SOUTHAMPTON-based Asset Management has put itself at the forefront of pensions and investment advice with four directors and staff now qualified under the G60 Pensions Examination of the Advanced Financial Planning Certificate.

The latest to qualify is the Woolston firm's managing director, Dick Carne, and he joins fellow director Gordon Craig; pensions specialist, Paul Fruin, and report writer, Marie Brown who have passed the examination.

G60 is a benchmark qualification and only those who have reached the standard are permitted by the Personal Investment Authority, soon to become the Financial Services Authority, to offer specialist advice on transferring out of occupational pensions.

Commented Mr Carne: "Although we are one of the largest IFA provincial practices in Southampton it is extremely unusual for a company of our size to have four people with this qualification.

"Indeed, many practices have none at

all and if they are asked for such advice, have to refer the client to specialists such as us.''

He added: "As a company we put a good deal of emphasis on training and personal development in order to provide our clients with the very best service and advice, and the managing director is not excluded from that!''