Strong demand is already building for Ireland's planned personal investment accounts, creating a clear opening for financial advisory firms. A Royal London survey finds 85% of adults intend to participate once the scheme launches, while separate research from the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland puts interest at 79%. For accountancy and advisory practices, this dual confirmation of appetite offers a genuinely encouraging signal ahead of the scheme's expected unveiling in Budget 2027.

This level of early interest deserves to be read as a clear invitation to engage clients now, not a reason to wait for launch details. The Royal London findings also reveal clear gaps in awareness and participation across demographics, gaps that well positioned advisory firms are ideally placed to close. The research points to three priorities for financial advisory practices: the strength of overall demand, the specific groups least engaged so far, and the scale of the tax planning opportunity still to come.

The headline numbers are striking. More than half of respondents plan to invest up to €250 a month, with a further 14% expecting to put in between €250 and €500, and 15% planning higher sums still. The average expected monthly contribution across all respondents was €559, roughly €6,700 a year, a meaningful sum for tax specialists helping clients plan ahead.

Awareness and participation vary considerably by group. Just 48% of adults are currently aware of the scheme, falling to 25% among 18 to 34 year olds, according to BPFI. Royal London also found a marked gender gap, with men expecting to invest an average of €893 a month compared to €240 among women, alongside lower expected take-up in rural areas and among those over 65.

The scale on offer is considerable indeed. BPFI estimates between €2 billion and €7 billion could flow into the scheme in its first year alone, against a backdrop of roughly €170 billion currently sitting in low-yield deposit accounts. Tánaiste Simon Harris has said the tax-free limit, applicable tax rate and annual investment cap will be confirmed in October's budget.

Advisory firms can act on this now in several ways. Engaging clients ahead of the budget will help them understand how the scheme might fit their existing goals once details are confirmed. Firms should develop tailored guidance addressing the awareness and gender gaps the research has identified. Tax specialists should prepare to translate the budget's specific terms into clear, actionable advice as soon as they land.

The overall picture is genuinely encouraging for Irish accountancy and advisory leadership across the finance sector. With strong latent demand and a substantial deposit base ready to be mobilised, firms that engage early stand to guide a meaningful share of Ireland's savers toward better outcomes.