vivisor Insights
Getting started · 8 min read
How to choose a financial advisor in Ireland
Picking the right financial advisor matters as much as picking the right product. The wrong choice can cost you tens of thousands over a lifetime. Here's how to narrow the field and choose with confidence — without needing any prior knowledge of the industry.
The four checks that matter most
Regulatory status — authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland for exactly what you need advice on.
Qualifications — QFA, RPA or CFP® for the topic in question (pensions, investments, mortgages, protection).
How they get paid — fee-only, commission, or hybrid. Each has trade-offs that affect the advice you'll receive.
Specialism & experience — do they regularly work with clients like you (age, situation, goal)?
Know the three types of advisor
Tied agent — represents a single product provider. Cheapest to access, narrowest choice.
Multi-agency intermediary — chooses from a panel of providers they hold agencies with. Wider choice.
Authorised Advisor / Broker — broadest market access; can recommend any provider in the market they have agency with. Most independent.
Match the specialism to your goal
Retirement & pensions consolidation → look for RPA, CFP® or a QFA with pensions specialism.
Mortgage → look for APA (Loans) or QFA with mortgage experience and a wide lender panel.
Protection (life cover, income protection, serious illness) → QFA with protection focus and access to all main insurers.
Lump-sum or inheritance investing → QFA / CFP® with investment specialism and clear fee structure.
Business owner / director pension → specialist in executive pensions, EPP / Master Trust / PRSA structures.
Questions to ask in your first call
What are you authorised to advise on, and which provider agencies do you hold?
How are you paid for this piece of work — fee, commission, or both? Get it in writing.
How many clients like me have you worked with in the last 12 months?
Will I deal with you directly, or someone else in the firm?
What happens after the sale — ongoing reviews, fees, or do I only hear from you if I call?
Can I see a sample Statement of Suitability and a sample fee schedule before I commit?
Red flags — walk away if you see these
Won't tell you in writing how they get paid.
Pushes one product hard on the first call, before understanding your goals.
Not listed on the Central Bank register, or registered for something different than what they're advising you on.
No Statement of Suitability provided before you sign anything.
Pressure to decide quickly, or to move all your pensions on day one.
For information purposes only. vivisor does not provide financial advice.