The managers of the Ruffer investment company have made back two-thirds of their 2009 investment into distressed assets amid more favourable market conditions for some illiquid strategies.

As pressure grows on banks to restart lending activities, buyers are warning the window of opportunity on private lending funds may soon be closing, writes Julia Rampen.

Smith & Williamson Investment Management has promoted Mickey Morrissey to the role of head of distribution for pooled funds and discretionary fund management business.

Tobacco stocks pushed the FTSE 100 higher at open today after details of a mega-merger between two of the largest US tobacco companies reached final stages.

Barclays will scrap its 6,500-strong cashier team in October, converting them into 'community bankers' with iPads.

Top-performing Neptune mid-cap manager Mark Martin has been adding to ex-FTSE 250 companies following the latest index shake-up.

Taxpayers lost out on roughly £1bn in the Royal Mail initial public offering due to poorly-priced shares, MPs have said.

ING Investment Management will look to boost its presence in the UK funds market following an IPO and a rebrand, the firm has said.

Investors have been lulled by the "calm before the storm" in terms of low volatility, the managers of the Ruffer Investment Company have warned.

Alex Salmond has been accused of pressurising Scottish financial services representatives from releasing a report on independence.