TERMS OF BUSINESS
Terms of Business Effective Date 24th November 2020
These Terms of Business set out the general terms under which our firm will provide business services to you and the respective duties and responsibility of both the firm and you in relation to such services. Please ensure that you read these terms thoroughly and if you have any queries we will be happy to clarify them. If any material changes are made to these terms we will notify you.
Authorisation with Central Bank of Ireland
John M Walsh Trading as J M Walsh Financial Advice is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland C44827 as an Insurance intermediary registered under the European Union Insurance Distribution Regulations, 2018; as an Investment Intermediary authorised under the Investment Intermediaries Act 1995 and as a Mortgage Intermediary authorised under the Consumer Credit Act, 1995, and as a Mortgage Credit Intermediary under the European Union (Consumer Mortgage Credit Agreement) Regulations 2016. Copies of our regulatory authorisations are available on request. The Central Bank of Ireland holds registers of regulated firms. You may contact the Central Bank of Ireland on 1890 777 777 or alternatively visit their website at www.centralbank.ie to verify our credentials.
Codes of Conduct
J M Walsh Financial Advice is subject to the Consumer Protection Code, Minimum Competency Code and Fitness & Probity Standards which offer protection to consumers. These Codes can be found on the Central Bank’s website www.centralbank.ie
Our Services
J M Walsh Financial Advice is a member of Brokers Ireland.
Our principal business is to provide advice and arrange transactions on behalf of clients in relation to life & pensions/mortgages/general insurance products. A full list of insurers, product producers and lending agencies with which we deal with are available on request.
Fair Analysis
The concept of fair analysis t describes the extent of the choice of products and providers offered by an intermediary within a particular category of life assurance, general insurance, mortgages, and or a specialist area. The number of contracts and providers considered must be sufficiently large to enable an intermediary to recommend a product that would be adequate to meet a client’s needs. The number of providers that constitutes ‘sufficiently large’ will vary depending on the number of providers operating in the market for a particular product or service and their relative importance in and share of that market. The extent of fair analysis must be such that could be reasonably expected of a professional conducting business, taking into account the accessibility of information and product placement to intermediaries and the cost of the search. In order to ensure that the number of contracts and providers is sufficiently large to constitute a fair analysis of the market,
we will consider the following criteria:
The needs of the customer, The size of the customer order,
The number of providers in the market that deal with brokers,
The market share of each of those providers,
The number of relevant products available from each provider,
The availability of information about the products,
The quality of the product and service provided by the provider,
Cost and any other relevant consideration.
Investment Intermediary Services
We are remunerated by commission for our investment intermediary services.
We are remunerated by commission for our investment intermediary services.
Insurance based Investment Products
We are remunerated by commission for the advice we provide on our insurance based investment products
We are remunerated by commission for the advice we provide on our insurance based investment products
Life & Pensions
John M Walsh t/a J M Walsh Financial Advice provides life assurance and pensions on a fair analysis basis i.e. providing services on the basis of a sufficiently large number of contracts and product producers available on the market to enable us to make a recommendation, in accordance with professional criteria, regarding which contract would be adequate to meet the your needs.
We will provide assistance to you for any queries you may have in relation to the policies or in the event of a claim during the life of the policies and we will explain to you the various restrictions, conditions and exclusions attached to your policy. However, it is your responsibility to read the policy documents, literature and brochures to ensure that you understand the nature of the policy cover;particularly in relation to PHI and serious illness policies.
Specifically on the subject of permanent health insurance policies it is our policy to explain to you
a) The meaning of disability as defined in the policy;
b) The benefits available under the policy;
c) The general exclusions that apply to the policy;
d) The reductions applied to the benefit where there are disability payments from other sources.
b) The benefits available under the policy;
c) The general exclusions that apply to the policy;
d) The reductions applied to the benefit where there are disability payments from other sources.
For a serious illness policy, we will explain clearly to you the restrictions, conditions and general exclusions that attach to that policy.
Non-Life
We can provide advice on and arrange products from the following range: household
We provide general insurance advice on a limited analysis basis (providing services on the basis of a limited number of contracts and product producers available in the market), for whom we exclusively conduct insurance distribution business. We provide on the following product providers:
We provide general insurance advice on a limited analysis basis (providing services on the basis of a limited number of contracts and product producers available in the market), for whom we exclusively conduct insurance distribution business. We provide on the following product providers:
Aviva Insurance
In some cases we may be granted authority from an insurance undertaking to conduct tasks on their behalf, for which we will be remunerated. Where we place your business with this insurance undertaking under this authority you will be notified in advance of the placement.
We will also offer assistance to you in relation to processing claims on policies taken out with us and in seeking renewal terms on your cover.
We will also offer assistance to you in relation to processing claims on policies taken out with us and in seeking renewal terms on your cover.
To ensure continuity of cover, where you have an existing policy which is due to expire and where we have been unable to contact you, we may put continuing cover in force whilst awaiting your instruction. You will be liable for any premiums payable to the relevant insurer for the period of time between renewals and when we receive your instruction. You have the right not to avail of this service.
Mortgages
Through the lenders or other undertakings with which we hold an agency, John M Walsh trading as J M Walsh Financial Advice can provide advice on and arrange mortgage products from the following range: fixed-rate loans, variable rate mortgages, capital & interest mortgages, interest only mortgages, endowment mortgages, pension mortgages and residential investment property. We provides mortgage advice on a fair analysis basis (providing services on the basis of a sufficiently large number of contracts and product producers available on the market to enable the firm to make a recommendation, in accordance with professional criteria, regarding which contract would be adequate to meet your needs).
We will need to collect sufficient information from you before we can offer any advice on housing loans. This is due to the fact that a key issue in relation to mortgage advice is affordability. Such information should be produced promptly upon our request.
Statement of Charge
We may earn our remuneration on the basis of fee, commission and any other type of remuneration, including a non-monetary benefit or on the basis of a combination of these methods. A non-monetary benefit will only be accepted if it enhances the quality of the service to our clients.
You may choose to pay in full for our services by means of a fee. Where we receive recurring commission, this forms part of the remuneration for initial advice provided. We reserve the right to charge additional fees if the number of hours relating to on-going advice/assistance exceeds 5 Hours.
A summary of the details of all arrangements for any fee, commission other reward or remuneration paid or provided to us which have agreed with product providers is available in our office or on our website – www.jmwalshfinancial.ie
John M Walsh trading as J M Walsh Financial Advice is remunerated by commission and other payments from product producers or lenders on the completion of business. You may choose to pay in full for our services by means of a fee. Where we receive recurring commission, this forms part of the remuneration for initial advice provided. We reserve the right to charge additional fees if the number of hours relating to on-going advice/assistance exceeds 10 hrs.
In certain circumstances, it will be necessary to charge a fee for services provided. These are listed below for life, non-life business and Standard PRSAs.
In other circumstances where fees are chargeable or where you choose to pay in full for our service by fee, we will notify you in writing in advance and agree the scale of fees to be charged if different from fees outlined below Where it is not possible to provide the exact amount, we will provide you the method of calculation of the fee. If we receive commission from a product provider, this will be offset against the fee which we will charge you. Where the commission is greater than the fee due, the commission will become the amount payable to the firm unless an arrangement to the contrary is made.
Disclosure of Information
Any failure to disclose material information may invalidate your claim and render your policy void.
John M Walsh t/a J M Walsh Financial Advice is remunerated by commission and other payments from product producers or lenders on the completion of business. You may choose to pay in full for our services by means of a fee. Where we receive recurring commission, this forms part of the remuneration for initial advice provided. We reserve the right to charge additional fees if the number of hours relating to on-going advice/assistance exceeds 10 hrs.
In certain circumstances, it will be necessary to charge a fee for services provided. These are listed below for life, non-life business and Standard PRSAs. In other circumstances where fees are chargeable or where you choose to pay in full for our service by fee, we will notify you in writing in advance and agree the scale of fees to be charged if different from fees outlined below.
If we receive commission from a product provider, this will be offset against the fee which we will charge you. Where the commission is greater than the fee due, the commission will become the amount payable to the firm unless an arrangement to the contrary is made.
In certain circumstances, it will be necessary to charge a fee for services provided. These are listed below for life, non-life business and Standard PRSAs. In other circumstances where fees are chargeable or where you choose to pay in full for our service by fee, we will notify you in writing in advance and agree the scale of fees to be charged if different from fees outlined below.
If we receive commission from a product provider, this will be offset against the fee which we will charge you. Where the commission is greater than the fee due, the commission will become the amount payable to the firm unless an arrangement to the contrary is made.
Life Fees
You may elect to deal with us on a fee basis:
Advisor fees: €100.00 per hour or part of hour.
Additional fees may be payable for complex cases or to reflect value, specialist skills or urgency. Our scale of fees for such cases range from a minimum of €100.00 to a maximum of €200.00 per hour.
We will notify you in advance and agree a scale of fees to be charged.
Advisor fees: €100.00 per hour or part of hour.
Additional fees may be payable for complex cases or to reflect value, specialist skills or urgency. Our scale of fees for such cases range from a minimum of €100.00 to a maximum of €200.00 per hour.
We will notify you in advance and agree a scale of fees to be charged.
Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) – Fees
Where advice is requested for PRSAs, the following hourly fees will apply:
Advisor fees: €100.00 per hour or part of hour.
Additional fees may be payable for complex cases or to reflect value, specialist skills or urgency. We will give an estimate of this rate in advance of providing you with services. . Our scale of fees for such cases range from a minimum of €100.00 to a maximum of €200.00 per hour. We will notify you in advance and agree a scale of fees to be charged.
Advisor fees: €100.00 per hour or part of hour.
Additional fees may be payable for complex cases or to reflect value, specialist skills or urgency. We will give an estimate of this rate in advance of providing you with services. . Our scale of fees for such cases range from a minimum of €100.00 to a maximum of €200.00 per hour. We will notify you in advance and agree a scale of fees to be charged.
If we receive commission from a product provider, this will be offset against the fee which we will charge you. Where the commission is greater than the fee due, the commission will become the amount payable to the intermediary unless an arrangement to the contrary is made.
Mortgages
We may receive up to 1% (or whatever maximum is applicable) of the loan for arranging mortgage finance. This commission is paid by the mortgage lender. The actual amount of commission will be disclosed at a later stage in the ESIS (European Standardised Information Sheet) which will be forwarded to you. Information on the variation in levels of commission payable by the different creditors providing credit agreements being offered are available on request.
We charge a fee of €200.00 for advising on a mortgage application, this fee is non-refundable. This is not in any way an indication of mortgage/loan approval. Our fee will be notified to the lender who will include this fee into the calculation of the APRC (Annual Percentage Rate Charge).
We charge a fee of €200.00 for advising on a mortgage application, this fee is non-refundable. This is not in any way an indication of mortgage/loan approval. Our fee will be notified to the lender who will include this fee into the calculation of the APRC (Annual Percentage Rate Charge).
Please note that lenders may charge specific fees in certain circumstances and if this applies, these fees will be specified in your Loan Offer. You have the right to pay a fee separately and not include it in the loan. Typically, this situation arises in relation to specialist lending.
If we provide mortgage advice and obtain a Loan Offer for you and you subsequently do not proceed with your mortgage application through our firm, we will charge you an arrangement fee of €300.00 for our services.
General Insurance
We may be remunerated by commission from insurers on completion of business. Details of the commission arrangements are available on our website. Where an override commission is received, this will be disclosed to you in general terms.
Brokerage fee: €75.00 – €100.00
Cancellation or Mid Term Alteration fee: x% of the premium, with a minimum of €50.00.
Claims handling: Depending on case.
We will inform you of the amount of fee to be charged. When it is not possible the exact amount ,we will provide you the method of calculating the fee.
Insurance Based Investment Products We will provide periodic assessments of the suitability of the insurance based investment product which we have recommended to you.
Brokerage fee: €75.00 – €100.00
Cancellation or Mid Term Alteration fee: x% of the premium, with a minimum of €50.00.
Claims handling: Depending on case.
We will inform you of the amount of fee to be charged. When it is not possible the exact amount ,we will provide you the method of calculating the fee.
Insurance Based Investment Products We will provide periodic assessments of the suitability of the insurance based investment product which we have recommended to you.
Regular Reviews
It is in your best interests that you review, on a regular basis, the products which we have arranged for you. As your circumstances change, your needs will change. You must advise us of those changes and request a review of the relevant policy so that we can ensure that you are provided with up to date advice and products best suited to your needs. Failure to contact us of changes in your circumstances, or request a review, may result in you having insufficient insurance cover and/or inappropriate investments.
Disclosure of Information
Any failure to disclose material information may invalidate your claim and render your policy void.
Disclosure of Information
Any failure to disclose material information may invalidate your claim and render your policy void.
Conflict of Interest
It is my policy to avoid any conflicts of interest when providing business services to clients. However, where an unavoidable conflict may arise I will advise you in writing before providing any such service. If you have not been advised of any conflict you may assume that none arises. A full copy of our conflict of interest policy is available on request.
Default on payments by clients
Our firm will exercise its legal rights to receive payments due to it from clients (fees and insurance premiums) for services provided. In particular, without limitation of the generality of the foregoing, the firm will seek reimbursement for all payments made to insurers on behalf of clients where the firm has acted in good faith in renewing a policy of insurance for the client.
Product producers may withdraw benefits or cover in the event of default on payments due under policies of insurance or other products arranged for you. We would refer you to policy documents or product terms for the details of such provisions.
Mortgage lenders may seek early repayment of a loan and interest if you default on your repayments. Your home is at risk if you do not maintain your agreed repayments.
Product producers may withdraw benefits or cover in the event of default on payments due under policies of insurance or other products arranged for you. We would refer you to policy documents or product terms for the details of such provisions.
Mortgage lenders may seek early repayment of a loan and interest if you default on your repayments. Your home is at risk if you do not maintain your agreed repayments.
Complaints
While we are happy to receive verbal complaints, we would prefer that all complaints are made in writing. We have a written procedure in place for the effective consideration and handling of complaints. We ask that you make any complaint against our firm, relating to services provided by us, in writing. We will acknowledge your complaint within 5 business days and all complaints will be fully investigated and you will receive updates on the complaint at intervals of no greater than 20 business days stating from the date the complaint is made. The outcome of the investigation will be communicated to you in writing on the completion of the investigation. If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your complaint or the response to it you may refer the issue as appropriate to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) A full copy of our complaints procedure is available on request.
While we are happy to receive verbal complaints, we would prefer that all complaints are made in writing. We have a written procedure in place for the effective consideration and handling of complaints. We ask that you make any complaint against our firm, relating to services provided by us, in writing. We will acknowledge your complaint within 5 business days and all complaints will be fully investigated and you will receive updates on the complaint at intervals of no greater than 20 business days stating from the date the complaint is made. The outcome of the investigation will be communicated to you in writing on the completion of the investigation. If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your complaint or the response to it you may refer the issue as appropriate to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) A full copy of our complaints procedure is available on request.
Data Protection
J M Walsh Financial Advice is subject to the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 and the Irish Data Protection Act 2018.
J M Walsh Financial Advice is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We wish to be transparent on how we process your data and show you that we are accountable with the GDPR in relation to not only processing your data but ensuring you understand your rights as a client.
J M Walsh Financial Advice is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We wish to be transparent on how we process your data and show you that we are accountable with the GDPR in relation to not only processing your data but ensuring you understand your rights as a client.
The data will be processed only in ways compatible with the purposes for which it was given and as outlined in our Data Privacy Notice, this will be given to all our clients at the time of data collection.
We will ensure that this Privacy Notice is easily assessable. We will ensure you can easily receive a copy by; hand ,through the post or electronically by e-mail.
Please contact us at jmwalsh.financial.advice@gmail.com if you have any concerns about your personal data.
Compensation Scheme
We are members of the Investor Compensation Scheme operated by the Investor Compensation Company Ltd. See below for details.
We are members of the Investor Compensation Scheme operated by the Investor Compensation Company Ltd. See below for details.
Investor Compensation Scheme
The Investor Compensation Act, 1998 provides for the establishment of a compensation scheme and the payment, in certain circumstances, of compensation to certain clients (known as eligible investors) of authorised investment firms, as defined in that Act. The Investor Compensation Company Ltd. (ICCL) was established under the 1998 Act to operate such a compensation scheme and our firm is a member of this scheme. Compensation may be payable where money or investment instruments owed or belonging to clients and held, administered or managed by the firm cannot be returned to those clients for the time being and where there is no reasonably foreseeable opportunity of the firm being able to do so.
The Investor Compensation Act, 1998 provides for the establishment of a compensation scheme and the payment, in certain circumstances, of compensation to certain clients (known as eligible investors) of authorised investment firms, as defined in that Act. The Investor Compensation Company Ltd. (ICCL) was established under the 1998 Act to operate such a compensation scheme and our firm is a member of this scheme. Compensation may be payable where money or investment instruments owed or belonging to clients and held, administered or managed by the firm cannot be returned to those clients for the time being and where there is no reasonably foreseeable opportunity of the firm being able to do so.
A right to compensation will arise only:
If the client is an eligible investor as defined in the Act;
If it transpires that the firm is not in a position to return client money or investment instruments owned or belonging to the clients of the firm to the extent that the client’s loss is recognized for the purposes of the Act. Where an entitlement to compensation is established, the compensation payable will be the lesser of:90% of the amount of the client’s loss which is recognised for the purposes of the Investor Compensation Act, 1998; or Compensation of up to €20,000.
If the client is an eligible investor as defined in the Act;
If it transpires that the firm is not in a position to return client money or investment instruments owned or belonging to the clients of the firm to the extent that the client’s loss is recognized for the purposes of the Act. Where an entitlement to compensation is established, the compensation payable will be the lesser of:90% of the amount of the client’s loss which is recognised for the purposes of the Investor Compensation Act, 1998; or Compensation of up to €20,000.
For further information, contact the Investor Compensation Company Ltd. at (01) 224 4955.
Brokers Ireland Compensation Fund
We are also members of the Brokers Ireland Compensation Fund. Subject to the rules of the scheme the liabilities of its members firms up to a maximum of €100,000 per client (or €250,000 in aggregate) may be discharged by the fund on its behalf if the member firm is unable to do so, where the above detailed Investor Compensation Scheme has failed to adequately compensate any client of the member. Further details are available on request.
Brokers Ireland Compensation Fund
We are also members of the Brokers Ireland Compensation Fund. Subject to the rules of the scheme the liabilities of its members firms up to a maximum of €100,000 per client (or €250,000 in aggregate) may be discharged by the fund on its behalf if the member firm is unable to do so, where the above detailed Investor Compensation Scheme has failed to adequately compensate any client of the member. Further details are available on request.
Aviva Life & Pensions Limited
Aviva Insurance (Europe) plc
BCP Asset Management Ltd
Brokers Ireland Mortgage Services
Canada Life Assurance (Ireland) Limited
Friends First Life Assurance
Irish Life Assurance Plc
New Ireland Assurance
Pulse Insurance
Royal London
Seniors Money Ireland Ltd
Zurich Life Assurance Plc
Aviva Insurance (Europe) plc
BCP Asset Management Ltd
Brokers Ireland Mortgage Services
Canada Life Assurance (Ireland) Limited
Friends First Life Assurance
Irish Life Assurance Plc
New Ireland Assurance
Pulse Insurance
Royal London
Seniors Money Ireland Ltd
Zurich Life Assurance Plc
