IFA working on pro-bono offering

President Michael Dowling said it could be expected to launch as a national service in the third quarter of this year.

The IFA has run a pilot programme and is analysing the findings.

Dowling said it would be designed to target people in need, such as those who had lost their jobs or were getting into too much debt. “Or even sickness. I’ve had a few trauma claims this year and I’ve been surprised how many clients didn’t realise they are insured for that stuff.”

Dowling said the IFA was trying to work out whether a system could be devised that would offer safety mechanism to protect advisers. “You don’t want to do a lot of work and put your neck in the noose when it’s pro-bono,” he said.