Phoenix Insights has commissioned research to bring individual consumer voices into the debate about the role of targeted support in financial decision-making.

The briefing paper laid out the evidence for a deliberative public engagement programme, which would explore a range of perspectives on targeted support, along with the concepts of consumer choice, consumer protection and consumer best interest in accessing a defined contribution (DC) pension. Commenting on the announcement, Phoenix Insights head of public engagement and campaigns, Catherine Sermon, said: "Targeted support could enable firms to provide more tailored support to customers, so they are better informed to make decisions. This would be a big change from the status quo, and we believe it's vital to understand more about how people would use this, to understand any risks, and to work to ensure the best outcomes for savers. Our research is designed to bring informed individual consumer voices into this discussion."

InvestEngine has launched a zero-fee self-invested personal pension (SIPP) offering to new and existing customers.

The firm said the SIPP service would make it easier for people to invest for retirement and ensure more of their money goes towards later life instead of being lost to provider fees. Current customers with an InvestEngine SIPP won't need to take any action, with platform fees automatically removed from December. InvestEngine head of investments, Andrew Prosser, said: "Low fees have been a part of our ethos since InvestEngine's launch, with investors paying nothing for DIY portfolios and only 0.25 per cent per year for managed portfolios. Our ISAs, general accounts, and business accounts have no account fees. We're therefore pleased to be in a position where we can now bring zero fees to our pension offering, making us an industry leader in this space."

Zedra has partnered with Gryphon, an Ohio-headquartered fund administrator, which will provide them with accounting, administration, tax preparation, and advisory services.

The announcement follows the firm's agreement to invest in RBB Business Advisors, a specialist provider of global expansion services in France. The advisors will provide the firm with accounting, reporting, payroll, HR and tax services to their domestic and international client base. Zedra chief executive officer, Ivo Hemelraad, commented on the deals: "We are delighted to welcome the team from RBB Business Advisors. The combined extensive experience and knowledge will be a great asset as we further grow our footprint in France and expand our capabilities within the corporate & global expansion space. We are also delighted to welcome Gryphon to the Zedra family. Their expertise and commitment to excellence are a natural fit for our organisation, and we look forward to working together."

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