Out of commission? Jill Kerby on fees for financial advice

The Central Bank’s imminent report on conflicts of interest and non-transparent fees should spark a welcome shake-up of the financial advice sector

Trust-based client/adviser financial relationships have been complicated in Ireland by the prevalence of commission remuneration Pic: Getty

Financial advisers are to your money what medical consultants are to your health. Their job should be to diagnose what ails you financially, or to prescribe your financial needs and recommend an appropriate course of action.

As their client, you then pay them an agreed fee commensurate with their time and expertise. After all, would you be happy if your medical consultant told you they were paid with a sales commission from the ...