congregation Degel in Kew Gardens, NY. The 28-year-old Efram Sanders was arrested and charged on counts of burglary, grand larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property.

With over a dozen artifacts stolen, the members of Congregation Rachel Degel Israel were disheartened during Adar, one of the most festive months in the Jewish calendar. When news that three silver Torah crowns, two silver mini Torah crowns, three silver Torah breastplates, four silver Torah pointers, and one silver cup was stolen from the synagogue, media rushed to provide coverage on the event. Community members were eager to catch the thief/thieves who might have committed the crime as an act of hatred.

Rabbi Sheinfeld accounted seeing Sanders at Congregation Degel a handful of times in the past. It appears that the burglary was not a result of a hate crime, but a desperate act due to economic hardship. It was reported that Sanders had taken the stolen items to The Gold Standard of Forest Hills, a local Queens gold buyer and pawnshop. Janet Medina, an employee at The Gold Standard, cracked the case of the synagogue theft by watching NY1 news earlier that Tuesday. “Oh my god! I’ve seen those items” was her immediate response as she recognized the stolen items on television.

Medina contacted her boss and the owner of The Gold Standard, Scott Simon. After sorting through inventory and matching up the pictures of the reported stolen goods, Simon immediately contacted the police. Simon recalled working with Sanders personally, asking him “do these items belong to you?” as part of business protocol. Sanders responded “that he got the items during his Bar Mitzvah”.

Both Medina and Simon felt privileged to help NYPD crack the case. Members of the synagogue are extremely grateful and joyful to have their religious and sentimental artifacts back. Unfortunately for The Gold Standard, Simon does not expect to get back the thousands of dollars that they paid for the stolen artifacts. Both Medina and Simon remarked, “We’re just happy we were able to help catch the thief and return the items to their rightful owners”.

About The Gold Standard

The Gold Standard has 13 locations throughout the Queens and Long Island area. For two consecutive years, we have been voted Best of Long Island by the LI press. We are one of New York ‘s most trustworthy and reliable gold buyers and pawnshops. Time and time again our customers depend on The Gold Standard for friendly customer service, secure transactions and honest prices for selling or pawning their jewelry and other valuables.

For more information, contact The Gold Standard of Forest Hills at ( 646) 470-4907, by email at foresthills@nygoldcashers.com, or visit 70-58 Austin Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375.

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Experian completes acquisition of 192business

Experian, the global information services company, has announced that it has completed the acquisition of 192business Limited, a leading UK based provider of online identity verification services. 192business will form part of Experian’s Decision Analytics business line.

The acquisition further enhances the range of identity verification and fraud prevention services Experian is able to offer clients and strengthens its position across a number of rapidly growing vertical markets in the UK.

It also provides a platform that Experian can use to deploy new services globally. The services 192business provides are used by many of its customers internationally and can be rapidly extended to new geographies.

Launched in 2002, 192business helps organisations to verify and manage the identity of their customers online in order to minimise fraud and risk. Increasing regulation, the rise in fraud globally, growth in e-commerce sales and the move from traditional offline identity checks to online checks are all contributing to growth in the identity verification market.

192business provides organisations with identity verification, including personal data verification, fraud screening, online document verification and voice verification. It services a wide range of sectors, such as e-commerce, insurance, utilities, retail, finance and legal services, and has over 1,000 clients worldwide. Clients include Halfords, The Money Shop, Panasonic, ScrewFix and PKR.com.

Gary Wood, UK& I managing director for Experian Decision Analytics, commented: “The combination of 192business’s technology and Experian’s data and analytics will help our clients in the UK and around the world to more effectively and efficiently establish the identities of genuine customers. We look forward to working together to drive greater innovation and insight for our clients.”

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Experian Enhances Hunter Fraud Prevention System

Experian, the global information services company, has announced the launch of a new version of Hunter, its industry-leading data-sharing fraud prevention system, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of anti-fraud operations.

The upgrade – available from the end of February 2012 – enhances Hunter’s anti-fraud investigation and collaboration capabilities with more than 30 new and enhanced features. These include integration with Google Maps, automated completion of fraud submissions to CIFAS and greater sharing of fraud intelligence and investigatory capabilities across multiple business units within an organisation.

The integration of Google Maps into Hunter allows fraud investigators to see how the addresses on a number of connected applications relate to each other geographically, through the use of its Street View, Satellite and Standard map views. This will, for example, enable investigators to spot geographic connections that are not obvious from the data, such as potential fraud collaboration between residents of neighbouring properties located on different streets, and ensure that commercial properties are not passed off as domestic residences.

Experian’s new CIFAS Autofile functionality will enable Hunter users to automatically populate fraud submissions to CIFAS with the required information. This minimises the time spent keying duplicated data and can reduce filing time by 80 per cent, dramatically improving efficiency and reducing the margin for human error.

Large organisations running Hunter across disparate business units will also be able to benefit from new collaboration capabilities and take advantage of opportunities to centralise fraud investigation operations internally. Investigators are now able to pull together a greater level of fraud intelligence from other parts of the same organisation and investigate cases across all business units, increasing productivity across the group and providing richer data through sharing of information between departments and offices.

Nick Mothershaw, UK director of Identity & Fraud at Experian, commented: “Fraud continues to represent a clear and present danger to the bottom lines of banks, insurance companies and other financial services and credit granting organisations. The enhancements Experian has made to Hunter will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of fraud prevention capabilities with additional tools for investigation and even greater collaboration. We have enabled users to better understand the location of potentially fraudulent applications with a single click within the Hunter environment and to share fraud intelligence far more easily.”

Experian’s Hunter fraud prevention system has been used across the UK’s banking, financial services and insurance sectors for more than 20 years to detect, investigate and record fraud at the point of application.

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Admiral Has Revealed That The First Year Of Driving Poses Risk For New Licence Holders

Admiral has revealed that motorists driving within the first year after passing their driving test are considerably more likely to obtain a conviction or make a claim than when learning, according to new research.

Car insurance specialist Admiral looked at data from 1 million car insurance quotes and found that drivers in the first year of driving on a full licence are more than one and a half times as likely as those on provisional licences to have a conviction, and are a staggering three times as likely to make a claim.

Dave Halliday, Admiral acting managing director, said: “These statistics make worrying reading. It’s exciting to be out on the open road on your own once you’ve passed your test, however, new drivers mustn’t forget they’re inexperienced and although they now have a full licence, it certainly doesn’t make them expert drivers.

“When learning, you’re under supervision, so have your mistakes pointed out to you, but the ability to drive independently means confidence can soar, particularly with peer pressure when a new driver is carrying passengers. New drivers also need to remember that if they build up six or more penalty points within two years of passing their test, their licence is taken off them and they go back to being a learner.”

The research also showed there’s a difference between men and women when it comes to provisional compared to full licences as well.

Women within their first year of driving with a full licence are 1.9 times more likely than women on a provisional licence to have a conviction, and equivalent men are 1.3 times more likely. However, it’s important to note that men with a full licence are 2.8 times more likely than women to have a conviction in their first year.

For claims, women within their first year of driving with a full licence are 4.5 times more likely as those on a provisional licence to make a claim, and men are 2.2 times more likely. However, women with a full licence are twice as likely as equivalent men to make a claim.

Dave continued: “It’s not a surprise to see that men are more likely than women to have a conviction in their first year of driving on a full licence. It may be a surprise to some people that women are more likely to make a claim, however, although men claim less, their claims are more likely to cost more and be more serious.”

Via EPR Network
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New “Buy Now” form for actinspro.com is launched

It is now faster and easier to purchase liability insurance using the new form on the ACT Insurance Program website.

Now buying a policy is even more simple and quick than before! The revised purchase online process on ACTinsPro.com will get you covered in one simple step. The new form was launched a couple of days ago and is already showing great results and positive feedback from users. Statistics in Google Analytics show that the purchase process used to take 35 minutes to buy either a show or annual policy! Now with the new form it takes less than 5 minutes for new users and even less than that for returning customers.

“I renewed my annual policy faster than I ever realized I could!” a customer said in a recent phone call.

What is really good about this new form is that it allows customers to switch between annual and show policies quickly without needing to go back to the homepage, and without having to re-enter any information. Everything a customer needs to purchase an annual or show policy is on one page, in one simple step.

ACTinsPro stands for Artists, Crafters & Tradesman Insurance Program and is managed by Utah-based Veracity Insurance Solutions, LLC, the experts in the commercial liability insurance industry with over 30 years of experience. The ACT Insurance Program provides information and online insurance options for those in the Arts and Crafts industry in all 50 states.

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IPP advises agents on Flight Plus Liability as Airlines collapse by the week

Global travel credit specialists and UK market leader International Passenger Protection Ltd (IPP) have highlighted to new Flight Plus license holders that they will be liable for the financial collapse of any suppliers they sell such as Airlines, Hotels, Car Hire Companies, Rail journeys, Amusement parks, Ferries etc.

“Flight Plus presents a fresh direction in giving some form of clearer consumer protection, however we are seeing many agents still not grasping the actual liabilities they could face, no different to existing ATOL holders with agents still convinced that their ATOL covers the collapse of not only them but anything they sell”

“ATOL will only cover the collapse of anything the agent sells if the agent themselves collapses at the same time, otherwise the agent is always responsible for anything they sell which financially collapses which is part of a flight package” continued Mclean.

However IPP’s concern continued with the fact that the new ATOL certificate will only be issued to the public if they buy an ATOL holiday. “This seems to defeat the ultimate objective of an informative sale for all people purchasing travel, it’s a shame the certificate could not have gone a step further to clarify a trip not being protected so consumers can make an informed choice on their purchase and if they wish to protect or not.”

The warning comes as the 8th collapse in a matter of weeks with Air Australia leaving thousands stranded abroad, and with at least one airline collapsing each week in the last four weeks. “Collapses are not just stretching to Airlines, we have seen companies such as Sea Ferries and Hotels collapse or currently in dire financial strain” commented IPP’s Director Paul Mclean.

Protecting agents exposures can be simply covered with an annual policy covering scheduled flights and or end suppliers for very little costs per passenger. But IPP pointed out that agents should ensure they only take out insurance with Insurers whom are UK registered and members of the FSA and it would be prudent for them to check out the credentials of the Insurer providing the cover.

With the eurozone crisis, rising fuel costs and an increased tax burden, IATA forecast Europe’s airlines would lose at the best $600 million this year. The recent collapse of long established caries such as Malev and Spanair demonstrated how even governments are willing to let a state supported airline wither away. Numerous governments have shown their reluctance to continue support national carriers by seeking new investors such as Malev, LOT, SAS, TAP, and CSA Czech Airlines. This does not mean these carriers are at risk necessarily but investment from the banks is simply not there anymore which the whole industry depends on not just airlines.

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Virgin Money launches new ‘early bird’ ISA service

Virgin Money has launched a new ‘early bird’ ISA service for savers. By opening an Early Bird ISA Feeder, customers can use the service to start earning interest on next year’s ISA allowance now – without having to wait for the new tax year to start in April. The Early Bird ISA Feeder offers a competitive interest rate of 3.57% gross**/AER***, or 2.85% net, giving savers the same return as Virgin Money’s current variable cash ISA. The interest rate is fixed until 5 April 2012, following which the funds will automatically transfer into an Early Bird ISA for the new tax year.

The Early Bird ISA is a variable rate instant access cash ISA, paying 2.85%. This attractive headline rate offers good value for customers and it does not include a short term introductory bonus.

Accounts are available to open through Northern Rock branches, by post or by telephone, and savers can invest between £1 and the new 2012/13 cash ISA limit of £5,640.

Anthony Mooney, Mortgage and Savings Director at Virgin Money said: “Our new early bird ISA service means customers can take the hassle out of arranging their ISA for the next tax year by sorting it out early. Savers can earn an attractive interest rate between now and the start of the new tax year in our Early Bird ISA Feeder, safe in the knowledge that their money will automatically transfer into a tax-free ISA account in April.”

Interest earned on the Early Bird ISA Feeder will be paid to a nominated account on 5 April 2012, and does not allow any withdrawals or closure until the new tax year. Additional deposits can be made to the Early Bird ISA Feeder until 30 March 2012 up to a maximum of £5,640 per account. Once the funds have transferred into the Early Bird ISA, withdrawals can be made without notice, and additional deposits and transfers in from existing ISA accounts are permitted within HMRC regulations.

The Virgin Early Bird ISA Feeder and Virgin Early Bird ISA are personal deposit accounts with Northern Rock plc. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) provides protection to customers with these accounts under Northern Rock plc’s existing FSCS membership up to a maximum of £85,000 per person. The £85,000 limit relates to a customer’s combined deposits with Northern Rock plc under the Northern Rock and Virgin Money trading names.

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Payday Express supports staff volunteer work

Lauren Johnson discovered senior staff at Payday Express were more than happy to help support her after she said she wanted to volunteer as a Metropolitan special constable.

The UK payday loan company places great importance on staff development and wellbeing and didn’t hesitate when it became clear that Lauren would need greater flexibility to combine her job as a contact centre agent with her voluntary position as a special constable with the Metropolitan Police.

After extensive training to become a special constable, volunteers are required to carry out at least 16 hours of work per month. Cash advance loans provider Payday Express offered to support Lauren’s volunteer work by giving her flexibility around her hours of work in order for her to carry out the voluntary hours required within a month.

Lauren wanted to train as a special constable so that she could give back to her local community in Bromley.

“I wouldn’t have been able to honour my volunteering hours without the support I’ve been given by the company, for which I’m really grateful,” said Lauren.

Operations manager Sarah Carroll said: “We are very supportive of staff members who take on volunteer work in the community and are really pleased that Lauren is feeling fulfilled by the post.”

In addition to the support offered to those staff wanting to volunteer in their local community, Payday Express, provides internal training programmes to ensure all those within the organisation achieve their full potential.

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Credit Suisse Provide Q4 Market Commentary on European ETFs

European ETFs ended a challenging 2011 with total assets of USD 259.88 bn and net new assets of USD 18.23 bn. Positive inflows in the first seven months of the year began to reverse in August. A divide opened up between physically replicated funds, with continued positive inflows, and synthetically replicated ETFs which – coming under intense regulatory scrutiny – experienced large outflows. Relatively speaking, the European ETF market weathered the storm much better than the larger UCITS industry.

Credit Suisse ETFs Sales Strategist Ursula Marchioni reviews the ETF industry trends in her quarterly market commentary. Key findings of the quarter are:

Political uncertainty in Europe

Political uncertainty and the lack of a comprehensive solution to the euro sovereign debt crisis continued to impact European ETFs in Q4. After a flat October, outflows accelerated in November and December. In contrast, the US ETF market – facing similar underlying macroeconomic issues to Europe – did not experience the same crisis of confidence. Most likely due to its more mature and less fragmented status, the US ETF market, recorded a very different year to Europe, with inflows of USD 115.76 bn and only one negative month (May). The US ETF result reinforces our opinion that ETF growth will continue globally, and will gain strength in Europe when the underlying market uncertainty and regulatory scrutiny experienced here subsides.

Regulatory scrutiny intensifies

The increased regulatory scrutiny of synthetic ETFs highlighted in our Q3 market commentary continued to contribute to the outflows from these funds seen in last quarter. Since the publication of a European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) discussion paper in July addressing the risks of synthetic funds, a big divide has opened, with positive results for physically replicated funds and outflows mostly concentrated in synthetically replicated funds. Investors appear to prefer cash-based ETFs, placing USD 21.50 bn into physically replicated ETFs, in contrast to redemptions of USD 3.27 bn from synthetically replicated ones.

ETFs remain relatively attractive

Despite the negative flows in Q4, the European ETF market remains attractive to investors – illustrated by the USD 18.23 bn total inflows for the year – and particularly when compared to the much larger European UCITS fund industry. In contrast to the inflows recorded in European ETFs in 2011, by the end of November UCITS funds had recorded an outflow of EUR 84.5 bn. The disparity between the performance of the two investment vehicles is even more marked due to the fact that nearly 90% of European ETFs’ AUM is constituted in UCITS funds .

Credit Suisse expects 2012 to be a positive year for the European ETF industry

Some headwinds remain with respect to the health of the global economy and while a solution to the Eurozone crisis remains elusive, macro tools such as ETFs should continue to hold their position as a wrapper of choice for a variety of risk/return profiles. On January 30th, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) clarified its position on ETFs, and this should allay some of the investor concern over regulatory risks that was prevalent in the market in 2011. Ultimately, we expect to see a return to the fundamentals of indexing, with both the industry and regulators taking further action in clarifying the risks of different types of exchange traded instruments.

For a detailed account, please download the full Year End 2011 Market Commentary on European ETFs.

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Event agency’s online site is just the ticket thanks to SecureTrading

Ticketline UK, a Cardiff based independent ticket agency and tour operator has chosen SecureTrading, the UK’s leading independent payment processor, to process its online payments, and provide its customers with first rate customer service especially during peaks in demand.

Ticketline UK’s website is designed by Imaginet which has over fifteen years’ experience in web design and development, specialising in the delivery of custom-built eCommerce websites and other digital services. By combining its expertise with SecureTrading’s online payments solutions, merchants are able to sell online quickly and securely, taking funds safely via a variety of methods including Visa credit and debit, MasterCard, American Express and Maestro cards.

Paula Dauncey, Sales and Marketing Manager at Imaginet, said: “We liked the fact that SecureTrading was UK based, they have very competitive rates we can offer our customers and an excellent website integration system – it is a ‘win win’ situation for us. SecureTrading has always stayed ahead of the game, developing a partner scheme, improving services and integration processes and being flexible to our changing needs. We need our partners to be responsive, technically advanced and supportive, and SecureTrading ticks all the boxes.”

Ticketline UK is well regarded in the event and ticketing industry providing packages for major events across the UK including Take That’s recent nationwide tour.

Tim Rich, Director at Ticketline UK, says: “We have been working with Imaginet for nearly five years on our website and their partnership with SecureTrading provided the smoothest, cost efficient route to a new sales channel. Their online dashboard, customer service and support has been excellent.”

Tim Allitt, Head of Sales & Marketing at SecureTrading, says, “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Imaginet on Ticketline UK’s website by ensuring they offer a safe and secure online payment process and hope to work with them on future projects.”

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Payday Express makes British Heart Foundation charity of the month

Payday loans company Payday Express has made British Heart Foundation its charity of the month for February – a choice inspired by St Valentine’s Day.

In addition to the company’s regular Friday dress down days –when staff are asked to donate £1 each for coming to work in casual clothing – Payday Express held an additional dress down day on St Valentine’s Day, specifically to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

All staff were asked to wear red clothing and donate the usual £1 each. Those who chose not to wear red were asked to donate £2. For St Valentine’s Day, the office was adorned with red balloons and decorations. This and the workforce’s red outfits made the office look very romantic. In addition to red clothing and decorations, team leaders across the business organised themed incentives. High achieving team members were given the chance to play a version of the TV game show Red or Black, with the winner of the red card receiving a prize. These rewards included a meal for two at London restaurant Marco Pierre White.

Marketing assistant at Payday Express, Cigdem Husseyn, said: “Whether people had partners to celebrate Valentine’s Day with or not, they all had fun at work!”

Carl Mountain, contact centre manager at the cash advance loans company, said: “Payday Express staff are always great at getting into the spirit of occasions and Valentine’s Day was no exception.

“The team leaders did well to link their incentives into the theme, and we were all pleased to extend the theme to our chosen charity of the month, the British Heart Foundation.”

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Payday Express holds internal Trainee Team Leader Program for 2012

UK provider of payday loans online, Payday Express, has once again demonstrated its commitment to staff development with the hosting of the first Trainee Team Leader Programme for 2012.

Emma Furlong, group trainer at Payday Express, and the company’s operations manager Sarah Carroll, began the first programme for 2012 on February 10, with the aim of developing budding team leaders in different areas of the business. Six staff, from the company’s contact centre, collections, marketing and business development teams, will participate.

The programme involves weekly catch-up sessions in which participants receive coaching on management skills, as well as the chance to discuss exactly what the team leader role entails. They also get to share ideas and experiences and impart knowledge they have learned. They will work as acting team leaders while on the course in order to put their learning into action and will also get the chance to swap roles and run different teams as part of their on-the-job experience.

Operations manager, Sarah Carroll said: “Staff development is extremely important to us at Payday Express. This course gives high-achieving agents the chance to take the next step in their careers.

“Its success comes from giving them the chance to take what they learn in the training room each week and immediately practise it on the job. It’s also valuable for them to get the chance to discuss mistakes and difficulties with people in the same position as them,” she added.

Marketing executive, Therese Rydberg, said: “I am excited to get the opportunity to take part in this programme as it will help me to grow and take the next step in my career.”

The programme is designed to be suitable for employees from all departments within the payday loan company and is geared towards developing broad skills that can then be applied to their own jobs and teams.

To kick-start the programme, each participant is required to produce a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis on his/her own team, along with a personal development plan, which is then re-visited at the end of the course.

The programme also includes the following sections:
– Conducting monthly staff reviews
– Handling and steering conversations – this is a vital section in the programme and is revisited throughout, as it covers conversation and communication with peers, staff, management and customers
– Effective reporting
– Carrying out effective team incentives
– Interview techniques
– Coaching and development
– Absence management and operational overview
– Dealing with expressions of dissatisfaction
– Reporting upwards (to management)
– Process suggestions and implementation.

Via EPR Network
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Investment Firm Assetz Aims To Show Property Can Still Be The Key To Unlock A Wealthy Retirement

Smart investors can still build a good nest-egg for their retirement with help from expert advisers.

That’s what Assetz for Investors hopes to prove when it hosts a members’ day event on London on Saturday March 3.

Assetz for Investors will show you tips and tricks for spotting the most likely investments to achieve the best returns, based on the company’s bosses’ own extensive experience of property investment, and the knowledge gained over several decades as a result.

Stuart Law, founder and chief executive of Assetz, himself a successful and high-profile property investor, will be on hand to greet members, as well as give a keynote speech on the day.

The topics to be covered will be wide-ranging, from how to plan a property portfolio for retirement, through an overview of the current buy-to-let mortgage market, to how to use pension funds to buy investment property.

“We take a real ‘hands-on’, proactive approach to seeking out the best investment for our members, and in turn, they know that our commitment is to ensuring, as far as possible, the long-term success of their investment strategies,” said Stuart Law.

“Turbulent and changing markets demand a flexible yet measured approach to investment,” Mr Law added. “They also help distinguish the real winners from the also-rans.

“So we hope to prove to our investors at this members’ day event that there are many reasons to be confident that wise property investments are still not just possible, but that they are key to us helping our members achieve the financial independence they want.”

The event on Saturday March 3 takes place at The Mint Hotel, 30 John Islip Street, London, SW1P 4DD (nearest underground station Pimlico, Victoria Line).

Places must be booked in advance, and cost £30, including refreshments. Booking can be made online here, and the full day’s itinerary is available here.

If you can’t make it to our March 3 event, find out how easy it can be for you to put in place a solid foundation for your own future by investing in in-demand UK properties by contacting Assetz today, at www.assetz.co.uk, or by calling 0845 400 9000.

Via EPR Network
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Barclays Bankers May Lose £1bn Bonus To PPI Claims Says PPI Claims Company Simple Financial Solutions

Barclays bank is considering a move that will see the bonuses planned for its staff cut to pay the fines and compensation claims for PPI mis-selling, and may even institute a claw back of bonuses already paid, says PPI Claims Company Simple Financial Solutions.

In the wake of Sir John Vickers banking reform report, Barclays Chief Executive Bob Diamond has put forward the idea that some of the large fines for PPI mis-selling could be met by withholding the bonuses of its staff as a type of penance and using the money to meet its PPI mis-selling commitments instead.

In a meeting with the MPs of the Treasury Select Committee, Mr Diamond was taken to task by Committee Chair Andrew Tyrie about PPI mis-selling. In explaining that the staff responsible for the mis-selling had now gone, Mr Diamond added in reference to the PPI fines: “We are taking into account in our businesses that impact in our remuneration.”

Some believe his comments have come following the decision of Lloyds bank to claw back some of the bonus its chief executive, Eric Daniels, received because of the heavy financial toll of £3.2bn the PPI mis-selling scandal  is predicted to have on the lender.

However, Mr Diamond appeared to be losing patience with proceedings when later asked about bankers’ level of pay and remarked that it was ‘disappointing’ to be asked about it again. ‘I was looking forward to a discussion on the Independent Commission on Banking and its report and we’re right on to the same issues as last time, which I do find disappointing,’ he said.

A spokesperson for PPI Claims Company Simple Financial Solutions, said: “It seems that the bankers wish everyone would just shut up and forget about the PPI mis-selling scandal, as if it is water under the bridge, old history, best forgotten. Nobody has forgotten Mr Diamond’s comments earlier this year when he proclaimed the time for‘remorse and apology’ was over. The trouble is, it isn’t and it won’t be. Barclays has been identified as being one of the worst offenders for dragging its heels over settlingPPI claims and until the matter is fully concluded and Barclay’s customers are properly and fairly treated, Mr Diamond will hear a great deal more on the subject.”

“Cutting staff bonuses for poor performance is just the start of the steps Barclays should be taking to get its house in order. A bonus claw back from those senior manager who time and again failed at their jobs and caused this mess would be a good idea and might see Barclays earn a little lost respect back from customers.”

Via EPR Network
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Confused.com Launches New Partnership With Quotemehappy.com

Confused.com has launched a new partnership with Quotemehappy to offer insurance to careful drivers. Quotemehappy.com is an insurer that is specifically set up for careful drivers who want reliable, low-cost policies.

Confused.com’s comparison service makes it easy for customers to compare car insurance and with the new relationship with Quotemehappy.com, customers have even more choice.

Quotemehappy.com offers a comprehensive policy to careful drivers. The insurance brand keeps its costs as low as possible by operating online and premiums are also kept down as Quotemehappy.com is very clear about who it will and won’t insure. For example, it will not insure new drivers, those with older or more expensive cars or drivers who have had more than one at-fault claim in the last four years.

Marco Distefano, Managing Director of Quotemehappy.com, said: “Quotemehappy was created to give careful drivers a fair pricing and personal service when getting car insurance.

“At Quotemehappy.com we have negotiated some fantastic premiums with our specialist panel of insurers and see Confused.com as the ideal partner to ensure that this brand continues to reach the maximum number of potential customers as possible, whilst further enhancing Confused.com’s commitment to provide a specialist quote for every client, from every background with any specific needs.”

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com, continued: “At Confused.com we want to offer our customers the right cover at the right price by offering genuine value for money, a quality product and competitive prices for careful drivers. Adding Quotemehappy.com to the ever increasing number of insurers that we compare prices for is a great result.”

Via EPR Network
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