AML / Financial Crime in Ireland

Key dates

11 August 2026

- The Central Bank of Ireland published the warning notice naming **Abbey Croftson (CLONE)** as an unauthorised firm

Suggested considerations

• Block and escalate any customer or counterparty activity involving `abbeycroftson.com` or `info@abbeycroftson.com` for fraud and sanctions-style review, even though this is not a sanctions matter.
• Verify all new investment-firm counterparties against the Central Bank of Ireland’s unauthorised-firms list before onboarding, payment release, or referral acceptance.
• Review inbound complaints, payment instructions, and web leads for impersonation markers such as cloned names, copied addresses, or mismatched contact details.
• Update fraud and AML typologies to include clone-firm impersonation of regulated investment firms in Ireland.
• Notify relationship managers, operations teams, and front-line staff to escalate any contact from firms claiming to be Abbey Croftson or using similar branding.

What changed

• - The Central Bank has formally identified Abbey Croftson (CLONE) as an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm in Ireland.
• The warning specifically lists the suspicious website as `https://abbeycroftson.com` and the email address used as `info@abbeycroftson.com`.
• The Central Bank states that the entity used details of a legitimate firm of a different name to deceive consumers.
• The Central Bank confirms there is no connection between the legitimate authorised firm and the fraudulent clone entity.
• The firm’s name has been published under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013.

Key dates

05 August 2026

- CBI publishes the warning notice “Comgestfx (CLONE) – Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm” under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, formally designating the entity as unauthorised and alerting the market

Suggested considerations

• Verify whether any clients, prospects, or staff have received communications from domains or email addresses associated with Comgestfx (CLONE), including http://www.comgestfx.com and mario.depaoli@comgestfx.com, and block these from internal systems and client channels.
• Update internal scam and clone‑firm watchlists and negative screening lists to include Comgestfx (CLONE), ensuring that onboarding, transaction monitoring, and client servicing teams can identify and escalate any reference to the entity.
• Communicate a targeted client alert to relevant investors and distributors, reminding them to verify firms against the CBI’s authorisation registers and clarifying that Comgest Asset Management International Limited (CAMIL) is not connected to Comgestfx (CLONE).
• Review and, where necessary, enhance financial crime, fraud, and conduct risk policies to ensure they explicitly address clone‑firm risks, impersonation of authorised entities, and obligations to report suspected unauthorised firms to the CBI.
• Ensure customer‑facing staff, relationship managers, and call‑centre teams are briefed on this specific warning and can explain to clients how to check a firm’s authorisation status and the risks of dealing with unauthorised entities.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally designated Comgestfx (CLONE) as an unauthorised investment firm / unauthorised investment business firm, explicitly stating it is not authorised to provide investment services...
• The warning specifies the clone’s website (http://www.comgestfx.com) and email address (mario.depaoli@comgestfx.com), enabling firms and clients to identify and block known fraudulent contact points.
• The CBI confirms that Comgestfx has cloned the name and details of Comgest Asset Management International Limited (CAMIL), and that there is no connection between the authorised firm and the...
• The firm’s name is published under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, demonstrating the use of CBI’s statutory powers to publicly warn about unauthorised firms.
• The CBI reiterates its reporting channels for suspected unauthorised firms (telephone and online reporting), effectively re‑emphasising expectations that market participants and consumers will...

Key dates

05 August 2026

- The Central Bank of Ireland publishes the warning notice on **Comgestrade (CLONE)** and states that it is not authorised to provide investment services in Ireland

Suggested considerations

• Update fraud controls to flag clone-firm indicators, including impersonated names, copied addresses, and use of near-identical trading names. - Train frontline, onboarding, and complaints teams to treat unauthorised-firm warning notices as red flags requiring escalation and enhanced verification.
• Escalate suspected impersonation attempts to fraud, legal, and compliance teams immediately and preserve evidence of domains, emails, and communications for investigation. #

What changed

• - The CBI has formally identified Comgestrade (CLONE) as an unauthorised provider of investment services in Ireland.
• The CBI says the entity is using the website comgestrade.com and email support@comgestrade.com as part of the unauthorised activity.
• The CBI states that the entity cloned the identity of Comgest Asset Management International Limited (CAMIL) to mislead consumers.
• The CBI confirms there is no connection between the authorised firm and the fraudulent entity.
• The warning notice has been published under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, which places the matter in the formal public-warning framework used for unauthorised...

Key dates

05 August 2026

- CBI publishes the warning notice on Progestrade (CLONE) as an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013

Suggested considerations

• Implement or strengthen screening of all investment counterparties, introducers and online platforms against the CBI’s “Search Unauthorised Firms” list and the authorised firm registers before any client referrals or transactions.
• Update client‑facing communications, websites, and onboarding materials to include clear warnings about clone firms, including guidance to verify firm details via the CBI register and to be wary of unsolicited investment approaches.
• Review and enhance fraud, AML / financial crime and conduct‑risk controls to explicitly address clone‑firm typologies, including monitoring for use of your firm’s name, logo or authorisation details by third parties.
• Conduct an immediate internal sweep to identify any references to, or contact with, Progestrade (CLONE), progestrade.com, or support@progestrade.com, and block or blacklist these identifiers in client‑facing and internal systems.
• For authorised firms whose names or details are vulnerable to cloning, establish a formal incident‑response plan for brand and authorisation misuse, including escalation to the CBI and law enforcement.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally designated Progestrade (CLONE), using the website progestrade.com and email support@progestrade.com, as an unauthorised investment firm and unauthorised investment business...
• The CBI explicitly confirms that Progestrade (CLONE) has cloned the name and details of Comgest Asset Management International Limited (CAMIL), a legitimately authorised firm, and that there is no...
• The firm’s name is published as a warning notice under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, reinforcing the CBI’s supervisory and enforcement powers over...
• The CBI reiterates that firms and individuals can and should report suspected unauthorised firms directly to the Central Bank via the designated telephone line and reporting channels.
• The warning aligns with the CBI’s broader scam‑prevention messaging, directing consumers and market participants to its financial scams resources and the central list of unauthorised firms.

Key dates

23 July 2026

- Central Bank of Ireland publishes the warning notice identifying Bates Finance Limited (CLONE) as an unauthorised investment firm and stating its lack of authorisation and cloning behaviour

Suggested considerations

• Monitor the Central Bank of Ireland’s unauthorised firms and warning notices on an ongoing basis and promptly update internal watchlists, sanctions‑style lists, and fraud‑monitoring tools to include Bates Finance Limited (CLONE).
• Update customer‑facing communications, scam warnings, and investor education materials to reference clone firms and instruct clients to verify authorisation using the Central Bank’s Registers before engaging with any investment firm.
• Review and strengthen controls for detecting and responding to clone firm activity, including monitoring for misuse of the firm’s name, logo, Companies Registration Office number, or website domain in Ireland and other jurisdictions.
• Implement procedures to immediately escalate to the Central Bank and law enforcement (e.g. An Garda Síochána) if the firm becomes aware that its identity is being cloned or if clients are approached by Bates Finance Limited (CLONE) or similar unauthorised entities.
• Enhance due‑diligence and onboarding checks to validate counterparties and intermediaries offering investment products into Ireland, ensuring they hold appropriate authorisation from the Central Bank or relevant EU/EEA regulators.

What changed

• - The Central Bank of Ireland has formally identified “Bates Finance Limited (CLONE)” as an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm and published its details (name, website, email,...
• The warning explicitly states that Bates Finance Limited (CLONE) is not authorised to provide investment services in Ireland and is cloning an authorised firm’s details to pass itself off as...
• The Central Bank confirms that there is no connection between the legitimate authorised firm and the cloned entity using its name.
• The firm’s name is published under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, reaffirming the Central Bank’s enforcement power to publicly name unauthorised providers.
• The warning reiterates channels for reporting suspected unauthorised firms to the Central Bank (telephone and online reporting), reinforcing expectations that firms and individuals will escalate...

Key dates

23 July 2026

- Central Bank of Ireland publishes the warning notice under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 naming Russell Administration Limited (CLONE) as an unauthorised investment firm

Suggested considerations

• Verify that your firm’s name, contact details, and regulatory authorisation information have not been cloned or misused by Russell Administration Limited (CLONE) or other similar entities, and escalate any evidence of impersonation to the Central Bank and local law enforcement.
• Update client-facing communications, including website fraud alerts and investor letters, to warn about clone firms and specifically list known identifiers (such as the Russell Administration Limited (CLONE) website, email address, and phone number) where relevant to your client base.
• Instruct front-office, call centre, and relationship management staff to advise clients to check the Central Bank Registers and unauthorised firms list before engaging with any entity claiming to be regulated in Ireland, and to report any suspicious contact immediately.
• Review and strengthen internal financial crime and fraud detection controls to include explicit screening for clone firm indicators, such as mismatched contact details, unregistered domains, and requests to transfer funds to newly introduced counterparties.
• Incorporate the Russell Administration Limited (CLONE) warning and similar Central Bank warning notices into your firm’s ongoing financial crime risk assessments and customer risk profiling, particularly for high-risk investment products and cross-border services.

What changed

• - The Central Bank of Ireland has formally designated “Russell Administration Limited (CLONE)” as an unauthorised investment firm under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement)...
• The warning confirms that Russell Administration Limited (CLONE) is not authorised to provide investment services in Ireland, and that there is no connection between this clone entity and the...
• The Central Bank has publicly disclosed specific identifiers for the unauthorised firm (website, email address, and phone number) to assist firms and consumers in recognising and blocking fraudulent...
• The notice reiterates that firms and individuals can report suspected unauthorised or clone firms directly to the Central Bank via designated telephone contact points.
• By publishing the warning, the Central Bank reinforces its policy that operating as an investment firm in Ireland without appropriate authorisation is unlawful and subject to supervisory and...

Key dates

17 July 2026

- CBI issues the formal warning notice under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 naming Aoncfd (CLONE) as an unauthorised firm and publishing its details

Suggested considerations

• Firms should immediately screen client referral sources, onboarding records, and any existing or prospective relationships against the identifiers published for Aoncfd (CLONE) (names, URLs, email, and purported address) and block or terminate any exposure.
• Compliance teams should update internal fraud and financial crime watchlists and sanctions‑style screening tools to include Aoncfd (CLONE) and the specific URLs, email address and address cited in the warning.
• Authorised firms, particularly Aon Solutions Ireland Limited, should conduct brand‑misuse and impersonation checks (including web‑scraping, social media monitoring and domain surveillance) to identify further clone activity and prepare incident‑response plans.
• Client‑facing staff should be briefed via targeted compliance communications to warn clients about clone firms and to ensure they direct clients to the CBI’s register and unauthorised firms list when verifying any investment provider claiming an Irish authorisation.
• Firms should review and, where necessary, enhance KYC and onboarding controls to include explicit verification of a counterparty’s regulatory authorisation in Ireland (or relevant jurisdiction) and checks for inconsistencies between provided details and registry information.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally listed Aoncfd (CLONE) as an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm that is not permitted to provide investment services or operate as an investment firm in...
• The CBI has publicly identified Aoncfd (CLONE)’s websites, email address, and purported Dublin address to support monitoring and blocking efforts by firms and market infrastructures.
• The CBI has clarified that Aoncfd (CLONE) is a clone entity that has copied the name, address and foreign registration details (CONSOB Registration 5141) of Aon Solutions Ireland Limited, and that...
• The publication reiterates that the CBI will use its section 53 naming power under the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 to publicly warn about unauthorised firms.
• The notice reinforces existing expectations that firms, consumers, and intermediaries should use the CBI’s authorisations register and list of unauthorised firms as part of fraud and clone‑risk...

Key dates

17 July 2026

- CBI issues the public warning notice listing Codeve Insurance Co DAC (CLONE) as an unauthorised firm under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013

Suggested considerations

• Update internal unauthorised/blacklist tables and watchlists to include “Codeve Insurance Co DAC (CLONE)”, the website `https://www.codeveinsurance.com`, and the email addresses `contact@codeveinsurance.com`, `legal@codeve.com`, and `Investorrelations@bournrockinvest.com`.
• Configure onboarding, third‑party due diligence and supplier management systems so that any counterparty or proposal referencing these identifiers or closely similar names triggers escalation and enhanced verification.
• Conduct an immediate screening of existing distribution, outsourcing, binder, reinsurance and fronting arrangements to confirm that no current relationships involve the clone entity or its contact details.
• Implement or reinforce a formal “clone‑firm check” in client and counterparty KYC/KYB procedures, requiring staff to verify authorisation status directly against the CBI’s registers and unauthorised firm list before entering into insurance or reinsurance arrangements linked to Ireland.
• Issue an internal compliance and financial‑crime alert to underwriting, sales, distribution, treasury and investment teams highlighting the Codeve clone, the specific identifiers, and the need to report any contact or proposals linked to this entity.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally listed “Codeve Insurance Co DAC (CLONE)” as an unauthorised insurance/reinsurance firm and insurance intermediary/distributor for Ireland.
• The CBI confirms that this entity is not authorised in Ireland to provide insurance, reinsurance or insurance distribution/intermediary services.
• The warning identifies specific contact points used by the clone: website `https://www.codeveinsurance.com` and email addresses `contact@codeveinsurance.com`, `legal@codeve.com` and...
• The CBI confirms that the unauthorised firm has cloned the name and details of the authorised firm CODEVE Insurance Company dac to pass itself off as that legitimate entity and deceive consumers.
• The CBI explicitly states there is no connection between the authorised CODEVE Insurance Company dac and the unauthorised clone, clarifying that the authorised firm is a victim of impersonation.

Key dates

10 July 2026

- Central Bank of Ireland issues and publishes the warning notice against MacKay Shields UK LLP (CLONE) as an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm / AIFM and lists its name under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013

Suggested considerations

• Review and update client‑facing communications, website content and FAQs to warn clients about clone‑firm risks, specifically referencing messaging‑app contact details and investment apps such as NYLI and NYLIPLUS that are not associated with authorised firms.
• Implement or enhance procedures within AML / financial crime and fraud‑risk frameworks to identify and escalate interactions involving the listed email address (support@mackay-shields.email) and the specified WhatsApp and telephone numbers, treating them as indicators of potential scam activity.
• Instruct front‑office, client‑relationship and call‑centre staff to verify authorisation status using the Central Bank’s public registers before acknowledging or forwarding any investment proposals that reference “MacKay Shields UK LLP” or similar branding.
• Notify internal legal and regulatory affairs teams, and where relevant the legitimate MacKay Shields UK LLP, of the clone warning to coordinate responses, client communications and potential reporting of any attempted impersonation or fraudulent use of the authorised firm’s details.
• Review existing third‑party distribution and referral arrangements to ensure counterparties are not using or promoting NYLI, NYLIPLUS or similar unregulated applications, and add contractual provisions requiring immediate notification if cloning or impersonation is suspected.

What changed

• - The Central Bank of Ireland has formally designated “MacKay Shields UK LLP (CLONE)” as an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm / alternative investment fund manager and published...
• The notice clarifies that MacKay Shields UK LLP (CLONE) is not authorised to provide investment services, investment business services or AIFM services in Ireland and therefore any financial services...
• The Central Bank highlights that the clone firm has been offering fake investments via the applications NYLI and NYLIPLUS, emphasising a specific scam vector via investment apps rather than...
• The warning confirms that the clone firm has cloned the name and registration details of the legitimate MacKay Shields UK LLP (Central Bank register C121665), reinforcing the pattern of...
• The firm’s name is being published under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, signalling that the Central Bank considers the activity sufficiently serious to warrant...

Key dates

10 July 2026

- CBI publishes the warning notice on AGF International Advisors Company Limited (CLONE) and/or Iron-Cap / IRONCAP as an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013

Suggested considerations

• Review and update client‑onboarding procedures to include specific screening for the websites www.iron-cap.com and https://www.iron-cap.io and the email domains associated with Iron-Cap / IRONCAP, flagging and escalating any matches as suspected clone‑firm exposure.
• Update sanctions, fraud, and financial crime screening tools and internal watchlists to include the unauthorised firm identifiers associated with AGF International Advisors Company Limited (CLONE) and Iron-Cap / IRONCAP, ensuring alerts are generated for relevant customer or transaction hits.
• Strengthen fraud‑awareness communications to clients and staff by referencing the CBI’s financial scam materials, emphasising the risks of dealing with unauthorised firms and clone entities, and advising clients to verify firm authorisation before investing.
• Establish or update an internal escalation protocol for suspected clone‑firm activity, ensuring that all such cases are reported promptly to the CBI via the dedicated unauthorised firms reporting channels and, where applicable, to other relevant regulators.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally designated AGF International Advisors Company Limited (CLONE) and/or Iron-Cap / IRONCAP as an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm and has published its...
• The specific websites www.iron-cap.com and https://www.iron-cap.io (including the French-language path https://www.iron-cap.io/fr/forgot-password/) have been identified as associated with this...
• The email addresses support@iron-cap.com and Samuel.breval@iron-cap.com have been flagged as being used by the unauthorised entity in connection with the Iron-Cap / IRONCAP investment offering.
• The CBI has reiterated that the clone is not authorised to provide investment services or investment business services in Ireland and has explicitly clarified that there is no connection whatsoever...
• The warning reinforces existing CBI expectations that Irish‑authorised firms and gatekeepers must monitor and respond to clone‑firm activity, including by reporting suspected unauthorised firms...

Key dates

10 July 2026

- CBI issues and publishes the warning notice that Arbionis is an unauthorised investment firm and is not authorised to provide investment services in Ireland, with the name published under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013

Suggested considerations

• Screen all existing and prospective counterparties, introducers, and investment product providers against the CBI unauthorised firms list, and update internal watchlists to include Arbionis and its known identifiers (name, website, phone number).
• Prohibit onboarding Arbionis as a counterparty, intermediary, or service provider and ensure no marketing, introduction, or distribution arrangements exist or are entered into with this firm.
• Conduct an immediate review of client transaction flows and communications to identify any exposure to Arbionis, including referrals, introductions, payments, or client queries referencing Arbionis or its website.
• If any exposure to Arbionis is identified, escalate to compliance and legal functions, assess potential consumer detriment, and consider notifying the Central Bank of Ireland via the dedicated phone number or online reporting channel.
• Enhance client‑facing communications and website content to warn clients about unauthorised investment firms, referencing the CBI’s financial scams guidance and explaining how clients can verify authorisation status.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally designated Arbionis as an unauthorised investment firm and published its details (name, website, phone number) as a warning notice on its website.
• The CBI has clarified that Arbionis is not authorised to provide investment services in Ireland, meaning it cannot lawfully carry out regulated investment activities in or into Ireland.
• The name Arbionis has been published under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, confirming this is part of the CBI’s supervisory and enforcement toolkit against...
• The warning reiterates that market participants and the public should use the CBI’s channels (telephone line and online reporting tool) to report suspected unauthorised firms or persons.
• The CBI re‑emphasises its consumer‑protection messaging, directing individuals and firms to its dedicated financial scams information page, thereby underlining expectations that firms proactively...

Key dates

28 April 2023

– CBI previously issued a warning notice regarding a fraudulent entity cloning LGIM Managers (Europe) Limited and offering fake “Legal & General” bond investments, establishing a history of cloning activity around this authorised firm

10 July 2026

– CBI publishes the current warning notice “LGIM Managers (Europe) Limited (CLONE) – Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm”, formally identifying the clone, its contact details, and its unauthorised status under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013

Suggested considerations

• Update customer‑facing fraud warnings, website scam information pages, and client communications to include reference to the CBI warning on the LGIM clone and to explain how clients can verify whether a firm is authorised in Ireland.
• Enhance onboarding and periodic KYC / KYB procedures to include independent verification of counterparties’ authorisation status on the CBI register and cross‑check any claimed partnership with LGIM Managers (Europe) Limited, bunq Bank, or similar institutions.
• Implement or update internal guidance requiring staff to escalate immediately any client queries, introductions, or marketing materials referencing “LGIM Managers (Europe) Limited (CLONE)” or using the listed contact details to the compliance and financial crime teams.
• Conduct a targeted review of recent and ongoing distribution, referral, and introducer arrangements to identify any potential exposure to unauthorised clone entities or intermediaries misusing the LGIM brand or falsely claiming CBI authorisation.
• Train frontline staff, relationship managers, and call‑centre agents on the specific red flags associated with clones of authorised firms, including copied registration details, foreign addresses, and use of generic email domains, and on the process for verifying authorisation with the CBI.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally designated “LGIM Managers (Europe) Limited (CLONE)” as an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm and published its details on the CBI unauthorised firms list...
• The CBI has explicitly stated that the clone entity is not authorised to operate as an investment firm or investment business firm in Ireland, thereby clarifying that any investment services offered...
• The warning identifies specific contact details associated with the scam, including email addresses info@lgimeu.com (now inactive) and office@bunqpartner.com, a purported address at...
• The CBI has confirmed that the clone has copied the name and registration details of the legitimate CBI‑authorised firm LGIM Managers (Europe) Limited (C173733), while emphasising that there is no...
• By publishing the firm under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, the CBI has activated its statutory regime for public warning notices on unauthorised firms,...

Key dates

10 July 2026

- CBI issues and publishes the Warning Notice identifying Inloovi Ireland Ltd. (Clone) as an unauthorised insurance intermediary and clone of A.R.B. Underwriting Limited t/a Buddy Travel Insurance, and lists the associated website and email addresses

Suggested considerations

• Review and update internal sanctions/blacklist and fraud‑risk lists to include “Inloovi Ireland Ltd. (Clone)”, the domain inloovi.com, and the listed email addresses, ensuring screening across onboarding, claims, complaints, and payment processing.
• Conduct an immediate counterparty and referral review to confirm that no current or proposed distribution, outsourcing, or referral arrangements involve Inloovi Ireland Ltd. (Clone) or entities using the inloovi.com domain.
• Enhance KYC and intermediary due‑diligence procedures to include explicit checks against the CBI’s unauthorised firms list and Section 53 Warning Notices before entering into any new intermediary, coverholder, or introducer arrangement.
• Update staff training (particularly for sales, claims, complaints, and contact‑centre teams) on recognising clone‑firm indicators (e.g., similar names, use of look‑alike domains, unofficial email addresses) and on escalation pathways to compliance and fraud teams.
• Review and, where necessary, enhance website monitoring and brand‑abuse detection (including domain monitoring, phishing detection, and use of take‑down services) to identify and address fraudulent websites or email domains purporting to represent the firm.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally identified “Inloovi Ireland Ltd. (Clone)” as an unauthorised insurance intermediary that is not authorised to provide insurance intermediary or insurance distribution services...
• The CBI has publicly associated specific digital identifiers with this fraudulent entity, including the website inloovi.com and email addresses insurance@inloovi.com, complaints@inloovi.com,...
• The CBI confirms that Inloovi Ireland Ltd. (Clone) has cloned details of a legitimate CBI‑authorised firm, A.R.B.
• The CBI clarifies that there is no connection whatsoever between the legitimate authorised entity and the clone firm, and the warning is intended to protect both consumers and the legitimate firm’s...
• The CBI reiterates that the name of the unauthorised firm is published under Section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, reinforcing its supervisory and enforcement stance...

Key dates

26 June 2026

- CBI publishes the warning notice against Loan Empower Solution as an unauthorised retail credit firm and lists the firm under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013

Suggested considerations

• Review and update internal unauthorised-firm and scam monitoring procedures to ensure Loan Empower Solution and its identifiers (name, website, address, email, telephone number) are captured in watchlists, fraud rules, and staff guidance.
• Screen recent and ongoing customer transactions and communications for any references to Loan Empower Solution or similar lending scams requesting upfront “loan fees”, and escalate any matches to fraud and compliance teams.
• Update customer-facing communications and website scam warnings to highlight the risk of advance fee fraud in retail credit, referencing the need to check the CBI registers and unauthorised-firms list before engaging with lenders.
• Ensure call centre, branch, and digital support staff are trained to identify and respond to customers approached by unauthorised lenders, including how to advise customers to verify authorisation status on the CBI website and to report suspected scams.
• Incorporate checks against the CBI unauthorised firms search into onboarding, due diligence, and third-party risk management processes for any lending-related partnerships, introducers, or lead generators.

What changed

• - The CBI has added Loan Empower Solution (website: lesolution.eu) to its public list of unauthorised firms and explicitly categorised it as an unauthorised retail credit firm operating without the...
• The CBI has publicly stated that Loan Empower Solution appears to be operating an advance fee fraud model, where upfront payments are requested for credit services that are never provided.
• The CBI has confirmed that the firm is using a purported Irish business address (The Merrion Buildings, 18–20 Merrion Street, Dublin 2, D02 XH98), a non-Irish telephone number, and a specified...
• The firm’s name has been published under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, reaffirming the CBI’s use of its statutory power to publicly identify entities...
• The CBI has directed the public to its unauthorised firms search and financial scams information pages, implicitly reinforcing expectations that firms promote use of these tools in their consumer...

Key dates

17 June 2026

- CBI issues and publishes the warning notice that Lambestone Holding Limited (CLONE) is an unauthorised investment / investment business firm / crypto‑asset service provider and that its name is listed under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013

Suggested considerations

• Update internal sanctions, fraud, and high‑risk entity screening lists immediately to include Lambestone Holding Limited (CLONE), its known websites, email addresses and telephone numbers, and ensure these are used in client onboarding, periodic KYC reviews and transaction monitoring.
• Instruct client‑facing and dealing staff not to refer clients to, or accept instructions from, Lambestone Holding Limited (CLONE) or any individual using the listed domains, emails or phone numbers, and document this in internal guidance.
• Review and enhance client‑due‑diligence procedures to include explicit checks for clone‑firm indicators, including mismatches between a firm’s claimed regulatory status and the CBI online registers, as well as verification against CRO records.
• Implement a formal process to monitor and log Central Bank of Ireland warning notices (and similar notices from ESMA, other EU national competent authorities, FCA, etc.) and to propagate relevant alerts across first‑ and second‑line control functions.
• Conduct targeted staff awareness and training sessions for front‑office, call‑centre, and complaints‑handling teams on clone‑firm typologies, with Lambestone Holding Limited (CLONE) used as a current example of CRO‑identity cloning.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally designated Lambestone Holding Limited (CLONE) as an unauthorised investment firm, investment business firm and crypto‑asset service provider for Ireland, and has published its...
• The warning confirms that Lambestone Holding Limited (CLONE) is not authorised to operate as an investment firm or to provide crypto‑asset services in Ireland, and therefore may not lawfully provide...
• The CBI explicitly identifies Lambestone Holding Limited (CLONE) as a “clone firm” that has copied the name, address and CRO number of a legitimate company in the Companies Registration Office (CRO)...
• The CBI clarifies that there is no connection whatsoever between the legitimate CRO‑registered company and the scam entity, thereby protecting the reputation of the genuine firm and reducing...
• The warning includes a non‑exhaustive list of websites, email domains and telephone numbers used by the clone (multiple .com domains, support and individual email accounts, and international phone...

Key dates

17 June 2026

- The Central Bank of Ireland issued the warning notice naming MakoTrade as an unauthorised investment firm

Suggested considerations

• Screen all new and existing client introductions, counterparties, and external inquiries against the CBI warning list and treat MakoTrade as unauthorised unless independently proven otherwise.
• Block or escalate any payments, transfers, or onboarding requests involving MakoTrade, its website, its email domain, or any claimed BlauStein Investitionen Gruppe affiliation.
• Update fraud and scam detection playbooks to include the CBI’s warning notice as a trigger for enhanced due diligence and referral to financial crime teams.
• Notify relationship managers, client-facing staff, and call-centre teams that MakoTrade must not be represented as authorised in Ireland.
• Review client complaints, inbound leads, and suspicious payment patterns for any contact with the listed website or email address and preserve evidence for reporting.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally identified MakoTrade as an unauthorised investment firm / unauthorised investment business firm in Ireland.
• The warning confirms that MakoTrade is not authorised to provide investment services in Ireland, regardless of any claimed affiliation with the BlauStein Investitionen Gruppe.
• The CBI has published the firm’s website address and email address used as part of its warning notice, signaling an active consumer-protection alert.
• The publication falls under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, which is the statutory basis for naming the unauthorised firm.
• The CBI directs the public to its financial scams guidance and provides a reporting route for information about unauthorised firms.

Key dates

17 June 2026

- The Central Bank of Ireland issued the warning notice identifying AllianceBernstein Limited (CLONE) as an unauthorised investment firm/investment business firm

Suggested considerations

• Verify that any entity claiming to be AllianceBernstein Limited is matched against the CBI authorisation register before any onboarding, trading, mandate acceptance, or payment activity.
• Block or escalate any contact using the email addresses clientservices@abprivatemanagement.com and info@abprivatemanagement.com as potential fraud indicators.
• Update fraud and onboarding controls to detect clone-firm impersonation, including mismatches in firm name, address, domain, and regulator reference details.
• Notify client-facing teams and operations staff that the legitimate authorised firm has no connection with the clone entity and that enquiries should be independently verified.
• Refresh customer communications and website warnings to remind clients to confirm authorisation status before sharing funds or instructions.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally published AllianceBernstein Limited (CLONE) under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 as an unauthorised firm.
• The warning confirms that the clone is not authorised to provide investment firm or investment business firm services in Ireland.
• The CBI identifies the use of cloned identity details—specifically the legitimate firm’s name and address—as a deceptive tactic intended to add legitimacy to the scam.
• The notice provides the specific scam email addresses used by the unauthorised entity, which should be treated as fraud indicators in screening and client-education controls.
• The CBI reiterates that consumers and counterparties can report suspicious firms directly to the regulator and that the publication sits within its broader anti-scam warning framework.

Key dates

17 June 2026

- CBI publishes the Warning Notice naming “LARL F.S / LARL Financial Services (CLONE)” as an unauthorised firm under Section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 and confirms that it is not authorised to provide investment services in Ireland

Suggested considerations

• Update internal sanctions, fraud, and high‑risk entity lists to include “LARL F.S / LARL Financial Services (CLONE)” and the domains larlfs.com and larlfs-eu.com, and block these from use in onboarding, payments, and trading systems.
• Conduct an immediate review of current and recent client files, leads, and referrals to identify any exposure to or interaction with the clone entity, and where found, assess whether suspicious transaction reports or fraud notifications are required under local AML and financial crime rules.
• Issue client communications or website notices, especially if your firm’s name is similar to LARL Financial Services, warning clients about clone scams, clarifying official contact points, and instructing clients never to rely on unsolicited contact or unverified email domains.
• Update fraud‑awareness and conduct‑risk training materials for staff to cover CBI warnings on clone firms, the specific red flags (misuse of legitimate authorisation numbers, mismatched contact details, unverified websites), and the internal process to verify a firm’s authorisation status.
• Review existing distribution and introducer agreements to ensure there is an explicit prohibition on counterparties using the firm’s name, logo, or authorisation details in any way that could facilitate cloning or misrepresentation of regulatory status.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally designated “LARL F.S / LARL Financial Services (CLONE)” as an unauthorised investment firm / unauthorised investment business firm and has added it to its public list of...
• The CBI has confirmed that LARL F.S / LARL Financial Services (CLONE) is not authorised to provide investment services in Ireland and is falsely claiming to be regulated by the CBI under reference...
• The CBI has identified specific scam touchpoints used by the clone, including the website larlfs.com and email domains larlfs-eu.com and larlfs.com, enabling firms to update internal watchlists and...
• The CBI has explicitly clarified that there is no connection whatsoever between the clone entity and the legitimate authorised firm LARL Financial Services Limited (C176004), thereby protecting the...
• The warning reiterates the CBI’s use of its Section 53 powers to publish the name of firms that either provide financial services without appropriate authorisation or hold themselves out as regulated...

Key dates

17 June 2026

– CBI warning notice published under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 identifying Oristan Ireland Designated Activity Company (CLONE) as an unauthorised firm

Suggested considerations

• Update internal unauthorised / fraud firm watchlists and screening tools to include “Oristan Ireland Designated Activity Company (CLONE)” and all associated domains, email addresses and phone numbers listed in the CBI notice.
• Implement or enhance name‑matching and clone‑detection controls in onboarding processes to distinguish between the legitimate Oristan Ireland DAC (as per the CBI register) and any entity using the clone websites or contacts.
• Review and adjust KYC/CDD procedures to ensure that unusual or mismatched email domains, websites, or phone numbers (particularly those not appearing on the CBI register or official corporate filings) trigger enhanced due diligence and formal second‑line review.
• Conduct a targeted communication and training for relationship managers, sales staff, call‑centre agents and client‑facing teams on the Oristan clone case and recent CBI clone‑firm warnings, with practical red‑flag indicators and escalation channels.
• Review current fraud‑risk and AML / financial crime frameworks to confirm that clone‑firm risks (including identity theft of authorised entities) are explicitly covered in risk assessments, controls, and monitoring scenarios.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally identified “Oristan Ireland Designated Activity Company (CLONE)” as an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm / alternative investment fund manager and...
• The CBI confirms that the clone firm is not authorised in Ireland to provide investment services, investment business services, or AIFM activities, despite using the name, address and CBI...
• The warning enumerates specific fraud infrastructure used by the clone: four domains (including “oristanirelanddac.com”, “oristan-ire.com” and “oristanportal.com”), multiple email addresses...
• The CBI explicitly clarifies there is no connection whatsoever between the legitimate authorised Oristan Ireland DAC and the clone entity or its websites.
• The firm’s name is published under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, reinforcing the statutory basis for public warning notices against unauthorised firms.

Key dates

01 January 2025

– CBI established a dedicated team to investigate and prosecute offences under financial services legislation

2025 (effective date – specific day not stated)

– The modernised Consumer Protection Code came into effect for Irish‑regulated firms

2025 (throughout the year)

– CBI implemented its new supervisory approach centred on four safeguarding outcomes and reorganised into multi‑disciplinary supervisory teams

2025 (theme year)

– CBI’s Innovation Sandbox focused on combatting financial crime, with seven projects selected on information sharing, identity verification and fraud prevention

December 2025

– CBI published “Regulating & Supervising well – a more effective and efficient framework,” detailing its simplified and outcomes‑focused regulatory framework

Suggested considerations

• Map the modernised Consumer Protection Code requirements against existing policies, procedures and customer journeys to identify and remediate gaps, particularly in digital channels, disclosure, sales practices and complaints handling.
• Update vulnerable customer policies, customer‑facing procedures, training materials and systems flags to ensure systematic identification, recording and tailored treatment of consumers in vulnerable circumstances.
• Review mortgage switching processes and documentation to ensure customers receive clear, comparative information on switching options, are not subject to unreasonable barriers or retention tactics, and that conflicts of interest are controlled and documented.
• Conduct a comprehensive review of insurance auto‑renewal practices (including communications, timing, consent mechanisms and pricing) and implement changes to align with the strengthened consumer protection expectations.
• Strengthen fraud and scam prevention frameworks by enhancing customer education, warnings, authentication, monitoring, incident response and redress processes, with particular focus on online and mobile channels.

What changed

• - The modernised Consumer Protection Code entered into effect in 2025, updating the existing Irish conduct framework to reflect digital delivery of financial services and strengthen protections in...
• Requirements on informing consumers effectively were tightened, implying higher expectations on clear, fair, not misleading disclosures across digital and traditional channels, and more robust...
• New or enhanced obligations concerning consumers in vulnerable circumstances now apply, requiring firms to identify, record and respond to vulnerability and to embed vulnerability considerations into...
• Mortgage switching processes are subject to strengthened conduct standards, increasing expectations on how options are presented, how customers are supported to switch, and how potential conflicts or...
• Insurance auto‑renewal practices are now more tightly controlled, requiring clearer pre‑renewal information, active consent and controls to mitigate consumer detriment from inertia or unsuitable...

Key dates

05 June 2026

- CBI publishes the warning notice on FTI Finance Limited (CLONE) as an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013

Suggested considerations

• Screen existing and new customers against the details in the CBI warning and immediately block or enhance review of any relationships, communications, or transactions involving the listed websites or email domains linked to FTI Finance Limited (CLONE).
• Update internal fraud and financial crime watchlists to include the name “FTI Finance Limited (CLONE)” as well as the specific domains and email addresses identified in the CBI notice.
• Enhance customer‑facing verification processes to require staff to confirm the regulatory status of any firm claiming to be FTI Finance Limited against the CBI public register before onboarding, referral, or execution of transactions.
• Review and update client communications, investor education materials, and website FAQs to highlight the risks of clone firms, directing clients to verify authorisation using the CBI register and to consult CBI’s financial scams information.
• Train front‑office, call‑centre, compliance, and fraud‑operations staff on the characteristics of clone investment scams, including this specific case, and embed clear escalation procedures for suspected clone activity.

What changed

• - CBI has formally designated “FTI Finance Limited (CLONE)” as an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm and published its details on the Central Bank’s unauthorised firms warning...
• The CBI explicitly clarifies that FTI Finance Limited (CLONE) is not authorised to operate as an investment firm or investment business firm in Ireland and therefore cannot legally provide MiFID‑type...
• The warning identifies specific websites associated with the clone entity that must be treated as high‑risk indicators in client and transaction screening: -...
• The warning identifies specific email addresses used by the clone, which should be added to firms’ fraud and sanctions‑style screening lists: - support@ftifinancelimited.com -...
• CBI confirms that the scam entity has cloned the details of a CBI‑authorised firm of the same name, underscoring a continuing supervisory focus on clone firm scams and the expectation that regulated...

Key dates

03 June 2026

- CBI publishes the warning notice “HSBC Continental Europe (CLONE) – Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm” under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013

Suggested considerations

• Update internal sanctions / fraud / negative‑news / watchlists to include “HSBC Continental Europe (CLONE)” together with the published website, phone numbers, and email address, and ensure these are blocked or escalated on detection.
• Implement or reinforce procedures to independently verify CBI authorisation numbers and firm details directly against the CBI registers, and ensure staff understand that cloned use of an otherwise valid authorisation number is a red‑flag indicator of fraud.
• Conduct an immediate targeted review of recent and pending client interactions, payments, and investment instructions to identify any exposure to the scam entity or its contact details, and escalate any hits to financial crime and legal teams.
• Deliver targeted staff training and reminders (particularly for front‑office, call‑centre, onboarding, and complaints teams) on clone‑firm typologies, including the use of legitimate authorisation numbers (e.g., CBI00001421) by fraudulent entities.
• Enhance customer‑facing communications, website warnings, and FAQs to highlight current CBI warnings about HSBC‑branded clones and to instruct customers always to verify firm details via the official CBI registers and not via links sent in emails or on unknown websites.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally designated “HSBC Continental Europe (CLONE)” as an unauthorised banker / unauthorised firm and added it to its public unauthorised firms list.
• The CBI has identified and published the specific contact details associated with the scam entity, including the website `https://campaign.eligibility-advisorscorporate.com/`, Irish phone numbers...
• The publication confirms that the fraudulent entity has cloned both the name and details of HSBC Continental Europe and separately cloned the authorisation number CBI00001421, which belongs...
• The CBI expressly states there is no connection between Cowan Insurance Brokers Limited and the fraudulent entity, thereby clarifying that any use of that authorisation number in combination with the...
• The warning reiterates that any unauthorised provision of financial services that requires CBI authorisation is a criminal offence, reinforcing the enforcement stance seen across prior clone‑HSBC...

Key dates

03 June 2026

- CBI issues and publishes the warning notice identifying Insight Investment Solutions ICAV (CLONE) as an unauthorised ICAV and clarifying the absence of any connection with the legitimate authorised fund

Suggested considerations

• Update internal sanctions, fraud, and negative‑news screening lists and any “unauthorised firms” watchlists to include Insight Investment Solutions ICAV (CLONE) and its associated website, phone number, and email address.
• Instruct onboarding, KYC, and product‑approval teams to verify any reference to “Insight Investment Solutions ICAV” directly against the CBI registers, ensuring the Central Bank registration number and contact details match the legitimate authorised ICAV, not the clone.
• Implement or reinforce clone‑firm detection controls, including validation of firm names, registration numbers, URLs, emails, and phone numbers against official CBI (and other relevant NCA) registers before onboarding a fund, manager, or distributor.
• Circulate a targeted internal fraud/scam alert to front‑office, distribution, advisory, call‑centre, and client‑facing staff highlighting the existence of this specific clone, its identifiers, and the escalation process if approached.
• Review and, where necessary, update financial promotions and distribution due‑diligence procedures to require confirmation that any Irish ICAV referenced in marketing materials is directly verified on the CBI register and not accessed via unverified third‑party domains.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally designated *Insight Investment Solutions ICAV (CLONE)* as an unauthorised ICAV and publicly listed it as an unauthorised firm under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision...
• The CBI confirms the clone firm is not authorised to provide financial services in Ireland and is unlawfully using the name and Central Bank registration number of the legitimate ICAV to deceive...
• The warning explicitly clarifies that there is no connection whatsoever between the legitimate Central Bank authorised Insight Investment Solutions ICAV and the clone entity, which must now be...
• Contact details (website, telephone number, email) used by the clone are now identified by the CBI as fraudulent identifiers that should be incorporated into internal fraud and financial‑crime...
• The publication reinforces the CBI’s expectation that firms and the public report suspected unauthorised firms to the CBI and consult CBI public registers and scam guidance when verifying...

Key dates

03 June 2026

- CBI issues the Warning Notice on AMOVA Asset Management Ireland Limited (Clone), formally confirming it is unauthorised to operate as an investment firm, investment business firm or to provide crypto‑asset services in Ireland, and publishing its details under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013

Suggested considerations

• Configure name‑screening tools, CRM systems and vendor/onboarding databases to flag “AMOVA Asset Management Ireland Limited”, “AMOVA Asset Management Ireland Limited (Clone)”, the website domain “amova‑assets.com” and the email “admin@amova‑asset.com” as high‑risk indicators requiring escalation.
• Implement controls to distinguish between the legitimate CBI‑authorised AMOVA firm and the clone, for example by storing verified legal entity identifiers (LEIs), company registration numbers, CBI authorisation numbers and official domains for the legitimate firm.
• Train relationship managers, advisers, client‑facing staff and call‑centre teams to recognise characteristics of clone‑firm scams, including cloned names, look‑alike websites and unsolicited approaches, using this warning and recent similar CBI notices as case studies.
• Review and, where necessary, strengthen client‑communication and investor‑education materials to explain the risk of clone firms, directing clients to the CBI’s public registers and warning notices to independently verify firm authorisation.
• Enhance fraud‑risk and financial crime risk assessments to explicitly include clone‑firm risks in the investment, wealth‑management, and crypto‑asset channels, and document how these risks are mitigated (e.g. screening, call‑back controls, domain verification).

What changed

• - The CBI has formally designated “AMOVA Asset Management Ireland Limited (Clone)” as an unauthorised investment firm, investment business firm and crypto‑asset service provider for the purposes of...
• The Warning Notice confirms that the clone entity is not authorised to operate in Ireland and must not be treated as a regulated counterparty or service provider.
• The CBI explicitly clarifies there is no connection whatsoever between the Central Bank‑authorised firm of the same name and the scam entity, reinforcing expectations for firms to distinguish between...
• The publication reiterates that the entity is using website and email details (including the domain amova‑assets.com and the email admin@amova‑asset.com) to approach consumers, which should be...
• By publishing the firm name under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, the CBI reinforces its ongoing supervisory focus on clone‑firm frauds and the expectation that...

Key dates

03 June 2026

- CBI issues the warning notice under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 in relation to Apel Investments (CLONE) as an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm

Suggested considerations

• Review and update fraud‑risk, financial‑crime, and customer‑onboarding procedures to screen against the specific Apel Investments URLs, email addresses and phone numbers listed in the CBI warning.
• Update internal watchlists and case‑management systems to flag Apel Investments and associated identifiers as a known unauthorised clone entity and ensure alerts are generated where they appear in customer interactions or transaction narratives.
• Conduct a targeted review of recent and pending client complaints, queries and transaction patterns to identify any potential exposure of clients to Apel Investments or similarly named entities.
• Enhance staff training, particularly for front‑office, contact‑centre and complaints teams, to ensure they can recognise clone‑firm indicators and correctly advise customers about unauthorised firms and the CBI warning.
• For firms with similar names or branding, prepare clear customer communications and website notices that distinguish the authorised entity from any clone and direct clients to the CBI’s warning list and scam‑awareness materials.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally listed Apel Investments (trading as Apel Financial Services Distribution) as an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm that is not permitted to provide...
• The CBI confirms that Apel Investments is a clone of an authorised firm (APEL Financial Distribution Services Limited) and has been passing itself off as the legitimate firm to deceive consumers.
• The CBI explicitly states that there is no connection between the authorised firm and the unauthorised clone, clarifying that any services provided by Apel Investments are outside the regulated...
• The warning identifies specific websites and client portals (including trading platforms such as “metatrader” and “webtrader” paths) associated with the unauthorised firm, signalling that these URLs...
• The CBI lists multiple email addresses and phone numbers used by the unauthorised firm, effectively expanding the set of indicators firms should use in fraud‑monitoring, sanctions‑screening‑adjacent...

Key dates

29 August 2025

– CBI issues a prior warning notice on an analogous unauthorised comparison website, Rates Finder, highlighting the “comparison website scam” model

19 March 2026

– CBI issues a warning on EU Bonds, another unauthorised investment firm, further signalling its focus on online bond and rate “finder” scams

03 June 2026

– CBI publishes the Warning Notice on Euro Bonds Finder/Irish Rates Finder as an unauthorised investment firm/investment business firm under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013

Suggested considerations

• Screen all clients, counterparties, introducers, and third-party platforms against the CBI “Search Unauthorised Firms” list and ensure Euro Bonds Finder/Irish Rates Finder is included in internal watchlists and negative lists.
• Update internal fraud, scam, and financial crime typology libraries to include Euro Bonds Finder/Irish Rates Finder and similar bond/rate “finder” or comparison-website investment scams, including indicators such as online forms capturing investor details and subsequent unsolicited calls or emails.
• Instruct relationship managers, advisory staff, and customer service teams not to refer clients to, or accept referrals from, Euro Bonds Finder/Irish Rates Finder and to escalate any client reports of contact with this firm via internal suspicious activity or fraud reporting channels.
• Enhance transaction monitoring and payment screening rules to flag and review attempted transfers to payment accounts or beneficiaries linked to Euro Bonds Finder/Irish Rates Finder or similar unauthorised online investment schemes.
• Review marketing, distribution, and partnerships to ensure no white-labelling, lead-sharing, affiliate, or referral arrangements exist, directly or indirectly, with Euro Bonds Finder/Irish Rates Finder or comparable unauthorised comparison/investment platforms.

What changed

• - The CBI has formally designated Euro Bonds Finder/Irish Rates Finder as an unauthorised investment firm/unauthorised investment business firm and added it to its public unauthorised firms list...
• The CBI has explicitly confirmed that Euro Bonds Finder/Irish Rates Finder is not authorised as an investment business firm in Ireland and therefore cannot legally provide investment services or...
• The warning clarifies that any dealings with Euro Bonds Finder/Irish Rates Finder fall outside the regulatory perimeter, meaning investors do not benefit from protections such as CBI conduct of...
• The publication reiterates CBI’s standing process for reporting suspected scams, including use of the dedicated phone line and the CBI’s online resources on financial scams, strengthening...
• By treating this firm in the same way as other comparison or “finder” style websites previously flagged by CBI (for example Rates Finder, EU Bonds and similar sites), the warning underscores an...

Key dates

03 June 2026

- CBI issued the warning notice identifying Research Vision Limited (CLONE) as an unauthorised firm in Ireland

Suggested considerations

• Screen all incoming client and counterparty requests for the name Research Vision Limited, the website www.researchvision.com, the listed email addresses, and the listed phone numbers before any engagement or transfer is accepted.
• Verify authorisation independently using the relevant regulator’s official register rather than relying on contact details provided by the counterparty.
• Escalate any approach using cloned credentials to fraud, AML, and legal teams immediately and treat it as potential impersonation fraud.
• Block or delay transactions where payment instructions, onboarding details, or communications reference the warning-listed domain or telephone numbers until authenticity is confirmed.
• Update adverse media and scam-monitoring controls to capture CBI warning notices involving clone firms and cross-border impersonation cases.

What changed

• - CBI has designated Research Vision Limited (CLONE) as an unauthorised investment business firm / investment firm in Ireland.
• CBI states the entity is not authorised to operate as an investment business firm or investment firm in Ireland.
• CBI confirms the scam firm cloned the details of a legitimate FCA-authorised firm and that there is no connection between the legitimate firm and the fraudulent entity.
• CBI has published the firm’s website, email addresses, and telephone numbers to support detection and consumer screening.
• The warning notice is published under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013.

Key dates

01 December 2025

– CBI previously issued a warning regarding Bond Rate Compare / Compare Bonds Ltd as an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm

03 June 2026

– CBI publishes the current warning notice confirming Compare Bonds Ltd is an unauthorised firm and disclosing associated website and contact details

Suggested considerations

• Screen all existing and prospective introducers, lead generators, comparison sites and affiliates against the CBI’s unauthorised firms list, and immediately block or off‑board any relationship linked to Compare Bonds Ltd, Bond Rate Compare or the domains and websites identified.
• Update internal fraud‑risk, KYC and onboarding procedures to include explicit checks for CBI unauthorised‑firm warnings for any third party that sources or routes investment or deposit business, especially where “comparison”, “bond”, “EU rates” or similar branding is used.
• Instruct front‑office, sales and relationship‑management staff not to accept introductions, leads or client referrals from Compare Bonds Ltd or any entity using the websites or email domains cited in the CBI warning.
• Enhance transaction‑monitoring and case‑management workflows to flag and investigate payments, transfers or instructions referencing Compare Bonds Ltd, comparebondrates.eu, bondratecompare.com, or similarly branded entities previously named in CBI warnings.
• Review and, where necessary, update customer‑facing scam warnings and disclosures (websites, apps, terms, and client communications) to highlight the risk of “comparison website” investment scams and to direct customers to the CBI’s unauthorised firm register.

What changed

• - The CBI has added Compare Bonds Ltd to its public list of unauthorised firms under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, confirming it is not authorised to operate...
• The warning identifies specific digital identifiers associated with the unauthorised firm, including the website `http://www.comparebondrates.eu/` and the email domain `bondratecompare.com`, which...
• The publication continues the CBI’s recent thematic focus on “comparison website” style investment scams, following earlier warnings on entities such as Bond Rate Compare / Compare Bonds Ltd, EU...
• The notice reiterates that the CBI operates a central reporting channel for unauthorised firms, including a dedicated telephone line and online reporting facility, underscoring expectations that...
• The warning is an enforcement‑related action aimed at investor protection and market integrity, signalling that regulated firms must not treat introductions, leads or referrals from Compare Bonds Ltd...

Key dates

29 May 2026

- CBI issues and publishes the warning notice identifying Fire Financial Services Limited (CLONE) as an unauthorised firm and clone of the legitimate Fire Financial Services Limited (C58301), and lists it under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013

Suggested considerations

• Review and update internal fraud‑risk and financial crime risk assessments to explicitly cover clone‑firm risks, including inheritance scams and impersonation of authorised entities.
• Integrate the specific domains, email addresses, and phone numbers listed in the CBI notice into fraud‑monitoring tools, allow‑/block‑lists, and case‑management systems, and ensure they are treated as high‑risk indicators.
• Ensure front‑line, call‑centre, and relationship‑management staff receive targeted training and briefing on this specific clone case and on common clone‑firm red flags, including requests related to inheritance payments and use of unofficial domains.
• Enhance onboarding and counterparty due diligence procedures to include systematic checks against the CBI “unauthorised firms” list and the CBI public registers, especially where firms claim Irish regulation or use names similar to existing authorised firms.
• Update third‑party and introducer due diligence controls to verify that any firm referring business or presenting as an intermediary is properly authorised and not listed as unauthorised under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013.

What changed

• - CBI has formally identified Fire Financial Services Limited (CLONE) as an unauthorised entity that is not authorised to provide banking business or payment services in Ireland and is misusing the...
• CBI has published specific fraud indicators associated with this clone, including website domains (e.g.
• The warning explicitly states that the clone firm appears to be running an inheritance scam, including the use of fake documentation allegedly from third parties, which should be treated as a red...
• CBI reiterates that there is no connection between the legitimate authorised Fire Financial Services Limited (C58301) and this fraudulent entity, thereby clarifying the status of the genuine firm and...
• The firm’s name is formally published on CBI’s list of unauthorised firms under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, increasing regulatory expectation that firms...

Key dates

17 April 2026

- CBI publishes warning notice on Clarus IV ICAV (CLONE)

Suggested considerations

• Client communications: Issue alerts on clone risks and direct to CBI scam protection resources (www.centralbank.ie/financialscams).
• Internal screening: Update compliance systems to flag clone indicators (e.g., similar names, cloned authorisation details); report suspicions to CBI at (01) 224 5800.
• Legitimate firms: Publicly disavow any connection if cloned, as emphasised by CBI.

What changed

This is not a regulatory change but a specific enforcement action publishing details of an unauthorised clone firm. It highlights no new requirements but reinforces existing obligations under Irish law to verify firm authorisation before engaging in investment services, with the CBI actively using public warnings to combat scams.

Key dates

14 April 2026

Publication date of warning notice; Immediate public alert on unauthorised status of Finance Advice Help.[Source URL: https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/finance-advice-help--central-bank-of-ireland-issues-warning-on-unauthorised-firm]

Suggested considerations

• Verify firm status: Use CBI's unauthorised firms search tool before engaging with any retail credit provider (https://www.centralbank.ie/regulation/how-we-regulate/authorisation/unauthorised-firms/search-unauthorised-firms).
• Report suspicions: Contact CBI at (01) 224 5800 or via direct reporting portal for any dealings with Finance Advice Help or similar entities.[Source URL: https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/finance-advice-help--central-bank-of-ireland-issues-warning-on-unauthorised-firm]
• Educate clients/staff: Disseminate scam protection guidance from www.centralbank.ie/financialscams; implement "SAFE test" for verification.[Source URL: https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/finance-advice-help--central-bank-of-ireland-issues-warning-on-unauthorised-firm]
• Monitor clones: Screen for impersonation risks, as seen in related warnings (e.g., Shamrock Lend clone).

What changed

This is not a regulatory change but an enforcement action via a public warning notice. It reinforces existing requirements under the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 (section 53), which empowers CBI to publish names of unauthorised firms offering regulated services like retail credit. No new rules are introduced; it signals ongoing vigilance against unauthorised retail credit providers.[Source URL: https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/finance-advice-help--central-bank-of-ireland-issues-warning-on-unauthorised-firm]

Key dates

23 April 2021

19 March 2025; Period of breaches, including 12-month window of unmonitored €176 billion transactions

5 November 2025

Settlement reached between CBI and Coinbase Europe

6 November 2025

CBI public announcement and Settlement Notice published

12 January 2026

High Court confirmed sanctions, making them final and effective

Suggested considerations

• Conduct Gap Analysis: Review transaction monitoring systems for configuration errors, back-testing historical data, and ensuring 100% coverage of high-risk transactions.
• Enhance Controls: Implement robust internal policies, automated alerts, and governance to detect/prevent ML/TF; test systems regularly for faults affecting >1% of volume.
• Accelerate STR Processes: Ensure real-time suspicion flagging and filing; remediate delays via prioritized back-monitoring with FIU coordination.
• Board/Compliance Reporting: Document remediation plans, as Coinbase did, and prepare for audits/enforcement; train staff on VASP-specific risks under MiCA/AMLA.
• Third-Party Review: Engage independent auditors to validate fixes, mirroring Coinbase's post-error cooperation.

What changed

This is an enforcement action, not new legislation, but it reinforces existing CJA 2010 requirements for VASPs: ongoing transaction monitoring, immediate STR filing to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and Revenue Commissioners upon suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing, and adoption of internal policies/controls to prevent/detect financial crime.

Key dates

February 2022

- Fraudulent clone website www.seiinvestment.com deactivated following legitimate firm's report

26 September 2022

- CBI issues warning notice on SEI Investment clone

Suggested considerations

• Monitor for clones: Regularly search for impersonations of your firm's name, website, authorisation numbers, LEI, CRO, or address; report suspicions to CBI at (01) 224 4000.
• Client communications: Advise clients to always access CBI Register directly from www.centralbank.ie (not via email/website links), double-check URLs/phone numbers, verify products on legitimate sites, and apply the SAFE test for unsolicited contacts.
• Internal processes: Update fraud awareness training, client onboarding checks, and surveillance for clone activity; emulate SEI Investments by proactively notifying authorities.
• Public reporting: Encourage staff/clients to report unauthorised activity via CBI hotline or Search Unauthorised Firms page.

What changed

This is not a regulatory change or new requirement but a public enforcement warning under Section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, emphasising ongoing enforcement against unauthorised firms providing regulated financial services, which is a criminal offence. It reinforces consumer protection guidance without introducing new rules, but signals CBI's heightened focus on clone firm frauds, as seen in similar warnings (e.g., The Capital Holdings clone, Bank of Ireland clones).