The European Federation of Financial Advisers and Financial Intermediaries

FECIF is an independent, non-profit trade association that supports and promotes the role of financial advisers and intermediaries in Europe, whilst also representing them at the highest European levels.

Representation starts with you, Join us!

✦ REPRESENTATION ✦ STARTS WITh YOU

Past Editorials

Michael Herzhofer

Michael Herzhofer
AFPA Chairman

Editorial | September 2025

Ensuring fair access to Insurance and Financial Services for Seniors

As our society ages, we face a defining challenge: ensuring that the systems we build are inclusive and supportive for all citizens, especially those who have spent a lifetime contributing to our nation's prosperity…

Read September Editorial

Vania Franceschelli
FECIF Chairperson

Editorial | July 2025

Let Advisers Advise: Clearing the Path to a True Savings and Investments Union

Europe's financial advisers risk getting trapped in a regulatory maze that could stifle the competitiveness we desperately need. While the Commission's simplification…

Read July Editorial

David Charlet
ANACOFI President & FECIF Board Director

Editorial | June 2025

Simplification or Stagnation? The EU’s Regulatory Dilemma

All that for that result ? The European Union has finally realized that it's too cumbersome and not effective enough. It's analyzing and questioning…

Read June Editorial

EDITO | NOVEMBER

EDITO | NOVEMBER

EDITO | NOVEMBER

July 01, 2025

Nov. 05, 2025

Nov. 05, 2025

by Frank Rottenbacher,
Board Member AfW
& FECIF Board Director

Humans, Data and Trust – How AI Will Redefine Financial Advice

AI: From Concept to Daily Practice

For many advisers, AI has already become part of everyday reality. Yet between hype and hesitation, one fact stands out: AI will not replace financial advisers – it will redefine their work.

According to the 17th AfW Intermediary Barometer, more than one-third of advisers already use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT daily, and another 16 % plan to do so within the next three months. Their expectations are clear: time savings (94 %), better sales support (53 %), and improved client service (38 %). AI has moved from experiment to essential. Remember the 1990s: when the Internet still felt complex and exclusive. That perception vanished quickly. The same is happening with AI.

From Knowledge to Questions

Technology alone does not define progress. We are leaving the knowledge economy and entering the question economy. When every fact can be generated instantly, value lies not in knowing but… 

As our society ages, we face a defining challenge: ensuring that the systems we build are inclusive and supportive for all citizens, especially those who have spent a lifetime contributing to our nation's prosperity. In Austria, the demographic shift is undeniable. By 2035, more than a quarter of our population will be over the age of 65. As the association representing Austria's independent financial and insurance professionals, AFPA felt a profound responsibility to move beyond assumptions and gather concrete facts about the financial well-being of our seniors.

To that end, we commissioned a comprehensive, nationwide study to understand…

Continue reading

Frank Rottenbacher

FECIF supports and promotes the financial advisory sector

Charted in 1999, FECIF (The European Federation of Financial Advisers and Financial Intermediaries) is a non-profit trade association that supports and promotes the role of Financial Advisers and Intermediaries in Europe, whilst also representing them at the highest European levels.

Our main activity is to, trough lobbying, carry their point of view to European policymakers and regulators.

Learn abour FECIF

FECIF represents…

+450k

+450k

european financial intermediaries

via

24

24

national trade association

operating
across

27

27

EU member states

Our mission

1

Carry

the point of view of Financial Advisors to European policymakers and regulators trough lobbying

1

Carry

the point of view of Financial Advisors to European policymakers and regulators trough lobbying

1

Carry

the point of view of Financial Advisors to European policymakers and regulators trough lobbying

2

Serve

as a forum for advisors in different countries to learn about best practice in distribution, advice and savings products

2

Serve

as a forum for advisors in different countries to learn about best practice in distribution, advice and savings products

2

Serve

as a forum for advisors in different countries to learn about best practice in distribution, advice and savings products

3

Enable

product providers (associate members) to understand the needs of financial advisors across Europe

3

Enable

product providers (associate members) to understand the needs of financial advisors across Europe

3

Enable

product providers (associate members) to understand the needs of financial advisors across Europe

News

Latest curated news

Financial Services

HUB Mag No 149 - dialogue constructif avec la FINMA

Oct 28, 2025

HUB+

Read

Regulation

EU: ESMA technical advice on UCITS eligible assets

Oct 28, 2025

Eversheds Sutherland

Read

Savings

Recommendations on Savings and Investment Accounts

Oct 23, 2025

Loyens & Loeff

Read

Regulation

EBA publishes its Annual Work Programme 2026

Oct 22, 2025

pwc

Read

ESG

Sustainability and Security: Investing in Defence

Oct 21, 2025

Travers Smith

Read

Browse more News

Events

Upcoming Events

Nov 4, 2025

FECIF

FECIF White Book 2025 Launch event

TBA

Brussels, Belgium

Go to event

Nov 12, 2025

HUB+

HUB+ Breakfast Conference:
Value in active management with a global approach

L’IceBergues

Geneva, Switzerland

Go to event

Nov 13, 2025

EFPA Spain

EFPA Spain 25 years Anniversary

Auditorio de Abante.

Madrid, Spain

Go to event

Sep 16, 2025

FECIF

FECIF Board Meeting

hosted by AfW

Berlin, Germany

Learn more

Sep 24, 2025

Infopro Digital

La Convention Patrimonia 2025 Lyon

Centre de Congrès de Lyon

Lyon, France

Go to event

About FECIF

Standing up for Independent Advice

Today, FECIF is composed of associations rather than distribution networks, as it was when first chartered. This shift has made us significantly larger and more representative.

Thanks to years of dedicated work, FECIF is now officially recognized as a stakeholder by the European Commission.

“Europe's financial advisers risk getting trapped in a regulatory maze that could stifle the competitiveness we desperately need.
Now more than ever, representation matters”

“Europe's financial advisers risk getting trapped in a regulatory maze that could stifle the competitiveness we desperately need.
Now more than ever, representation matters”

Vania Franceschelli

Vania Franceschelli

FECIF Chairperosn

Representation

FECIF intends to focus squarely on advocacy: this means carrying the voice of financial advisors to the European regulators, policymakers and the Commission, and bringing to national associations a high-level view of what is being prepared in Brussels that is likely to impact our activities.

Via its Brussels Head Office, FECIF provides strong and effective representation, lobbying stringently on behalf of its members.

Regulatory knowledge
Expertise and assistance
Direct input to EU regulation
Image Benefits
Conferences, webinars & workshops
Representation

FECIF intends to focus squarely on advocacy: this means carrying the voice of financial advisors to the European regulators, policymakers and the Commission, and bringing to national associations a high-level view of what is being prepared in Brussels that is likely to impact our activities.

Via its Brussels Head Office, FECIF provides strong and effective representation, lobbying stringently on behalf of its members.

Regulatory knowledge
Expertise and assistance
Direct input to EU regulation
Image Benefits
Conferences, webinars & workshops
Representation

FECIF intends to focus squarely on advocacy: this means carrying the voice of financial advisors to the European regulators, policymakers and the Commission, and bringing to national associations a high-level view of what is being prepared in Brussels that is likely to impact our activities.

Via its Brussels Head Office, FECIF provides strong and effective representation, lobbying stringently on behalf of its members.

Regulatory knowledge
Expertise and assistance
Direct input to EU regulation
Image Benefits
Conferences, webinars & workshops

25 Years Anniversary

25 Years
of achievements

Last year, FECIF proudly celebrated its 25th anniversary. Since its establishment in 1999 by a group of pioneering entrepreneurs who were shaping the future of financial advice across Europe, the association has evolved significantly."

Today FECIF is a group of associations rather than distribution networks. This has helped us become larger and more representative, but also more exposed to regulation. Thanks to the work of these years, FECIF is today recognized as a stakeholder by the European Commission.

Best example of recent achievements is the discussion on Retail Investment Strategy (RIS) over the past 12 months: FECIF helped identify the problems and present the position of the financial advisors, in very close co-ordination with the work of each individual association with their local regulators, in co-operation with other European associations.


Browse photos from the event

.


FECIF Members

Browse all members

Become a Member!

Representation
starts with you!

It has become increasingly obvious that the financial advisory sector needs strong representation, not only to help avoid unnecessary and unworkable regulations but also to ensure a level playing field. Without such representation the working environment is likely to become biased in favour of the so called “too-big-to-fail” institutions, and possibly also automated offerings, to the detriment of many advisers and intermediaries.

Who should consider Membership?

All national Trade Associations representing and/or supporting financial advisers and intermediaries should strongly consider FECIF membership, as should individuals involved in the provision of financial advice, where they are not presently represented, or associated with an existing FECIF member.

Any individuals or entities that are looking for support and assistance when dealing with European regulatory affairs, especially if conducting cross-border business in the EU, also benefit significantly from FECIF membership.

Join us!

Active Membership
Direct Membership

Available to Trade Associations, professional bodies and other organisations based in Europe who represent and/or support financial advisers and intermediaries.

EU updates on working documents

Frequent, detailed information from FECIF´s legal office in Brussels, with access to working documents from the European Commission and European Parliament, as well as the European Supervisory Authorities (“Super Regulators”) - ESMA, EIOPA, and the EBA.

Regulation Expertise & Knowledge

FECIF provides the understanding and experience of the various markets within Europe, the pitfalls to avoid and the “local knowledge” that can reduce time and cost to businesses.

Permanent representation & Lobbying

via FECIF’s regular and frequent lobbying and communication at the EU Commission, the Parliament, the financial regulators, market participants (consumer watchdogs, the fund sector, etc.) and national partner federations, our Members obtain significant advocacy advantages.

Download Membership Brochure
download iconApply for an Active Membership
Active Membership
Direct Membership

Available to Trade Associations, professional bodies and other organisations based in Europe who represent and/or support financial advisers and intermediaries.

EU updates on working documents

Frequent, detailed information from FECIF´s legal office in Brussels, with access to working documents from the European Commission and European Parliament, as well as the European Supervisory Authorities (“Super Regulators”) - ESMA, EIOPA, and the EBA.

Regulation Expertise & Knowledge

FECIF provides the understanding and experience of the various markets within Europe, the pitfalls to avoid and the “local knowledge” that can reduce time and cost to businesses.

Permanent representation & Lobbying

via FECIF’s regular and frequent lobbying and communication at the EU Commission, the Parliament, the financial regulators, market participants (consumer watchdogs, the fund sector, etc.) and national partner federations, our Members obtain significant advocacy advantages.

Download Membership Brochure
download iconApply for an Active Membership
Active Membership
Direct Membership

Available to Trade Associations, professional bodies and other organisations based in Europe who represent and/or support financial advisers and intermediaries.

EU updates on working documents

Frequent, detailed information from FECIF´s legal office in Brussels, with access to working documents from the European Commission and European Parliament, as well as the European Supervisory Authorities (“Super Regulators”) - ESMA, EIOPA, and the EBA.

Regulation Expertise & Knowledge

FECIF provides the understanding and experience of the various markets within Europe, the pitfalls to avoid and the “local knowledge” that can reduce time and cost to businesses.

Permanent representation & Lobbying

via FECIF’s regular and frequent lobbying and communication at the EU Commission, the Parliament, the financial regulators, market participants (consumer watchdogs, the fund sector, etc.) and national partner federations, our Members obtain significant advocacy advantages.

Download Membership Brochure
download iconApply for an Active Membership

Our blog

Insights. Strategies. Real-world perspectives.

FECIF Insights, activities, consultsion efforts and more.

Podcast

Sep 25, 2025

📺What pension choices await workers between the ages of 35 and 50?

Watch FECIF Chairperson Vania Franceschellit on the new episode of "Allies for the Future" by Allianz Bank Financial Advisors, on the topic of optimizing pension plans ⏳for workers between 35 and 50 years of age.

Podcast

Sep 25, 2025

📺What pension choices await workers between the ages of 35 and 50?

FECIF

Sep 20, 2025

FECIF member CNCEF celebrates 20years

Since its creation in 2005, CNCEF PATRIMOINE has established itself as a major player in the representation and promotion of the profession, bringing together experts committed to personalized support and the defense of their clients' interests.

FECIF

Sep 20, 2025

FECIF member CNCEF celebrates 20years

FECIF

Sep 17, 2025

FECIF delegation visits Reichstag and mets Germany's ruling party MP

FECIF Board convened in Berlin 🇩🇪 for its regular meeting, generously hosted by its member association AfW. As part of the programme, the joint FECIF–AfW delegation visited the Reichstag.

FECIF

Sep 17, 2025

FECIF delegation visits Reichstag and mets Germany's ruling party MP

FECIF Members

Jun 19, 2025

FECIF member GSCGI becomes HUB+

GSCGI becomes HUB+: a new identity, a renewed momentum for independent finance professionals

FECIF Members

Jun 19, 2025

FECIF member GSCGI becomes HUB+

Podcast

Sep 25, 2025

📺What pension choices await workers between the ages of 35 and 50?

FECIF

Sep 20, 2025

FECIF member CNCEF celebrates 20years

FECIF

Sep 17, 2025

FECIF delegation visits Reichstag and mets Germany's ruling party MP

FECIF Members

Jun 19, 2025

FECIF member GSCGI becomes HUB+

Browse more insights

Get in touch

Ready to
shake things up?

Help promote the role of financial advisers & intermediaries in Europe, whilst also representing them at the highest European levels.

Have an Enquiry or an Idea?

Let’s start a conversation and help promote the role of financial advisers & intermediaries in Europe

Email:

info@fecif.eu

Email:

info@fecif.eu

Email:

info@fecif.eu

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