In a year in which active management has struggled severely, Asia-focused funds have emerged as the only major equity grouping in which the average manager has beaten the benchmark.

Kames Capital's CIO Stephen Jones expects the Bank of England to hold interest rates throughout next year, despite expectations of an upcoming hike.

Gregor Stewart, a former FD of Lloyds Banking Group's insurance division, has joined Alliance Trust as a non-executive director.

UK oil majors BP and Shell are under pressure after the price of Brent crude oil tumbled towards the $70 mark following an Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) decision not to cut production.

Adam Parker, one of the co-founders of Majedie Asset Management, is retiring after 27 years in the fund management industry.

Rob Hudson is leaving his role as head of Charles Stanley Direct at the end of December after three and a half years.

Investec Wealth & Investment has poached three investment directors from Barclays Wealth for its Bournemouth office.

Pioneer Investments' CEO Sandro Pierri will leave the group next year, to be replaced by current CIO Giordano Lombardo.

Schroders is launching a global multi-asset income fund for UK investors, mirroring its existing £4bn offshore strategy.

Ashcourt Rowan has seen a strong six-month period to end of September as its acquisition of UK Wealth Management in April helped boost revenues and assets under management.