The Association of Independent Financial Advisers (AIFA) has expressed its sadness at the passing of Ian Thorneycroft, managing director of SimplyBiz, who died after a long battle with cancer.

Chris Cummings, director general of AIFA, said: “It is with great sadness that AIFA learnt Ian Thorneycroft had passed away. Ian was an outstanding AIFA Council member and a strong advocate for independent financial advice. He will be missed by all those who knew him and the industry is the poorer for his passing.