LIA - The Professional Association for Financial Services in Ireland

About LIA



About Us

LIA is an educational and professional body for people working in the financial services industry. Education and training is provided for individuals involved in all sectors of the financial services industry, whether they are front office or back office  based; working in sales or sales support. As our strapline states we are “the professional association for those who give and support financial advice”. The Association is committed to the ongoing professionalism of the industry, and works to achieve this aim through the provision of services including:

  • Competency testing and diploma courses recognised by the industry
  • Regular regional seminars
  • National seminars and workshops
  • The Professional - our educational and professional development journal
  • Use of designations recognised by the industry
  • Exchange of ideas with like-minded professionals
  • The provision of a Continuous Professional Development Programme for QFAs (Qualified Financial Advisers)
  • MyCPD - An online learning system for achieving formal CPD hours for QFAs and QFA FLIAs. MyCPD, a joint venture of LIA and The Institute of Bankers in Ireland is provided to QFAs, QFA FLIAs, and CPD members as part of their membership benefit.

LIA has a policy of working in cooperation with other organisations on education and related matters. This has worked to the benefit of all concerned.

The structure of LIA includes the Board of Directors, the National Committee, eight Regional Committees, the Finance Committee, Education Committee, and Membership Benefits Committee which enable us to keep in contact with and carry out the wishes of our members. We have an office and staff in Dublin, who manage the day-to-day running of the Association.

History

LIA was originally founded in the UK in 1972 and the first Irish region was established in Cork in 1978. Subsequently, regions were set up in Dublin, Limerick, Northeast, Northwest, Midlands, Southeast, and West of Ireland . In May 1993, Life Insurance Association Ireland became an autonomous body with the full support and encouragement of our colleagues in the UK.

Over the past 17-18 years LIA in Ireland has played a key role in improving the standards of professionalism amongst those who give and support financial service. We have worked closely with our industry partners and with the Financial Regulator in expanding the services provided. When LIA Ireland was established in 1993 our membership was 630. Membership is now in the region of 8,000.