Financial Planning You Can Trust
Our team has advised many professionals, executives and their families from top performing companies like:
Trusted Partnerships
We work with some of the top Insurance and Financial Investment companies in Ireland:
Niall O'Connor
Founder
Niall O'Connor MSc CFP® Professional, QFA RPA
Founder
MSc in Financial Services
MSc in Financial Services
Niall holds a Masters (MSc) in Financial Services delivered by University College Dublin.
This qualification helps Niall to measure and manage financial risk at both an individual and organisational level and to appreciate the dynamic linkages between “risk appetite” and return performance (How broader macroenvironmental factors, such as austerity and stimulus, interest rates, and exchange rates etc. impact on global and domestic economic activity and influence the financial services industry and its customers).
Finally, it anchors around the theme of the role of risk in financial management, a principal aim of the programme was to equip financial planners like Niall with specific skills in risk management, decision making models, macroeconomics and business negotiation skills, to navigate the unfolding financial services landscape on behalf of his individual clients.
CFP® practitioner
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
Niall holds the Certified Financial Planner designation, awarded by the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB).
It is the only globally recognised mark of excellence in financial planning and awarded to financial advisors at the pinnacle of the profession, who have completed a detailed assessment of their skills and knowledge and demonstrated that they have the right experience, education and ethical approach.
Less than 5% of financial advisors in Ireland have received this designation
Niall started his career working for one of the largest financial advisory firms in Ireland. He gained experience advising private clients and corporates on a number of complex financial matters and soon established himself as one of the groups leading young financial advisers.
During this time, Niall became one of the few advisers in Ireland to attain the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional qualification, the hallmark of excellence in the financial planning profession.
After several years working for a large organisation, Niall decided to go on secondment to the largest bank in Ireland to broaden his knowledge and experience. He continued to help a diverse range of clients across all aspects of their financial planning and developed particular expertise in pension advice and investment planning.
As time went by, Niall felt there was a better way to deliver financial advice. One that helped people make sense of their finances without the confusing jargon or eye-watering charges. One that was approachable, reliable and accessible – not just reserved for the super-wealthy. Niall decided to launch Financial Planning Matters – a company dedicated to going ‘above and beyond’ for every client.
On a day-to-day basis, Niall advises busy professionals and their families on how to make the most of their money. His area of expertise includes retirement planning, tax mitigation, pension options and investing for the future. Outside of the office, Niall is a UEFA licenced coach and can often be found on the soccer pitch, coaching the next generation or on the golf course, losing golf balls. Alternatively, Niall enjoys spending time with family and good friends.
Charlie Murtagh
Financial Planning Associate
Charlie Murtagh
Financial Planning Associate
MSc
MSc in Financial Services
Charlie holds a Masters (MSc) in Finance delivered in 2020/21 by University College Dublin Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, a top 50 ranked program by the Financial Times.
His master’s course was designed to give advanced specialist knowledge and a practical understanding of finance theory and practice relevant to the financial services industry. The focus on empirical and theoretical finance research enabled him to remain up to date with changes in international financial markets.
Charlie is beginning his career with Financial Planning Matters, as the first Financial Planning associate of the company. Taking a role under Niall to accelerate his career to a role as a financial advisor in the future.
The next step for Charlie is to complete the QUALIFIED FINANCIAL ADVISOR (QFA) qualification, then move on to attain the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, one of the most prestigious qualifications for financial advisors.
Originally from Kildare, Charlie went to Clongowes Wood College for leaving certificate the onto college with Technological University Dublin studying Economics & Finance before taking a year working in the horse racing industry. Last year he went to UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and earned his master’s in Finance.
Charlie has a keen interest in all sports from golf to horse racing. Playing rugby for the Old Belvedere Juniors in Dublin wherever they’ll play him. Coming from a horse racing background Charlie has immense knowledge of the industry and is a regular going around the country watching racing and dreams of owning an Irish Derby winner.