The Value of Advice

Financial Advice has evolved beyond product selection. 

In our Value of Advice series, we look at the bigger picture and share global learnings and insights with you.

 

A Better Decision

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Financial advice today isn't just about picking the right investment, pension fund or protection product.

In May 2025 Irish Life, in association with Brokers Ireland, hosted a symposium bringing together eight brokers networks from around the world under the heading The Value of Advice.

A range of themes relating to financial planning was discussed, with industry experts in each country identifying what's working, what's changing and what clients in those countries perceive as valuable.

What have we learned?

In a series of short videos, Eamon Twomey (StepChange) talks to Anthony Kavanagh,  Director - Brokerage, Irish Life, and Rachel McGovern, Brokers Ireland Deputy CEO, about their key take-aways.

The Value of Advice: client engagement and communication

Here the group discuss the area of client engagement and communication, including:

  • Personalisation, proactivity and accountability
  • Consistency of delivery
  • Hybrid/multi-channel engagement
  • Education and empowerment

reports

The Value of Advice reports 2025

Many of the learnings shared at the symposium are available in the Value of Advice 2025 reports, which are available to view now.

 

Value of Advice white paper 2025 

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The Value of Advice: advice processes and propositions

Here the group discuss the area of advice processes and propositions including:

  • The rise of holistic financial planning
  • Tailored propositions and behavioural coaching
  • Process simplicity/transparency and regulatory changes
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The Value of Advice: the VOA survey

In this video the group examines the findings from the Value of Advice survey, which took place in the first half of 2025, including:

  • The history of the report
  • Key take-aways for advisors
  • Advice, and how it specifically applies to pensions
A man sitting at a desk looking at a screen which shows Anthony Kavanagh of Irish Life in conversation

The Value of Advice: multi-generational planning

In this conversation on an increasingly relevant area of advice, the group discusses:

  • Why multi-generational planning is seen as a key area of financial planning in the future
  • The different forms multi-generational planning can take
  • How trust can be built and maintained with clients
  • The challenges Financial Brokers need to be aware of
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The Value of Advice: auto-enrolment, compulsory pensions and Budget 2026

In our first video of the series, the group discussed

  • How compulsory pensions transformed the retirement landscape in Australia
  • The UK system and stakeholder pensions
  • Different pension system worldwide and what Irish brokers can take away from them
  • Their thoughts ahead of Budget 2026