AMP has announced a senior appointment to its North leadership team, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to the advice industry.

While the last several months have seen increased market volatility, particularly in the US, advisers said there are multiple reasons why there has been an increase in defensive asset flows.

Scarcity Partners believes the dynamics playing out in the managed account and outsourced chief investment officer market are “here to stay” based on positive developments in financial advice.

Betashares is to merge its managed account business with InvestSense to form a purpose-built, comprehensive option for financial advisers that will have $8 billion in funds under management (FUM).

Despite the financial adviser exam being rooted in ethics, two professional year advisers believe the lack of support and transparency from the regulator around the exam is unethical.

Betashares chief executive, Alex Vynokur, has said that the firm is focused on financial advisers “more than ever” as it grows the business, having announced a merger with managed account provider ...