Local Westmeath broker Damien Kelly of Planalife scooped the prestigious Best Leinster Broker Award at the inaugural Irish Brokers Association Life Pensions & Investments Awards.
The awards were the brainchild of the Irish Brokers Association - the representative body for brokers throughout the country - who wanted to ensure that those at the forefront of the financial services industry were recognised for their expertise and critical advice they give to their clients. The 380 people who attended the event last week, which was held at the Mansion House in Dublin, watched as eight financial service professionals scooped awards in a variety of categories, while Owen Morton from Moneywise received the IBA LPI Broker award for Lifetime Achievement.
Speaking of the awards Ciaran Phelan, CEO of the Irish Brokers Association said, “These awards were designed to give due consideration to all of those who work tirelessly in our industry and to accredit their excellence, professionalism, and dedication in dealing with clients and their contribution to the Irish financial services sector. In addition, we honoured journalist Charlie Weston, who has led much of the thought leadership on personal finance in recent years, bringing a multitude of issues to the fore.”
Brendan Spring, deputy president of the Irish Brokers Association spoke at the awards, “Brokers are a unique distribution channel, and they are a channel of choice. They are trusted with the financial security of clients on death, illness, retirement. Brokers’ resilience is unquestionable and the channel’s ability to adapt to the changing economic environment has allowed it to survive and flourish. Independent trusted advice has never been more important and we must ensure its value is understood and appreciated.”
The event was hosted by the Irish Brokers Association in conjunction with the awards sponsors Independent Trustee Company, Investec, Irish Life, Source Pensions, and Wealth Options.
