Changes to Isa regulations offer new opportunities

ISAS

The government has introduced a number of welcome changes to Isa regulation, in particular the commitment to keep them permanently, but the maximum yearly investment of £7,000 is too low

The reforms to the Isa announced by the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Ed Balls, in two speeches at the Pep & Isa Managers' Association and the Association of British Insurers conferences towards the end of 2006, have pulled off quite a feat in managing to be all things to (almost) all people. They enable Balls and the Government to congratulate themselves on a timely and well-judged response to the industry. They send a clear signal to the market of government commitment to encouraging long-term saving. They give those of us who manage and market Isas some welcome simplification in t...