Established in 2013, Smart Choice have brought together a team of highly qualified and experienced individuals, to provide a unique service offering. With almost 130 years experience between us, our combined “outside the box” thinking, our service and expertise in many fields ranging from Finance and Investment to Planning and Restructuring, here at Smart Choice we can cater to all of our client’s needs. We’re on the cusp of local and international stock markets, new products & legislation and we always have access to the lowest costs and charges available. We’ve got a foundation for success that’s set for many decades to come. We are focussed on building long term relationships with our clients. We take the time to get know and understand our clients in order to provide long term satisfaction, solutions and service. Smart Choice is not biased towards or against any particular provider. Because of our years of experience, we are familiar with the service levels of each product provider in their respective market. As such we can compare not just price, but contract structures and service standards, and can advise on the best provider, the best cover, at the best rate from the most suitable and the most reliable provider, every time.
2000+
Clients
15+
Partners
At Smart Choice we have brought together a team of highly qualified and experienced individuals, to provide a unique service offering. With over 75 years combined service and expertise in many fields ranging from Finance and Investment to Planning and Restructuring here at Smart Choice we feel we can cater to all of our client’s needs.
Meet The Team
Fred Hickey
Managing Director
Read Bio
Fred was the Managing Director of Brennan Pension & Investments, after a management buy-out Smart Choice Financial Brokers was established in December 2012. It evolved from the company Brennan Pension and Investment which was established in 2010 by Brennan Insurances.
Fred has 29 years’ experience in the life and pensions market having previously worked in Irish Life, Scottish Provident and Bank of Scotland (Ireland). Prior to establishing Smart Choice Financial Brokers, Fred held the position of Sales Director with Bank of Scotland (Ireland) Wealth Management division for seven years.
His primary responsibilities included managing a large sales team, relationship management and providing financial advice to individual and corporate clients. Fred is a Qualified Financial Adviser and a Fellow of the Life Insurance Association.
Aoife Brennan
Operations Manager
Read Bio
Aoife joined Smart Choice Financial Brokers in April 2014 as Operations Manager. Her primary responsibilities include compliance management, account management, HR management, GDPR owner and office management.
Prior to this Aoife was employed by Bank of Ireland Private Banking for seven years between their Financial Planning and Sales/ Service Support divisions dealing with Life, Pensions and Investment business. She also has previous experience working in a financial brokerage firm in both life and non-life business.
Aoife has over 15 years’ experience in the financial services industry and is QFA qualified. In addition she holds the APP in Debt Management, the CIPD Diploma in Human Resource Management and the ACOI certificate in Compliance.
Darragh Hickey
Customer Services Manager
Read Bio
Darragh is a seasoned Customer Service Manager with over 8 years of hands-on experience in providing exceptional customer support. Darragh has come to us from the fast paced technology industry with new ideas and practises to help us engage more with our clients. With a strong passion for delivering outstanding service, Darragh has consistently surpassed customer expectations and built long-lasting relationships.
Throughout Darragh's career, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of customer needs and the ability to implement strategies to meet those needs effectively. Darragh possesses excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and is adept at resolving complex issues in a timely and efficient manner.
As a Customer Service Manager, Darragh has successfully led and mentored teams, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
Brian Redmond
Financial Consultant
Read Bio
Brian joined Smart Choice Financial Brokers in 2016 to develop the residential and commercial mortgage requirements of all SmartChoice Financial Brokers existing and future clients.
Brian has over 35 years of experience, having worked at a senior management level in banking and also as an independent mortgage broker. Brian is highly skilled in Mortgage Advice, Financial Planning and Life and Pensions business.
Coming from a Banking and Financial services background, Brian held several positions within banking, including Retail Manager and Mortgage Intermediary Development Manager in a Mortgage
Broker Unit of PTSB. He has extensive underwriting experience with processing mortgage applications within banking and he has also experience in the management of an independent Mortgage Intermediary business.
Dylan
QFA EFA
Read Bio
Dylan is a Qualified Financial Experience, with a vast amount of experience ranging from work in large retail banks to smaller brokerages. A dedicated professional, Dylan always places the priorities of the client above all else.
Through his passion for sustainable finance, Dylan was selected as Sustainability President for AIB Maynooth and led the green loan initiative within his retail banking region, co-ordinating his team in providing consumers with low APR loans in exchange for their eco-friendly initiatives.
Nicola Hughes
RPA|QFA
Read Bio
Nicola has redefined the essence of a friendly and approachable financial broker in the industry. Embodying professionalism with a personal touch, Nicola has dedicated over 8 impactful years as a Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA), enriching clients' lives with expert financial guidance.
In the realm of retirement planning, Nicola’s acumen has shone for 2 years as a Retirement Planning Advisor (RPA), helping clients navigate the complexities of retirement with ease and confidence. The pinnacle of teamwork and leadership was marked by a transformative 3-year tenure as a Team Lead, steering a group of proficient advisors towards shared success.
Nicola has cultivated a specialty in protection and pension products, offering a beacon of reliability for those seeking to secure their future. Yet, Nicola’s expertise is not confined to these areas alone; a holistic advisor, Nicola is adept across all facets of finance, ensuring that every client is equipped with a tailored strategy to meet their unique financial aspirations.
