Firms could face legal action if they fail to apply due diligence to employee benefits packages, Kudos Independent Financial Services warns.

UK - Barclays Global Investors (BGI) has reportedly experienced a strong demand from UK pension funds for its multi-asset portfolios and raised over US$ 1bn in the past year.

KNAUF Insulation has appointed Mercer Human Resource Consulting to provide a packaged pension service.

The 30th anniversary edition of Pension Funds and their Advisers - known throughout the industry as The Blue Book - has been launched by AP Information Services.

THE ASCENTRIC Wrap platform has increased the number of available funds following demand from independent financial advisors.

THE PENSIONS Management Institute has launched an online TV channel in a bid to boost its range of services to members.

CONSERVATIVE leader David Cameron has urged the government to speed up compensation payments under the Financial Assistance Scheme.

Global - Credit Suisse's asset management arm has increased its asset under management (AUM) to CHF 708.6 bn, up 5.8 % since December 31, 2006.

NETHERLANDS & UK - Fortis Investments has appointed Charles Janssen as head of institutional sales for Netherlands and the UK.

Legal & General executive director Robin Phipps is to retire later this year.