'Green' or ethical financial services set to become more mainstream

Socially responsible investing or ethical funds have never been so popular. The European ethical wealth management market is now worth E1 trillion, and ethical wealth management looks set to grow in popularity. Indeed, it appears ethical wealth management is not just a fashionable fad, and impressive returns suggest it will become a significant feature of Europe's wealth management landscape.

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'Tank tourism': holidays not over yet

The EU commissioner responsible for tax and customs-related issues is set to table a proposal to raise the minimum level of diesel tax imposed by member states, in a bid to cut down on 'tank tourism.' However, given the lukewarm reception that the proposal has received so far, and the fact that unanimity is required, the proposal is unlikely to be adopted.

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'Universal bank': doubts over government plan

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'Vote with your feet': bank critics urge consumers to move their money

A group of politically active bloggers from the Huffington Post have encouraged American consumers to move their money out of large US banks that accepted taxpayers' money and into struggling community banks. This campaign and others like it highlight the effectiveness of social media in uniting consumers and driving change, and the big banks should not underestimate its power.

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2010 UK Budget: bank accounts for all

The British Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling has announced plans in his 2010 Budget to broaden access to financial services by compelling banks to provide accounts to all consumers, regardless of their financial status. However, the extra costs that this proposal may impose on banks could encourage them to levy monthly fees on all account holders in an effort to maintain profit levels.

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3i: a move away from tech might be wise

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7IM: SIPPing in groups makes sense

As the UK government's reform of the pensions market approaches, there is increasing interest in self-invested pensions. 7IM is the first company to reach the market with self-invested group pensions, which offer flexibility and transparency. The product is likely to appeal to the executives of small and medium sized companies but high costs will make it unsuitable for ordinary workers.

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A difficult year, but the future is still bright for EDF

French energy giant EDF has revealed a bigger than expected 40% drop in annual profits, prompting a fall in the company's share price. However, despite the disappointing annual results, EDF's outlook is strong. Indeed, potential plans to sell some French assets in order to boost liquidity would not only ease the company's debt pile but would also appease the European Commission.

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A European E.ON-slaught

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A new breed of hedge fund enters the market

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