Latest news with #LIA
Irish Examiner
11-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Salaries on the rise for financial advisors due to shortfall in skills
Demand for experienced financial planning advisors in soaring, with very attractive careers available to those with the relevant skills. Joanne Keane, the CEO of LIA, an organisation for the education and development of finance professionals, says that industry surveys point to the likelihood of future shortfalls in skilled and experienced financial experts across a range of disciplines. One clear implication of this is that those with the requisite skills, already keenly sought after, will be in even greater demand in the coming years. As a result, salaries for these skilled individuals will also very likely be on the rise. LIA is the association for the education and development of financial professionals (advisors and planners) across Ireland. Basically, LIA equips its members with the qualifications, knowledge, and ongoing development to 'excel in a changing financial landscape' — offering accredited qualifications that enhance knowledge, competency, and career progression. In this Q&A interview, Joanne Keane outlines some of the main trends within the financial planning and advice sectors. She also explains why embedding financial literacy from schools and onwards, and why giving consumers a greater understanding of financial matters would be hugely beneficial to the Irish economy. What are the current career trends in financial planning in Ireland? The financial planning profession continues to experience sustained demand, with firms across Ireland seeking qualified advisers who can provide holistic, client-centred guidance. Roles in retirement planning, protection, and long-term investment advice are particularly in demand as we know there is going to be a shortfall of suitably qualified individuals in the coming years. Increasingly, employers are placing a premium on advisers who combine technical qualifications with strong interpersonal skills such as client communication, empathy, and behavioural coaching. With a talent shortage in key areas, companies face competition to recruit and retain skilled professionals. This has led to higher pay packages, especially for advisers who invest in continuous upskilling. Starting salaries for qualified professionals typically range from €50,000 to €60,000, with senior roles in certain specialist practices reaching up to €250,000 per annum. How is the financial advice profession evolving, and what qualifications do advisers need today? The profession is becoming increasingly specialised and advice-driven. In a world saturated with financial products and online noise, it's harder than ever for consumers to make informed choices without expert support. Financial advice is built on trust, and advisers today are expected to combine deep technical expertise with strong communication skills. Their role is not only to guide clients through complex financial decisions, especially in volatile conditions, but also to help them avoid costly mistakes. Central Bank of Ireland-approved qualifications like the QFA remain essential, but advisers are increasingly pursuing specialist credentials in areas such as pensions, investment management, risk management, and behavioural finance. Many QFAs are now enhancing their knowledge and skills through our Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, leading to the globally recognised Certified Financial Planner designation. Flexible learning models such as micro credentials and stackable short courses are also growing in popularity, allowing advisers to tailor their development to meet the needs of their clients. Continuous learning is no longer optional; it's becoming a core part of staying relevant in a fast-evolving, advice-driven landscape. What are the biggest financial literacy challenges facing Irish consumers, and what can be done to support better education? The latest LIA research highlights some stark realities: nearly half of adults in Ireland say they are unprepared for their financial future, and over 80% report that financial stress affects their mental health. Pension coverage among younger adults and middle-income earners remains low, and many struggle with basic budgeting and long-term planning. To address this, we need to embed financial literacy earlier, starting in schools, and expand access to simple, practical, and relatable resources. LIA is playing its part through programmes like Smart Money Habits, which deliver financial wellbeing training through sports partnerships with the GPA, Rugby Players Ireland, Sport Ireland and others. We believe in meeting people where they are and tailoring education to their life stage and priorities. What impact are economic changes (e.g. inflation, interest rates, or budget decisions) having on consumer attitudes toward financial planning? We've seen a shift in consumer attitudes over the past 12–18 months. The impact of inflation and recent economic volatility has heightened awareness of the need for financial planning but also made it harder for many to take action. Despite some easing in interest rates, the rising cost of living continues to put pressure on households, and many people still feel they can't afford to save or invest. Our research shows that many people are worried, but they don't always know where to start. That's where trusted financial advisers can play a transformational role—bringing clarity, offering reassurance, and helping people take small steps that build confidence. Our goal is to continue to highlight the importance of seeking financial advice, with the aim of increasing the number of consumers engaging in the process, resulting in better financial and mental outcomes for them and their loved ones and closing the gap in financial literacy and planning across the population.
Libya Herald
09-07-2025
- Business
- Libya Herald
LIA organises investment forum in London with participation of international banks, asset managers and investment funds
The Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) announced last Sunday (6 July) that it had organised an investment forum in London last Thursday (3 July), in the presence of a group of representatives of international banks, asset managers and investment funds. The LIA reported that the forum witnessed the participation of reputable financial institutions: Bank of New York (BNY), J.P. Morgan, Euroclear, Qatar National Bank (QNB), Jefferies Bank, and Marks Financial Services (Marex). A number of asset managers and investment funds also participated: Western Asset, Notz Stucki, Weverton, Sculptor, Carlyle Group and Federated Hermes. During the forum, the LIA gave a detailed presentation on its financial investment portfolio, and reviewed its vision and future plan for employing its assets, within the framework of Security Council Resolution No. 2769 of 2025, which aims to achieve the optimal use of cash balances and enhance transparency and efficiency in the management of frozen assets. The LIA said this forum comes as part of its efforts to strengthen its international partnerships and explore new investment opportunities that contribute to supporting the Libyan economy and achieve long-term financial sustainability.
Libya Observer
08-07-2025
- Business
- Libya Observer
LIA showcases its asset deployment plan and international partnership strategy in London
The Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) held an investment forum in London to present its vision and future plan for deploying its assets, strengthening international partnerships, and exploring new investment opportunities that contribute to supporting the Libyan economy and achieving long-term financial sustainability. The forum was held last Thursday with the participation of representatives from international banks, asset managers, and investment funds. LIA delivered a detailed presentation on its financial investment portfolio, in line with the UN Security Council resolution that permits it to invest its assets, according to a statement published on the Authority's Facebook page on Monday. Participating institutions included Bank of New York, JPMorgan, Euroclear, Qatar National Bank, Jefferies, as well as the financial services companies Marks, Western Asset, Notz Stucki, Waverton, Sculptor, Carlyle, and Federated Hermes. In January, the UN Security Council issued Resolution 2769 for the year 2025, allowing the LIA to invest its frozen cash reserves in low-risk time deposits with international financial institutions, while keeping the principal and returns frozen. It also permitted the reinvestment of accumulated cash held by investment fund managers, under the same freezing conditions. The Libyan Investment Authority holds assets valued at $39.5 billion, divided into three investment portfolios: time deposits representing 57.5% of the total portfolio, equities at 23.49%, and investment funds at 19.01%. Tags: Libyan Investment Authority
Campaign ME
07-07-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Alex Pineda joins Horizon FCB Dubai as Chief Creative Officer
Horizon FCB Dubai has named Alex Pineda as its new Chief Creative Officer. The appointment comes as Horizon FCB sharpens its focus on delivering work that combines creativity fueled by data and technology to build brands that endure. With more than 20 years of work experience in the Middle East, Europe and Latin America, Pineda has been helping brands in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the rest of the region stand out, stay relevant and deliver results. His track record includes work in different industries like QSR, automotive, banking, FMCG, tourism, real estate, and public sector amongst many others. Furthermore, major global creative festivals, including Cannes Lions, D&AD, One Show, Clio, LIA, Loeries, Effies, and WARC, as well as regional festivals like Dubai Lynx and Eurobest have recognised his work. Beyond the awards Horizon FCB Dubai claims it's his creative belief system that sets him apart. 'At Horizon FCB, our philosophy is that creativity is 'Never Finished'. We are always evolving, always pushing boundaries, and always looking for ideas that drive the economic multiplier to our Clients,' said Reham Mufleh, Managing Director at Horizon FCB Dubai. 'Alex embodies this mindset perfectly. His experience across markets, his passion for transformative ideas, and his commitment to nurturing talent make him the right creative leader for where we are headed,' she added. The agency claims Pineda sees creativity as a tool for economic and cultural progress. He leads with kindness, teaches with passion, and always brings humanity into the work. On his appointment he said: 'I found Horizon FCB's project extremely interesting. We share the same creative and business values, and after discovering Reham's long-term plan, coming back to Dubai was a no brainer.' 'If you check the status of today's global creativity, clearly FCB comes out as the hottest network, with impressive work from offices like Chicago, New York, India, New Zealand,' he said. 'Our goal is for Dubai to enter the party. We have the talent, the clients, and most importantly, the inner passion to make it happen'. Finally, besides his professional drive, Pineda writes and draws his own comic books series, loves football, cooking and shares his home with two pet rabbits.
Libya Review
02-07-2025
- Business
- Libya Review
Libya Achieves World's Highest Growth Rate Among Sovereign Funds
The Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) has recorded the highest growth rate globally among sovereign wealth funds in 2025, according to a recent report released by Global SWF, an organization that monitors governance, sustainability, and resilience efforts of leading state-owned investors worldwide. In a statement published on its official Facebook page, the LIA announced its notable progress in this year's Governance, Sustainability, and Resilience (GSR) scoreboard, a global benchmark that evaluates state-owned investment funds based on strategic clarity, governance standards, financial transparency, investment policies, sustainability practices, and risk management. According to the report, the Libyan Investment Authority achieved an overall score of 84%, marking a 32% increase compared to the previous year—the highest growth rate among sovereign wealth funds worldwide for 2025. The LIA noted that this result reinforces its growing prominence at both the regional and continental levels, ranking third in the Arab world and second in Africa on the GSR index. The authority attributed this success to a series of ongoing reforms and best practices implemented in recent years, including enhanced governance, greater financial disclosure, and improved adaptability to the rapidly evolving global investment environment. Over a six-year period, the LIA's GSR score has surged from just 4% to 84%, reflecting the effectiveness of its long-term institutional reforms. The LIA emphasized that this achievement aligns with the execution of its 2025–2027 strategy, which places a strong focus on transparency, corporate governance, and adherence to international best practices. Tags: Global SWFGSR indexLIAlibya
