FECIF Holds Series of High-Level Meetings in Brussels

This week, FECIF Chairwoman Vania Franceschelli, Secretary-General Simon Colboc and representatives of FECIF member associations conducted a series of meetings with European institutions and industry stakeholders in Brussels, continuing the Federation's engagement on key policy developments affecting financial advisers and intermediaries across Europe.

Among the meetings, the delegation was received by the Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union (DG FISMA), the European Commission department coordinating the Savings and Investments Union (SIU). Discussions focused on the revision of the Pan-European Personal Pension Product (PEPP) and the forthcoming Supplementary Pensions Package.

FECIF's message was clear: a European retirement product will only succeed if access to professional financial advice is preserved, indirect price regulation is avoided, and regulatory consistency with the recently agreed Retail Investment Strategy is maintained. The delegation underlined that financial advice should not be viewed solely as a cost, but as an essential mechanism for helping citizens participate in capital markets and make informed long-term financial decisions.

The growing role of artificial intelligence in financial services was also discussed. FECIF stressed the importance of ensuring a level playing field between regulated advisers and emerging AI-driven solutions, while recognising the opportunities technology can bring to both consumers and professionals.

The delegation also met with Insurance Europe, where discussions focused on the complementary roles of insurers and independent financial advisers in expanding access to retirement and long-term savings solutions across Europe. Participants exchanged views on how cooperation across the sector can help strengthen retirement preparedness and encourage greater participation in capital markets.

These meetings form part of FECIF's ongoing efforts to ensure that the perspective of financial advisers and intermediaries is reflected in European policymaking and that citizens continue to benefit from access to high-quality professional advice.

Constructive discussions, clear messages and valuable opportunities to continue the dialogue in the months ahead.

FECIF would also like to thank Cattaneo Zanetto Pomposo & Co. for their support in organising these meetings.