Globally, cancer is one of the most common conditions being faced, which in turn is leading to rising costs according to our Global Medical Trends 2026. Every year in the U.K., there are approximately 385,400 new cases of cancer. But while survival rates have more than doubled in the last 40 years, from 24 per cent to 50 per cent, treatment often involves lengthy recovery times, which can negatively impact business operations and productivity.
New research from Canada Life reveals a widespread lack of awareness about where important family documents and financial policies are kept, leaving millions at risk of unnecessary stress, delays and even penalties during periods of bereavement.
The very latest research from the employee benefits experts at Everywhen shows that only 17% of employers will be focussing their employee health and wellbeing support on serious illnesses such as cancer this year. This is concerning given that cancer rates are increasing, with an estimated 3.5 million people in the UK living with cancer in 2025, compared to around 3 million in 2020.
FTSE 100 nudges up in early trade. Gold has rebounded to start the week, as speculators look to take advantage of last week’s slump. Elon Musk has announced intention to combine SpaceX and xAI to create a $1.25 trillion company. Donald Trump has announced plans to cut India trade tariffs from 50% to 18%, buoying stock markets. The oil price has fallen on news that the US is in talks with Iran in a bid to ease tensions in the Middle East
In its new 2026-28 strategy, the ABI reaffirms its commitment to building a trusted sector, investing in people and planet and shaping an effective market.
Shock unravelling of gold and silver prices has continued. Fed chair pick sparked the sell-off but easing geopolitical tensions exacerbate falls. FTSE 100 opens in the red and Wall Street is set for a slide. Mining, energy and tech set to be under pressure as risk appetite is dampened
Almost three-quarters of UK defined contribution (DC) pension schemes (69%) are planning to access private markets through Long-Term Asset Funds (LTAFs), new research from Schroders in association with Longview Networks, can reveal.
Sheldon is leading a long-term review into AI and retail financial services, reporting to the FCA Board in the summer with recommendations to help the FCA continue to play a leading role in shaping AI-enabled financial services.AI is already shaping financial services, but its longer-term effects may be more far-reaching. This review will consider how emerging uses of AI could influence consumers, markets and firms, looking towards 2030 and beyond.
Only one in three UK pension schemes using fiduciary management currently has formal, independent oversight in place, despite clear expectations from regulators, according to data compiled by XPS
ABI Board and member group governance refresh to elevate and align decision-makingNew pension group to focus on the Bulk Purchase Annuity market and investmentChairs confirmed across the four lead groups
Footsie set to end the week flat, after stocks slip back Stateside. Gold retreats from record highs as investors take profits after its glittering run up. Brent Crude edges back lower but is still set to sharpest weekly gain in two years. Wall Street set to trade lower as speculation swirls about the next chair of the Federal Reserve. Worries rise about huge AI spend not delivering on expectations. Apple’s softly-softly approach to AI appears to be reaping rewards.
More than £46 million was reclaimed in overtaxation on pension withdrawals in October, November and December 2025, the latest HMRC figures reveal. During the quarter there were 13,652 reclaim forms processed, with an average reclaim of £3,388. Over £1.5 billion has now been reclaimed by people overtaxed on pension withdrawals since 2015. How taking a small withdrawal when you first access your pension could ease overtaxation pain. Alternatively, savers can fill out one of three HMRC forms and get their money back within 30 days
Next rate cut not expected until June and President clearly anxious over state of the economy ahead of Congressional elections. Ghost of Arthur Burns, who trigged a wave of inflation in the 1970s, still haunts the Fed, says Rathbones’ Head of Market Analysis. Weak dollar represents portfolio headwinds for sterling-based investors
ONS data on the ownership of UK quoted shares demonstrates the radical fall in the proportion of shares held by UK insurers and pension companies over the past two decades.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has called on the insurance industry to help more consumers access products that support them and their families if they become critically ill or die.
Proposed changes to the Lifetime ISA (LISA) may simplify support for first-time buyers - but risk abandoning thousands of savers who have used the LISA to save or supplement their retirement, PensionBee warns.
Crude prices surge as an attack on Iran appears imminent given US military build up. Gold and silver head even higher amid intense safe haven demand. Meta shares take off as results exceed expectations, as it intensifies its artificial intelligence push. Microsoft’s mismatch between soaring AI spend and slower cloud growth unnerves investors. S&P 500 set for another move into record-breaking territory.
New qualitative study explores psychological biases, decision-making processes, and lived experiences during the transition from saving to spending in retirement. Findings highlight complexity and emotional uncertainty, with people valuing flexibility and control but struggling with jargon and decision-making. Implications for bridging the advice gap: People’s experiences are far from uniform, creating both challenges and opportunities for Targeted Support, Simplified Advice and Guided Retirement as they move into the spotlight in 2026.
The Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) has confirmed that the Dynamic General Insurance Stress Test (DyGIST) will start in May 2026. This isn’t the first stress test the PRA has carried out, but this time the difference is clear in the name – it will be dynamic. Firms will deal with a 'live' exercise spanning three weeks, requiring insurers to react as they would in real life, dealing with an evolving event and responding to queries from the regulator in real time. Equally, the PRA is using this exercise as an opportunity to test its own processes in dealing with a stress event.
S&P 500 hits 7,000 for the first time. Forecast beating tech results put fire under chip stocks. Fed expected to keep rates on hold later, but bets are on for cuts this year.
Almost 42,000 people claimed a delayed State Pension in 2023/24 according to figures obtained by Royal London. People who delay claiming their State Pension for a year are entitled to higher payments. Delaying claiming the State Pension by a year means an extra 5.8% is added to your pension
The Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA) today outlined its priorities for 2026 at its Annual General Meeting (AGM), alongside announcing updates to its Board. Against a backdrop of continued regulatory scrutiny and sustained growth in the MGA sector, the MGAA said its focus for the year ahead will be on expanding member value, enhancing its technical training programme, deepening market engagement and strengthening the voice of delegated underwriting across the UK and Ireland.