Barclays has launched Retail Distribution Review (RDR)-ready share classes on its active and passive funds and discretionary offerings.

Platform giant Skandia's sales force is understood to be facing a significant reduction in numbers after the group - now known as Old Mutual Wealth - revealed there will be 200 jobs lost across the business.

Cofunds is planning to target life companies failing to attain traction in the platform market.

Venture capital trusts (VCTs) and enterprise investment schemes (EISs) are to fall under the Financial Services Authority's (FSA's) upcoming guidance on unregulated collective investments schemes (UCIS).

Skandia CEO Peter Mann has said the firm will target restricted advisers as part of a plan to become an integrated wealth manger.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has been forced to drop its investigation into property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz and his role in the collapse of Icelandic bank Kaupthing due to insufficient evidence.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is to publish further guidance on whether discretionary fund managers should be eligible for VAT payments.

The banning of marketing "packages" between providers and advisory groups would bankrupt most networks and support service providers, Threesixty managing director Phil Young said.

UCIS provider Connaught Asset Management is to reimburse investors in its Income Series 2 this week.

Standard Life has signed a five-year platform distribution deal with Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).