In his latest blog, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf reflects on his outreach visits to all 26 counties and what they taught him for his second term as governor of the Central Bank.
BankAll Firms
Central Bank of Ireland has today published its Supplemental Guidance on Prohibition Notices under the Fitness and Probity Regime , and a related Feedback Statement on Consultation Paper 166 . The Consultation , which closed on 25 March 2026, received eight submissions from representative bodies and individuals. The Central Bank’s stakeholder webinar on the topic held during the course of the consultation was positively received by its 150 attendees. The Supplemental Guidance sets out the cir...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has finalised and published **Supplemental Guidance on Prohibition Notices under the Fitness and Probity (F&P) Regime**, together with a Feedback Statement on Consultation Paper 166 (CP166). This guidance materially clarifies how CBI decision makers will determine the **nature, scope, duration, termination and publication** of Prohibition Notices, raising the bar for governance, investigation handling, and individual accountability across all Irish-regulated firms.
What Changed
- - The Supplemental Guidance formally sets out the circumstances and general principles the CBI’s Prohibition Decision Maker will consider when deciding whether to impose a Prohibition Notice,...
- The guidance clarifies the decision-making framework for the nature, scope and duration of a prohibition, including whether it applies to specific controlled functions (CFs), parts of CFs, or any...
- The guidance codifies how a Prohibition Notice becomes effective, establishing that effectiveness arises either through a written agreement between the CBI and the individual concerned (prohibition...
- The guidance explains the three mechanisms by which a Prohibition Notice may be terminated or cease to have effect: (1) termination of a prohibition agreement by the CBI, (2) revocation of a...
- The Supplemental Guidance sets out CBI’s approach to requests by prohibited persons to terminate a prohibition agreement, including the factors CBI will assess when considering whether to lift or...
Suggested Considerations
- Update Fitness and Probity policies, procedures, and governance frameworks to explicitly address the possibility of Prohibition Notices, including criteria for escalation, internal investigation standards, record‑keeping, and engagement protocols with the CBI during prohibition-related processes.
- Ensure Board and senior management, including PCF role holders and HR/legal/compliance leads, are briefed on the new prohibition guidance, the publication policy, and the enhanced transparency of outcomes so that they understand the personal and organisational consequences of F&P failings.
- Strengthen documentation and retention of supervisory, disciplinary, compliance and performance records for CF and PCF holders to ensure that, if a prohibition is contemplated, the firm can provide a coherent, contemporaneous factual record to the CBI and the individual.
- Review and, where necessary, amend individual accountability frameworks (including Statements of Responsibilities and role profiles) to clearly delineate responsibilities, seniority and CF scope, given that these factors now explicitly influence the nature, scope and duration of any prohibition.
- Embed procedures to manage individuals who become subject to proposed or actual Prohibition Notices, including immediate role restrictions, notification workflows, communication protocols to boards and key stakeholders, and contingency planning for business continuity.
Key Dates
- CBI will integrate the Supplemental Guidance with the Main Guidance on Fitness and Probity Investigations, Suspensions and Prohibitions as part of its wider implementation of a recent High Court judgment relating to F&P enforcement procedures
- CBI launches Consultation Paper 166 on Supplemental Guidance relating to Prohibition Notices under the Fitness and Probity regime
- CBI hosts an industry webinar on the Supplemental Guidance on Prohibition Notices under the Fitness and Probity regime
- CP166 consultation period closes; CBI receives eight submissions from representative bodies and individuals
- CBI publishes the final Supplemental Guidance on Prohibition Notices under the Fitness and Probity Regime and the Feedback Statement on CP166
Compliance Impact
Non-compliance with the clarified prohibition framework, or failure to manage individuals subject to F&P concerns appropriately, exposes firms to significant enforcement risk, reputational damage, and potential constraints on business due to the removal of key CF/PCF staff. The refined guidance increases predictability but also raises expectations that firms will proactively manage F&P risks and cooperate effectively with the CBI in prohibition cases.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankAsset ManagerInsurance In this weeks blog, the governor outlines why his ECB Governing Council colleagues and him decided to leave interest rates unchanged. The Deposit Facility Rate, through which they steer the monetary policy stance, remains at 2.25 per cent.
Bank
People across Ireland are invited to give their feedback on the shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes, unveiled today by the European Central Bank (ECB). These design proposals are based on two different themes – “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” – and on the associated motifs chosen to illustrate them. Now, everyone in Ireland and Europe is invited to have their say following the decision of the ECB’s Governing Council to run an online survey on these ten...
What Changed
- - The ECB has published ten shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes, based on the themes “European culture” and “Rivers and birds.”
- The ECB has opened an online public survey to gather feedback on the proposed designs.
- The survey is open until 21 September 2026.
- The ECB Governing Council is expected to make the final design decision around the end of 2026.
- The current publication does not impose any immediate compliance obligation on firms; it is a consultation and design-selection step, not an enacted regulatory rule.
Suggested Considerations
- Review the ECB consultation materials and assess whether your firm has any direct operational exposure to future euro banknote changes.
- Monitor ECB and Central Bank of Ireland updates for the final design decision expected around the end of 2026.
- Prepare internal stakeholder briefings for cash operations, branch operations, payments, customer service, and communications teams on the expected euro banknote redesign timeline.
- If your firm accepts or processes cash, begin a preliminary review of any systems, controls, or vendor dependencies that could be affected by future note specifications, authentication features, or rollout timing.
- Update external messaging and FAQs only after the ECB publishes the final banknote design and implementation details.
Key Dates
- The ECB Governing Council is expected to make the final decision on the new banknote design
- The Central Bank of Ireland publishes the press release encouraging public participation in the ECB consultation
- The public survey on the shortlisted euro banknote designs closes
Compliance Impact
The immediate compliance impact is low, because this is a consultation and not a binding regulatory requirement. The practical impact may become medium later if the ECB’s final decision triggers operational changes for cash-handling, customer communications, ATM calibration, or banknote lifecycle controls.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankPayment ProviderAll Firms
ECB unveils ten shortlisted design proposals for next series of euro banknotes Europeans invited to have their say in online survey open until 21 September Governing Council expected to select one design proposal around the end of the year The European Central Bank (ECB) today unveiled the shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes and launched a public survey inviting people across Europe to provide their feedback. These design proposals are based on two different the...
The ECB has unveiled ten shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes and launched an EU‑wide public survey running to 21 September 2026, ahead of a Governing Council decision on the final design around end‑2026. This is the first full redesign since 2002 and will introduce new security, accessibility and environmental features, requiring bank, payments and cash‑handling firms to plan for operational, technical and customer‑facing changes to cash handling, processing and authentication.
What Changed
- - The ECB has published ten shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes, based on the two themes “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”.
- An EU‑wide online public survey has been launched to collect feedback on the shortlisted designs, forming part of the ECB’s inclusive approach to banknote design.
- The ECB’s Governing Council will select a single design proposal around the end of 2026, informed by the Design Contest Jury conclusions, technical assessments and survey results.
- The chosen design will undergo further development and testing before production, including integration of new and improved security features.
- The new series of euro banknotes will be introduced into circulation in subsequent years, alongside existing series, which will retain their legal value and continue to circulate.
Suggested Considerations
- Establish an internal project workstream to monitor ECB communications on the banknote redesign and plan for operational impacts on cash handling, ATM networks and merchant devices.
- Conduct a preliminary impact assessment of how new banknote security and design features may affect existing banknote sorting, authentication and recycling equipment, and identify likely upgrade or replacement needs.
- Engage with ATM and cash‑handling hardware vendors to understand expected firmware, sensor and software changes required to support the new banknote series and to secure upgrade slots ahead of issuance.
- Review and update internal cash‑handling and banknote authentication procedures, including staff training materials, to incorporate new design and security features once technical specifications are published.
- Plan customer communications strategies to explain the coexistence of old and new series banknotes, reaffirm the continued validity of previous series, and address any fraud or counterfeiting concerns.
Key Dates
- Expected Governing Council decision on the final design proposal for the new euro banknote series
- Progressive introduction of new‑series euro banknotes into circulation, co‑circulating with existing series which retain value
- Closure of the ECB public online survey on the ten shortlisted euro banknote design proposals
Compliance Impact
Non‑compliance will primarily manifest as operational and conduct risk rather than direct regulatory sanction at this stage, but inadequate preparation could lead to service disruption, increased counterfeit losses, customer detriment and potential supervisory scrutiny over firms’ cash‑handling controls. Early engagement and orderly implementation will be important for banks and payment providers with large cash footprints or critical ATM networks.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankPayment ProviderFintech Warning: Unauthorised Investment Firm / Investment Business Firm Unauthorised Firm Name Bates Finance Limited (CLONE) Website https://www.batesfinance.co.uk/ Email addresses used info@batesfinance.co.uk Phone number used 0124 594 4391 Authorisation in Ireland Bates Finance Limited (CLONE) is not authorised to provide investment services in Ireland. This unauthorised firm has cloned the details of authorised firm to pass itself off as legitimate to deceive consumers. There is no connection bet...
The Central Bank of Ireland has issued a warning notice under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 against **“Bates Finance Limited (CLONE)”**, an unauthorised investment firm that is cloning a legitimate authorised firm’s details to deceive consumers. This reinforces the requirement for compliance teams to maintain robust controls around firm impersonation, customer communications, and verification of authorisation status, especially for cross‑border investment services offered into Ireland.
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...
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.
Key Dates
- 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
Compliance Impact
Non‑compliance primarily manifests as heightened financial crime and consumer protection risk, including exposure of customers to fraud, reputational damage, and potential regulatory scrutiny where firms fail to act on public warnings about clones and unauthorised providers. While the criminal offence attaches to operating without authorisation, authorised firms that ignore such warnings may face supervisory criticism and conduct‑risk consequences if their customers suffer losses.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
Asset ManagerWealth ManagerBank Central Bank of Ireland has commissioned an independent review of its enforcement activities. Enforcement is a core component of the Central Bank's regulatory framework. It supports credible deterrence and accountability, promotes high standards of conduct and, through transparent outcomes, supports trust and confidence in the financial system. The financial system has become larger, more complex and more interconnected over the last decade. The regulatory and legislative framework has also e...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has appointed Josephine Feehily as an external reviewer to conduct an independent review of the **effectiveness, efficiency and positioning of CBI’s enforcement activities within its supervisory framework**, with a report (including recommendations) to be published in due course. This signals a potential medium-term recalibration of enforcement strategy, case selection, timelines and transparency, and compliance teams should anticipate possible changes to how investigations are initiated, managed and resolved, including expectations around engagement and disclosure.
What Changed
- - The CBI has formally commissioned an independent review of its enforcement activities, covering both how enforcement is structured and how it operates in practice, rather than a narrow thematic or...
- The review mandate expressly covers the performance of enforcement activities and the role of enforcement within the wider supervisory framework, indicating that enforcement may be repositioned...
- The review will examine enforcement structures and processes, including decision‑making governance, which may result in new approval routes, escalation paths, or committee structures for opening,...
- The review will look at case‑selection criteria and processes, suggesting potential future changes to how and why firms or individuals are selected for enforcement action, and possibly the...
- Timeliness of enforcement actions is in scope, which may lead to explicit timelines or service standards for case progression, investigation milestones, and resolution, with potential knock‑on...
Suggested Considerations
- Review and document your enforcement‑facing governance, including Board and senior management oversight of investigations, decision‑making on settlement, and escalation paths, to ensure these are robust and can withstand a more structured or time‑bound enforcement approach.
- Assess whether your record‑keeping, data, and management information relating to regulatory breaches, incidents, and CBI interactions are sufficiently complete and organised to support faster and more transparent enforcement processes.
- Conduct a gap analysis of investigation procedures and response playbooks (e.g. dawn raid readiness, information requests, interviews, internal investigations) to ensure they can meet potentially tighter CBI timeliness and information‑quality expectations.
- Update Board and senior management on the launch of the enforcement review and agree a watching brief, including designation of a responsible function (e.g. Compliance or Legal) to monitor the review, its terms of reference, stakeholder engagements and eventual recommendations.
- Engage external counsel or industry associations, as appropriate, to prepare for possible consultation or stakeholder engagement opportunities during the review, including developing key messages on proportionality, timeliness, transparency and coordination with supervision.
Key Dates
– CBI announces the appointment of Josephine Feehily and the commissioning of an independent review of enforcement activities, with a commitment that a report including recommendations will be provided to the Governor and published in due course
– CBI publication of the external reviewer’s report and recommendations, which will likely act as the starting point for any formal changes to the enforcement framework, processes or guidance
– Expected phased implementation of any accepted recommendations through updated policies, procedures, public statements, or, where necessary, legislative or regulatory amendments
Compliance Impact
The immediate compliance impact is indirect but strategically significant: while no new rules are yet in force, firms should treat this as a precursor to a potentially more structured, faster and more transparent enforcement regime. Failure to adapt to any subsequent changes is likely to increase exposure to higher sanction risk, reputational damage and more intensive regulatory scrutiny.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankAsset ManagerInsurance Cathaoirleach and Committee members, thank you for the invitation to be here today. I am joined by my colleagues Deputy Governor for Monetary and Financial Stability, Vasileios Madouros, and Colm Kincaid, Deputy Governor for Consumer and Investor Protection. The Economic Outlook Let me begin with the economic outlook. The global economy continues to face challenges and heightened uncertainty from the Middle East conflict and the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, with implications for energy...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) Governor used this Oireachtas hearing to restate that the CBI will act only within its statutory mandate on prospectus approval, while also signalling that the EU Prospectus Regulation framework has changed materially since 5 June 2026 because of Regulation (EU) 2024/2809. For compliance teams, the key point is that prospectus-related processes, disclosures, and approval planning should now be reviewed against the amended EU regime and the CBI’s existing approval timetable requirements, including the 90 working day decision rule for non-SME prospectuses and 100 working day rule for SMEs.
What Changed
- - Regulation (EU) 2024/2809 amends elements of the Prospectus Regulation, and those amendments fully took effect on 5 June 2026.
- The Prospectus Regulation continues to apply as the core EU framework for prospectuses, with the CBI acting as the competent authority in Ireland for approval matters.
- The CBI states that it must decide on a prospectus application within 90 working days of receipt of the initial application, or 100 working days for an SME.
- If the review exceeds the applicable working-day limit, the CBI will cease reviewing the prospectus without approving it and will notify the issuer, offeror, or person seeking admission to trading.
- A one-off extension of 30 working days may be requested before the original 90 working-day period lapses, including for SMEs.
Suggested Considerations
- Review all prospectus templates, disclosure checklists, and approval workflows against the amended Prospectus Regulation provisions that became fully applicable on 5 June 2026.
- Reassess transaction timetables to ensure the planned filing date allows for the 90 working day or 100 working day CBI review window, plus any needed extension request.
- Submit any request for a one-off 30 working day extension before the original approval period expires, and include the required reference details in the request.
- Confirm whether any current or planned issuance qualifies as an SME transaction, because the approval deadline differs from the standard timetable.
- Update internal sign-off procedures so legal, finance, and compliance teams can demonstrate that prospectus materials are prepared in line with the CBI’s statutory mandate and the amended EU framework.
Key Dates
- The Prospectus Regulation entered into force at EU level
- The Prospectus Regulation fully applied, and Ireland’s implementing regulations for the regime came into operation
- New Irish Central Bank fee regulations for prospectus and related document approvals came into operation
- The Central Bank’s revised Prospectus Regulatory Framework Q&A was published, updating operational guidance on approval, publication, and passporting matters
- GEM rule amendments took effect for certain retail debt securities listings, providing related market infrastructure context
Compliance Impact
Non-compliance risk is high because a failed or delayed prospectus approval can block issuance, delay admission to trading, and disrupt capital raising. Firms also face execution and disclosure risk if they do not align their documentation and timetables to the amended EU regime and the CBI’s approval mechanics.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankBroker DealerAsset Manager Central Bank of Ireland has today (13 July) published the annual letter from Governor Gabriel Makhlouf to the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance ahead of Budget 2027. In his letter, the Governor underscores the importance of building economic resilience in the face of heightened global uncertainty and structural economic transitions. He highlights the need to prioritise five key areas: Growing the supply-side capacity of the economy, particularly housing, transport, energy and water infrastruc...
All Firms
Warning: Unauthorised Investment Firm / Investment Business Firm Unauthorised Firm Name AGF International Advisors Company Limited (CLONE) and/or Iron-Cap / IRONCAP Website(s) www.iron-cap.com https://www.iron-cap.io/ https://www.iron-cap.io/fr/forgot-password/ Email address(es) used support@iron-cap.com Samuel.breval@iron-cap.com Phone number(s) used None Authorisation in Ireland AGF International Advisors Company Limited (CLONE) and/or Iron-Cap/IRONCAP is not authorised to provide Investmen...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has issued a warning notice under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 against a **fraudulent clone** using the name AGF International Advisors Company Limited and the brand Iron-Cap / IRONCAP, operating via several websites and email addresses without authorisation to provide investment services in Ireland. This matters for compliance teams because the cloned entity is impersonating a fully authorised CBI firm (AGF International Advisors Company Limited, CBI00022137), creating heightened financial crime, conduct, and reputational risks, and necessitating strengthened client-onboarding and counter‑party due‑diligence controls to detect and manage clone‑firm exposure.
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...
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.
Key Dates
- 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
Compliance Impact
Failure to identify and appropriately manage interactions with unauthorised clone firms exposes regulated institutions to heightened AML/financial crime risk, consumer protection breaches, and significant reputational damage, and may result in supervisory scrutiny or enforcement for inadequate systems and controls. For clients misled into dealing with unauthorised firms, there is a high risk of loss without access to statutory investor compensation or regulatory recourse.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
Asset ManagerWealth ManagerBank Warning: Unauthorised Investment Firm / Investment Business Firm Unauthorised Firm Name LGIM Managers (Europe) Limited (CLONE) Website None Email addresses used info@lgimeu.com (no longer active) office@bunqpartner.com Purported address Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 49 60311 Frankfurt am Main Phone number used +49 69 9675 5450 Authorisation in Ireland LGIM Managers (Europe) Limited (CLONE) is not authorised to operate as an investment firm or investment business firm in Ireland. Additional informati...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has issued a warning notice that a **clone entity using the name “LGIM Managers (Europe) Limited (CLONE)” is offering fake investments and falsely claiming partnerships with bunq Bank and other institutions, without any authorisation to provide investment services in Ireland**. This matters for compliance teams because it highlights active impersonation of a CBI‑authorised MiFID/AIFM firm, the risk of client and staff being deceived by sophisticated cloning scams, and the need for strengthened controls around firm verification, client communications, and scam response.
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,...
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.
Key Dates
– 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
– 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
Compliance Impact
Non‑compliance exposes firms to regulatory enforcement, criminal law risk where unauthorised activity is facilitated, and significant reputational damage for failing to prevent or respond adequately to clone‑firm scams involving their brand or clients. Firms that do not implement robust verification and reporting processes may face heightened conduct‑risk, customer detriment, and potential supervisory scrutiny from the CBI and other EU regulators.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
Asset ManagerBankBroker Dealer Central Bank of Ireland has appointed Gavin Curran as Director of Capital Markets and Funds and Max Patanella as Chief Information Officer. Director – Capital Markets and Funds Gavin joined the Central Bank in September 2022 and has been Head of Funds Supervision Division since January 2025. Gavin has over 20 years’ experience in capital markets and funds, having held senior roles in both industry and regulatory environments. Chief Information Officer Max joins the Central Bank from Virgin Me...
All Firms
In the summer of 2012, with bond markets pricing in a chance of a euro breakup, Mario Draghi pledged to do “whatever it takes” to preserve the currency union. It worked: spreads fell, though the programme behind the pledge, Outright Monetary Transactions (OMT), was never used. Despite having no formal relationship with national fiscal authorities, the central bank stepped in because markets had doubts about some governments’ solvency, and this threatened the monetary union’s existence. We are...
BankAll Firms
No description available.
All Firms
Central Bank of Ireland has today launched a new map showing the location of every ATM and cash service points in the country. The public can now also notify the Central Bank if they believe there is insufficient access to cash in their community. From today (Tuesday 30 June 2026), the public can submit a local deficiency notification through an online form available on the Central Bank's website. The Central Bank will carefully assess each notification, consider the specific circumstances of...
BankPayment Provider
Warning: Unauthorised Retail Credit Firm Unauthorised Firm Name Loan Empower Solution Website https://www.lesolution.eu Purported address The Merrion Buildings, 18–20 Merrion Street, Dublin 2, D02 XH98, Ireland Email address used contact@lesolution.eu Phone number used +49 30 1234 5678 Authorisation in Ireland Loan Empower Solution is not authorised as a retail credit firm in Ireland. Additional information Loan Empower Solution appears to be engaged in ‘advanced fee fraud’, where a payment i...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has issued a formal warning under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 against **Loan Empower Solution**, an unauthorised firm purporting to offer retail credit from a Dublin address while apparently engaging in **advance fee fraud**. This reinforces supervisory expectations that authorised firms operating in or into Ireland must have robust controls around unauthorised-firm risk, fraud referrals, and customer communications, particularly where clone or bogus “retail credit” offerings are involved.
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...
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.
Key Dates
- 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
Compliance Impact
Non-compliance primarily exposes firms to conduct and financial crime risk, including facilitating fraud, failing to protect vulnerable customers, and weaknesses in perimeter controls, which can lead to CBI supervisory findings, reputational damage, and potentially enforcement action for systemic failures. The enforcement signalling is material for any firm active in retail credit or payments, and boards and senior managers responsible for consumer and financial crime risk should treat unauthorised-firm exposure as a priority issue.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankFintechPayment Provider Good morning. It is a pleasure to welcome you this morning to the Central Bank of Ireland and to the tenth annual Macroprudential Conference, organised jointly with the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Nederlandsche Bank, and the Sveriges Riksbank. Let me begin by thanking the scientific committee for bringing together such a distinguished group of policymakers and researchers, and for developing a programme that is both ambitious and timely. Let me also note that it is the first time the conference ...
BankAll Firms
The Central Bank of Ireland has today launched a public consultation seeking views on its approach to Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) and on its approach to consultation with stakeholders. The consultation forms part of the Central Bank’s ongoing work to deliver a more effective and efficient regulatory framework, building on our recent new supervisory approach and roadmap of regulatory initiatives . It reflects the Central Bank’s commitment to ensuring that regulation remains clear, coher...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has launched a public consultation (closing 30 September 2026) on its **Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) framework** and on how it consults with stakeholders, as part of its wider programme to make Irish financial regulation more effective, efficient, and proportionate. For compliance teams, this is a key opportunity and a warning: the way the CBI designs, justifies, consults on, and reviews future rules will be formalised and made more evidence‑based, which will directly affect the cost, complexity, and predictability of future regulatory change across all sectors.
What Changed
- - The CBI has opened a public consultation on its approach to Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA), seeking views on how it should weigh evidence, assess costs and impacts, and structure its analysis...
- The consultation also covers the CBI’s approach to stakeholder consultation, including how it engages with industry, civil society, consumer representatives, the public, policymakers, and peer...
- The initiative sits within the CBI’s broader “more effective and efficient regulatory framework” programme, which includes a new supervisory approach and a roadmap of regulatory initiatives,...
- The CBI aims to make regulation clear, coherent and proportionate, explicitly linking rule‑making to protections for consumers, investors, and financial stability, and to the resilience of the...
- The CBI is moving towards a more structured, transparent, and evidence‑based policymaking process, where the rationale for regulatory interventions, the analysis of options, and the assessment of...
Suggested Considerations
- Conduct an internal review of your firm’s experience with recent CBI consultations (e.g. Consumer Protection Code, governance, outsourcing, AML, reporting) and document challenges, costs, and data gaps that could be addressed through a more robust RIA and consultation framework.
- Prepare and submit a response to the CBI consultation by 30 September 2026, either directly or via relevant industry associations, setting out detailed expectations on how RIA should address compliance costs, operational impacts, proportionality for smaller firms, and implementation lead times.
- Update your regulatory affairs or public policy strategy to explicitly incorporate the emerging CBI RIA framework, including criteria for when to engage, escalation thresholds for high‑impact proposals, and internal approval processes for consultation submissions.
- For Irish‑authorised groups operating cross‑border, align your approach to CBI RIA engagement with EU‑level impact assessment practices (e.g. European Commission and ESAs) to ensure consistency in messaging and evidence on cumulative regulatory burden and competitiveness.
- Monitor subsequent CBI publications (including the forthcoming feedback statement, revised Corporate Governance Codes, and sectoral plans) to identify where the new RIA framework is being applied and to anticipate where the CBI may seek additional data or structured feedback from firms.
Key Dates
– CBI publishes its roadmap “Regulating & Supervising Well – a more effective and efficient framework”, committing to a public consultation on a new Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) Framework in H1 2026 and outlining a multi‑year programme of regulatory and supervisory reforms from H1 2026 to H1 2028
– CBI launches the public consultation on its approach to RIA and stakeholder consultation, alongside references to its new supervisory approach and roadmap of regulatory initiatives
– Target window identified in the roadmap for the public consultation on the new RIA Framework; this is now operationalised by the consultation launched on 22 June 2026
– CBI will consider all submissions and publish a feedback statement setting out its finalised approach to RIA and consultation, which will then guide the design of future regulatory initiatives
– Roadmap foresees drafting of revised Corporate Governance Codes for consultation, which are likely to be shaped by, and potentially used to pilot, the new RIA framework and consultation approach once finalised
Compliance Impact
In the short term, the consultation does not impose new binding obligations but shapes the procedural framework for all future CBI rule‑making, making early engagement strategically important for managing long‑term compliance cost and regulatory uncertainty. Over the medium term, once the RIA and consultation frameworks are finalised, firms that fail to engage effectively in consultations may find themselves facing more onerous or misaligned requirements with limited scope for later challenge or adjustment.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankAsset ManagerInsurance Good regulation matters. It matters for consumers and for investors. It matters for firms and the wider economy, and for resilience and the stability of the financial system. In the Central Bank, regulation is central to how we deliver our safeguarding outcomes: protecting consumers and investors, maintaining financial stability, supporting the safety and soundness of firms, and protecting the integrity of the financial system. As I have said before, good regulation should be forward looking,...
All Firms
Good morning and thank you to BIPAR for inviting me to speak at your event today, as we approach the start of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. As the financial sector continues to evolve, the contribution of intermediaries remains as important as ever. Around 2,500 of the 3,300 firms the Central Bank of Ireland supervises are retail intermediaries. They provide a critical distribution channel for insurance, pensions, investments and mortgages. The extensive network o...
All Firms
Inflation forecasts have been revised upwards notably, to 3.5 per cent this year and 2.9 per cent in 2027 Weaker consumer spending expected in 2026 but continued growth in MDD is projected over the forecast horizon with MNE-related investment playing a prominent role GDP fell sharply in the first quarter of 2026, highlighting its sensitivity to the (onshore and offshore) activities of a small number of multinational enterprises A swift resolution to the conflict would see oil and gas prices f...
All Firms
Good afternoon and thank you for inviting me to speak today. Last week, the ECB’s Governing Council decided to raise interest rates by 0.25%. This is the first change since June 2025 – the first increase since 2023 – and brings the main policy rate, the Deposit Facility Rate, to 2.25%. Our decision is a response to inflation pressures from higher oil prices and other supply disruptions arising from the war in the Middle East. My colleagues and I on the Governing Council were unanimous in maki...
All Firms
In his latest blog, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf explains the ECB Governing Council decision to raise interest rates by 0.25 per cent. This first change since June 2025 brings the Deposit Facility Rate to 2.25 per cent. He supported the decision and, along with his colleagues on the Governing Council, is committed to delivering our 2 per cent inflation target over the medium term.
All Firms
Introduction Good morning, I am delighted to be here and many thanks to Patricia at FSI for the invitation. 1 You have a busy agenda today, discussing some of the key issues currently facing the financial sector and financial regulators. As the title of this conference suggests, we are living through a time of fragmentation; and, as I said earlier this week, this is coming alongside a period of rapid technological transformation. 2 While they say that there is nothing permanent except change ...
All Firms
My thanks to the Tánaiste and his Department for the invitation to be here today. I am delighted to take part in this National Financial Literacy Strategy Stakeholder Forum. It is an important event as part of a necessary collaborative approach across public and private stakeholders in delivering Ireland’s National Financial Literacy Strategy – a strategy in which Central Bank of Ireland is proud to participate. As we are here in the oldest continuously operating maternity hospital in the wor...
All Firms
Central Bank of Ireland has today (Friday 5 June 2026) published its Annual Report and Annual Performance Statement for 2025 . Speaking on publication of the report, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf said: “2025 was a year of significant uncertainty and adjustment. “Inflation across advanced economies continued to moderate from the highs experienced in previous years. In the euro area, we kept interest rates at levels necessary to ensure that inflation returns sustainably to our 2% target even as geo...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has published its 2025 Annual Report and Annual Performance Statement, signalling concrete shifts in supervisory approach, consumer protection expectations, and regulatory implementation priorities across digitalisation, financial crime and new EU regimes. For compliance teams in Irish‑authorised firms, this is effectively a roadmap of how CBI will supervise in 2026–2027: enhanced conduct standards under the modernised Consumer Protection Code, intensified focus on financial crime and digital risks (including AI), and more assertive enforcement capacity via a new dedicated prosecutions team.
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...
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.
Key Dates
– CBI established a dedicated team to investigate and prosecute offences under financial services legislation
– The modernised Consumer Protection Code came into effect for Irish‑regulated firms
– CBI implemented its new supervisory approach centred on four safeguarding outcomes and reorganised into multi‑disciplinary supervisory teams
– CBI’s Innovation Sandbox focused on combatting financial crime, with seven projects selected on information sharing, identity verification and fraud prevention
– CBI published “Regulating & Supervising well – a more effective and efficient framework,” detailing its simplified and outcomes‑focused regulatory framework
Compliance Impact
Non‑compliance with the modernised Consumer Protection Code, new supervisory expectations, and EU‑level regimes such as MiCA, DORA and the EU AI Act can lead to administrative sanctions, reputational damage, and increasingly, investigation and prosecution by CBI’s dedicated enforcement team. Given the integrated, outcomes‑focused supervisory model, weaknesses in any of conduct, prudential, operational resilience or financial crime controls are more likely to trigger broad‑based supervisory interventions and enforcement scrutiny.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankAsset ManagerPayment Provider In his latest blog, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf writes about the release of the latest Annual Report and Annual Performance Statement. He uses his blog to reflect how the Central Bank delivered on its mandate for the people of Ireland and gives an overview of the economic outlook, summarises achievements and provides an update on the financial position at the end of last year.
All Firms
Warning: Unauthorised Investment Firm / Investment Business Firm Unauthorised Firm Name FTI Finance Limited (CLONE) Website • https://client.ftifinanceltd.com/auth/login • https://ftifinance-ltd.com/ • https://ftifinancelimited.com Email address used • support@ftifinancelimited.com • support@ftifinance-ltd.com Authorisation in Ireland FTI Finance Limited (CLONE) is not authorised to operate as an investment firm or investment business firm in Ireland. Additional Information This scam firm clo...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has issued a warning under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 in relation to **FTI Finance Limited (CLONE)**, an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm using multiple websites and email domains to impersonate a legitimately authorised firm of the same name. The notice formally confirms that this entity is not authorised to provide investment services in Ireland and highlights a **clone scam** targeting investors, which requires immediate enhancement of client‑facing controls, due diligence, and fraud‑risk processes in all Ireland‑facing businesses.
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...
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.
Key Dates
- 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
Compliance Impact
Failure to implement appropriate controls to prevent dealings with unauthorised or clone firms can expose regulated entities to CBI supervisory findings, enforcement action, and significant conduct risk, including client loss and litigation. The publication also raises financial crime and fraud‑risk expectations, so inadequate response may be treated as a failure of governance, customer due diligence, and consumer protection frameworks.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager Warning: Unauthorised Banker Unauthorised Firm Name HSBC Continental Europe (CLONE) Website https://campaign.eligibility-advisorscorporate.com/ Telephone Number (01) 6214 2195 (07) 4313 0963 Email address used hsbc@corporate-dublin.com Authorisation in Ireland This scam entity cloned the name and details of a firm authorised by the Central Bank and has been seeking to pass itself off as the legitimate firm, HSBC Continental Europe, in order to deceive consumers. Additionally, the scam entity ...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has issued a warning notice (under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013) about a **clone “HSBC Continental Europe (CLONE)”** operating as an unauthorised banker and fraudulently using the CBI authorisation number of **Cowan Insurance Brokers Limited (CBI00001421)**. The case underscores heightened clone‑firm risk and obliges compliance, financial crime and customer‑facing teams to strengthen name‑screening, verification of authorisation numbers, and scam‑response procedures when dealing with references to HSBC, Cowan Insurance Brokers Limited, and similar high‑profile brands.
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...
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.
Key Dates
- 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
Compliance Impact
Failure to detect or appropriately respond to clone‑firm approaches could expose firms to customer loss, complaints, civil claims, and heightened CBI scrutiny regarding the adequacy of fraud, AML, and customer‑protection controls. For CBI‑authorised firms, weak controls around clone‑firm risk may be treated as a conduct and systems‑and‑controls deficiency with potential supervisory or enforcement consequences.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankInsuranceAll Firms
Warning: Unauthorised Irish Collective Asset-Management Vehicle (ICAV) Unauthorised Firm Name Insight Investment Solutions ICAV (CLONE) Website Address https://investmentsolutionsfunds.eu/ Telephone Number 02890137409 Email Address info@insightinvestment.ie Authorisation in Ireland The Clone Firm is not authorised to provide financial services in Ireland. Additional Information The Clone Firm is using the name and Central Bank Registration Number of the legitimate Central Bank authorised Fund...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has issued a warning under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 against a **clone** entity using the name *Insight Investment Solutions ICAV (CLONE)*, fraudulently holding itself out as an authorised Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicle (ICAV). The scam firm is using the name and Central Bank registration number of the legitimate CBI‑authorised fund Insight Investment Solutions ICAV, with no connection between them, creating significant conduct, fraud‑risk, and client‑asset risks for firms that may be exposed via distribution, introductions, or client referrals.
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...
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.
Key Dates
- 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
Compliance Impact
Failure to detect and avoid dealing with clone firms exposes regulated entities to material risks of facilitating fraud, mis‑selling, customer losses, and serious breaches of consumer‑protection, financial‑crime, and authorisation rules. Regulatory consequences may include supervisory findings, enforcement action, civil claims from investors, and reputational damage where firms are found to have inadequate due‑diligence and verification controls.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
Asset ManagerWealth ManagerBank Warning: Unauthorised Investment Firm / Unauthorised Investment Business Firm Unauthorised Firm Name Euro Bonds Finder/Irish Rates Finder Website https://eurobondsfinder.com/ Authorisation in Ireland Euro Bonds Finder/Irish Rates Finder is not authorised as an investment business firm in Ireland. Notes: Any person wishing to contact the Central Bank with information regarding such firms / persons may telephone (01) 224 5800. For more information on how to protect yourself from financial scams...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has issued a Warning Notice, under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, identifying Euro Bonds Finder/Irish Rates Finder as an unauthorised investment firm/investment business firm and confirming it is not authorised in Ireland to provide investment services. This reinforces CBI’s ongoing focus on online “investment” and comparison-style offerings and requires regulated firms, intermediaries and distributors to ensure they do not engage with or refer clients to this entity and that their financial crime and fraud-detection controls recognise and block similar scams.
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...
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.
Key Dates
– CBI issues a prior warning notice on an analogous unauthorised comparison website, Rates Finder, highlighting the “comparison website scam” model
– CBI issues a warning on EU Bonds, another unauthorised investment firm, further signalling its focus on online bond and rate “finder” scams
– 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
Compliance Impact
The compliance impact is high, because dealings with unauthorised firms can expose regulated entities to regulatory enforcement for conduct, financial crime failings, and failures in due diligence on third parties and referrals, in addition to customer detriment and reputational damage. Firms that ignore CBI warnings or fail to adapt their controls to identified scam typologies risk scrutiny in supervisory reviews and potential enforcement action.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
Asset ManagerWealth ManagerBank Warning: Unauthorised Investment Firm / Investment Business Firm Unauthorised Firm Name Compare Bonds Ltd Website http://www.comparebondrates.eu/ Email address used info@bondratecompare.com Authorisation in Ireland Compare Bonds Ltd is not authorised to operate as an investment business firm or investment firm in Ireland. Notes: Any person wishing to contact the Central Bank with information regarding such firms / persons may telephone (01) 224 5800 or report an unauthorised firm directly to ...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has issued a warning notice under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 in respect of **Compare Bonds Ltd**, confirming it is **not authorised** to operate as an investment business firm or investment firm in Ireland. This reinforces firms’ obligations to perform robust regulatory status checks on any “comparison” or “bond rate” intermediaries and to strengthen fraud‑prevention controls around introduction, referral and distribution channels.
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...
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.
Key Dates
– CBI previously issued a warning regarding Bond Rate Compare / Compare Bonds Ltd as an unauthorised investment firm / investment business firm
– CBI publishes the current warning notice confirming Compare Bonds Ltd is an unauthorised firm and disclosing associated website and contact details
Compliance Impact
Failure to identify and disengage from unauthorised comparison‑style entities like Compare Bonds Ltd exposes firms to significant conduct, enforcement and reputational risk, particularly where customers suffer losses via scams linked to the firm’s products or brand. The CBI’s ongoing pattern of warnings indicates elevated supervisory sensitivity to distribution controls, meaning lapses could contribute to findings in conduct or enforcement reviews.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankBroker DealerWealth Manager Warning: Unauthorised Banking Business / Unauthorised Payment Services Unauthorised Firm Name Fire Financial Services Limited (CLONE) Website Addresses used • www.financeportfolio.net • www.fire.com.de • www.centralbank.ie.de • www.revenue.ie.de • www.department-of-finance.ie.de Email address used • accounts@compliance-fire.com • fire-support@fire.com.de • fire.support@fire.com.de • support@fire.com.de • fire-eu@fire.com.de • fire@fire.com.de • info@fire.com.de • fireservices@fire.com.de Tele...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has issued a warning under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 about a **clone fraud** entity using the name **Fire Financial Services Limited (CLONE)** and multiple deceptive websites, emails, and phone numbers to conduct unauthorised banking business, payment services, and inheritance scams in Ireland. This notice reinforces existing obligations on regulated firms to monitor and respond to misuse of their identity, enhance scam‑prevention controls, and ensure staff and customers can distinguish between genuine and clone communications.
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...
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.
Key Dates
- 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
Compliance Impact
Non‑compliance primarily manifests through failures in fraud‑risk management and consumer‑protection controls, potentially leading to regulatory scrutiny, enforcement action, and serious reputational damage if customers suffer losses via clone firms that the institution did not adequately warn about or guard against. Failure to identify and avoid dealings with unauthorised entities can also raise questions about a firm’s governance, due diligence, and adherence to CBI expectations under the Central Bank’s supervisory and enforcement framework.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankFintechPayment Provider Good morning and welcome to the launch of our first Financial Stability Review of 2026 . During 2026, risks facing the domestic financial system from the global environment have intensified. In 2025, the origin of external risks related primarily to swings in global trade policy. This year, the origin relates to the pricing, and the sustainability of global energy supplies, following the start of the war in the Middle East. This shock, coming less than a year after the previous trade shock, a...
BankAsset ManagerAll Firms
Risks to Ireland's financial system from the global environment have intensified, Central Bank of Ireland has said today. The Financial Stability Review , published today, assesses the risks to and resilience of the Irish financial system. A persistent global energy supply shock triggered by the conflict in the Middle East, the risk of a correction in financial markets, potentially amplified by financial vulnerabilities in parts of the global non-bank sector, and increasing cyber risks could ...
BankAsset ManagerAll Firms
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankBroker Dealer
1 We are at the early stages of a potential technological rewiring of finance. Fast-forward ten or twenty years, and it seems likely that the use of shared, programmable ledgers – and the tokenisation of financial assets – will have become embedded across the financial system. Today, we stand at a juncture. The question is less whether the technology will transform finance. Rather, it is how we collectively shape this ongoing transition, so that the potential of tokenised finance is realised,...
The Deputy Governor’s speech sets out the Central Bank of Ireland’s (CBI) emerging regulatory stance on tokenised finance and distributed ledger technology (DLT), framing it as a structural transition rather than a niche innovation. While it does not introduce new binding rules, it clearly signals supervisory expectations, impending policy development (including follow‑up to the March 2026 Discussion Paper on tokenisation and DLT), and the need for regulated firms to integrate tokenisation risks, governance and operational resilience into existing regulatory frameworks.
What Changed
- - The CBI formally recognises tokenisation and shared, programmable ledgers as a likely core infrastructure of the future financial system and signals that regulation will evolve to treat tokenised...
- The speech confirms that CBI’s regulatory approach will be “technology‑neutral but not technology‑blind”, indicating that existing EU and Irish rules (e.g.
- The CBI emphasises the need to keep central bank money at the core of tokenised finance, aligning its stance with Eurosystem work on wholesale and retail central bank digital currency (CBDC) and...
- The speech reinforces that tokenised instruments representing traditional financial assets (securities, deposits, fund units) will generally be treated as regulated financial instruments, triggering...
- The CBI highlights operational resilience, cyber risk, interoperability and smart‑contract governance as critical supervisory focus areas for tokenised finance infrastructure and platforms.
Suggested Considerations
- Map all current and planned tokenisation and DLT initiatives (including pilots and proofs of concept) across the group and identify which EU and Irish regulatory regimes they fall under (MiFID II, UCITS, AIFMD, CRR/CRD, PSD2/PSR, Solvency II, MiCA, DORA, etc.).
- Perform a regulatory gap analysis to confirm that tokenised products and services are fully captured within existing licensing permissions and assess whether any variation of permission, new authorisation, or recognition as a market infrastructure is required.
- Review and update governance arrangements so that boards and senior management explicitly oversee tokenisation strategies, risk appetite, and the use of DLT, including ensuring clear allocation of responsibilities under the firm’s senior manager or fitness and probity framework.
- Integrate tokenisation‑specific risks into the firm’s risk management framework, covering legal enforceability of tokens, smart‑contract risk, cyber and operational resilience, data integrity, interoperability, concentration risk in technology providers, and settlement and counterparty risk.
- Review outsourcing and third‑party risk management frameworks to ensure that DLT platform providers, smart‑contract developers, node operators and custodians are treated as critical or important outsourced service providers where appropriate, with robust contractual, oversight and exit provisions.
Key Dates
- CBI publishes its Discussion Paper on tokenisation and distributed ledger technology in financial services, initiating a structured consultation on tokenised markets, funds, money and payments
- Deputy Governor speech sets out the CBI’s strategic approach to tokenised finance, confirming that consultation feedback will inform subsequent policy, supervisory expectations and potential rule changes
- Closing date for submissions to the CBI Discussion Paper on tokenisation and DLT, after which CBI will prepare a feedback statement and refine its policy stance
- CBI feedback statement on the tokenisation Discussion Paper expected, likely followed by more granular guidance and potential adjustments to supervisory and authorisation processes for tokenised activities
Compliance Impact
Non‑compliance will not immediately trigger new standalone tokenisation fines, but CBI is likely to use existing conduct, prudential, governance and operational resilience powers to challenge poorly controlled tokenised activities and may restrict or prohibit projects that do not meet its expectations. Firms that treat tokenised finance as “outside the regulatory perimeter” or fail to integrate it into existing compliance frameworks risk supervisory intervention, authorisation issues, enforcement action and reputational damage.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. It is great to see the energy and commitment to the credit union movement evident here today and reflected in your agenda for today’s conference. 1 Today’s event is especially timely, coming not long since Minister Troy’s announcement in April of the Credit Union Strategy Project, which provides an opportunity to future proof the credit union sector to overcome challenges and meet opportunities. The Central Bank welcomes ...
Bank
Governor of Central Bank of Ireland Gabriel Makhlouf today (Tuesday 19 th May) spoke at the AFME Annual European Financial Integration conference , where he called for a more ambitious approach to Europe’s Single Market, arguing that greater integration in goods, services and capital is essential to enhance European competitiveness and resilience. The Governor outlined two primary conditions for building a genuine single capital market: completing the regulatory architecture and establishing ...
All Firms
Thank you for the invitation to speak this afternoon. I want to talk about the Single Market, which is one of Europe's greatest political and economic achievements. Over more than three decades, it has been an engine of European growth and resilience, delivering scale, opportunity, and tangible benefits for citizens and businesses across the Union. As António Costa has pointed out, it connects 450 million consumers and 32 million companies, supporting around 56 million jobs through trade with...
All Firms
Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland DAC (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Bank
The Central Bank has today (15 May 2025) announced the appointment of Glenn Calverley to the role of Director of Finance and Business Performance. Mr Calverley will take up his role with effect from 1 September 2026. Glenn brings a wealth of experience to this role, most recently as Director of Strategy & Governance, a role he has held since 2021. He joined the Central Bank in 2015, initially as Head of Organisational Risk and later as Head of Strategy & Foresight. Prior to joining the Centra...
Wealth ManagerBank
Central Bank of Ireland has made the memoir of former Governor T.K. Whitaker available digitally for the first time. While the memoir has been available for in-person viewing in the Central Bank's archives, it is now accessible online at www.centralbank.ie , allowing a wider audience to engage with this important historical document. The publication of T.K. Whitaker's Memoir : Central Bank and Government, 1969-1976 marks 110 years since T.K. Whitaker’s birth and 50 years since the end of his ...
BankFintech
Introduction Good morning – I am delighted to be here, and many thanks to Brian and the BPFI for hosting us. 1 I very much look forward to the discussion, and to hearing from you all today, but before I do I would like to set out some reflections on a number of topics which are currently high on the regulatory agenda. While the discussion is multifaceted, and tied up with a regulatory cycle which has turned, an economic one which has become more challenging, not to mention a renewed focus by ...
All Firms
Central Bank loan-level research shows the Irish lending market is significantly less concentrated when considering the full diversity of lenders. Robust capital and liquidity positions have served the sector well – with the evidence not supporting a lowering of overall levels of resilience on the basis of bank credit, profitability or international competitiveness. Central Banks best serve these broader objectives related to productivity and growth by delivering on their core mandates, effec...
Bank
I was in Washington for the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) two weeks ago and this week I was in Frankfurt at the latest meeting of the ECB Governing Council, to decide interest rates to achieve our price stability target of 2 per cent inflation over the medium term. I wanted to use this blog to offer some reflections on both meetings. Inevitably the war in the Middle East cast a shadow over both meetings. Uncertainty about the global outlook dominated the discourse: ...
All Firms
Promontoria Scariff Designated Activity Company (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Bank
Patrick Loans Ireland - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Bank
LPL Enterprise LLC (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Bank
Unauthorised Banking Business, Investment Firm, Investment Business Firm
Bank
Safeguarding Financial Integrity – Central Bank of Ireland’s Approach to Financial Crime Prevention Thank you for the invitation to speak at today’s event. This is an important opportunity for us to engage and share our experiences and approaches to deal with the global challenges and issues we are facing in financial crime. Change, instability, flux, unpredictability - all words that I guarantee you will hear on multiple occasions throughout the day’s events. I will not be any different. We ...
Bank
Good morning. Brendan, thank you for the warm introduction. It is a pleasure to join you at the ILCU Internal Audit Services Conference. I also want to thank Barry Harrington for the invitation to address you here today. 1 When I addressed the ILCU Annual Conference last April, I spoke about a time of transformative change for credit unions, a period that would bring both significant opportunities and important challenges. 2 One year on, we can see that transformation taking shape. A revised ...
All Firms
More than one in three Irish adults (35%) have experienced fraud or scams. 38% of fraud victims never reported their experience to their financial service provider or any authority. Research identified risky online behaviours as the single strongest predictor of fraud experience—more influential than age, income, or education level. Fraud victims are far more likely to recover monies when the fraud is reported. Fraud literacy reduces predicted fraud exposure Central Bank of Ireland of Ireland...
Bank
Irish Term Deposits - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Bank
No description available.
Asset ManagerBroker DealerBank Warning: Unauthorised Retail Credit Firm Unauthorised Firm Name Finance Advice Help Website Financeadvicehelp.com Email address used contact@financeadvicehelp.com Authorisation in Ireland Finance Advice Help is not authorised to provide retail credit services in Ireland. Notes: Any person wishing to contact the Central Bank with information regarding such firms / persons may telephone (01) 224 5800 or report an unauthorised firm directly to the Central Bank . For more information on how to pr...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has issued a warning notice under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, identifying "Finance Advice Help" (website: financeadvicehelp.com; email: contact@financeadvicehelp.com) as an unauthorised firm providing retail credit services in Ireland. This matters for compliance professionals as it underscores CBI's proactive enforcement against unauthorised entities, heightening risks of consumer scams and potential liability for authorised firms if clients inadvertently engage with clones or similar frauds.[Source URL: https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/finance-advice-help--central-bank-of-ireland-issues-warning-on-unauthorised-firm]
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]
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).
Key Dates
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]
Compliance Impact
Urgency: Medium – This is a routine CBI warning (one of many in 2025-2026), not targeting authorised firms directly, but it elevates consumer protection and conduct risks. Firms must act promptly to update internal alerts and client advisories to mitigate reputational harm, regulatory scrutiny, or indirect liability from scam exposures; failure could trigger CBI inquiries under conduct rules.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankFintechAll Firms
Fisher Investments Ireland Limited (CLONE) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankWealth ManagerAsset Manager
Damac Trade (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankWealth ManagerFintech
Shamrock Lend (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankFintech
A financial stability assessment of Irish hedge funds concludes that the diversity of the sector, and its modest market footprint, limit systemic vulnerabilities. A separate assessment focused on open-ended funds shows that the availability of tools to manage liquidity is now widespread, but with further scope to increase use. Strengthening the financial stability lens in the regulation of the non-bank sector has been – and continues to be – a priority for the Central Bank. Speaking at an Iri...
Asset ManagerBank
Central Bank of Ireland today published the annual Financial Conditions of Credit Unions Report, which provides an update on the financial performance and position of the sector for the financial year ended 30 September 2025.
Bank
The Central Bank of Ireland today announced details of a targeted amendment to the mortgage measures that will exempt certain principal home bridging loans from the Loan-to-Income (LTI) limit . The Loan-to-Value (LTV) limit will continue to apply to these products, and all other elements of the mortgage measures remain unchanged. The amendment recognises that bridging finance products are a feature of the evolving Irish mortgage market and ensures that the regulatory framework adapts appropri...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has announced a targeted amendment exempting certain principal home bridging loans from the Loan-to-Income (LTI) limit while retaining the Loan-to-Value (LTV) limit and all other mortgage measures unchanged, recognizing bridging finance as a growing market feature repaid via property sale proceeds rather than income. This matters for compliance professionals as it enables lenders to offer these short-term products (max 18 months) without LTI constraints, but requires reinforced underwriting, consumer protection, and ongoing CBI monitoring to maintain lending standards.
What Changed
- - Exemption from LTI limit: Principal home bridging loans—defined as short-term loans (maximum 18 months) enabling homeowners to buy a new principal home before selling their current property, repaid...
- LTV limit retained: Maximum 90% LTV continues to apply to these loans, alongside the 15% flexibility allowance for first-time/second/subsequent buyer lending.
- No other changes: All remaining mortgage measures, including consumer protection rules and lenders' prudent underwriting obligations, stay intact.
- Monitoring commitment: CBI will track the exemption's operation within its regular mortgage measures assessments for unintended risks.
Suggested Considerations
- Update lending policies: Identify and classify principal home bridging loans (max 18 months, repayment from property sale, no capital repayments required during term) to apply LTI exemption but enforce 90% LTV.
- Enhance underwriting: Conduct individual suitability and affordability assessments beyond macroprudential limits; do not rely solely on exemption.
- Strengthen consumer protections: Fully inform borrowers of risks (e.g., sale delays, interest costs); ensure products suit circumstances per consumer protection rules.
- Internal monitoring and reporting: Track bridging loan volumes within flexibility allowances; prepare for CBI inquiries as part of ongoing assessments.
- Staff training and systems updates: Revise origination, disclosure, and compliance systems promptly to operationalize changes.
Key Dates
Announcement and effective date; CBI press release details the amendment, with immediate application implied for qualifying bridging loans (no explicit phase-in mentioned)
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – Effective immediately on announcement (08 April 2026), this enables new lending opportunities in a evolving market but demands swift policy tweaks, training, and risk controls to avoid consumer protection breaches or excessive risk-taking, with CBI monitoring for emerging issues. Non-compliance risks supervisory scrutiny, as measures reinforce macroprudential goals amid housing market pressures.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankAll Firms
In his latest blog, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf argues that central banks must modernise their digital infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to ensure that central bank money remains the stable foundation of Europe's financial system whilst enabling private sector innovation in a digitally transformed ecosystem.
BankFintechCrypto Exchange
Good morning. Ongoing events in the Middle East are a stark reminder of the challenges policy makers face in a world increasingly characterised by geoeconomic fragmentation. For central banks tasked with preserving price stability, supply shocks pose both analytical and strategic challenges: understanding their persistence, their impacts on supply chains, and their effects on inflation and growth; and determining how to respond when supply and demand move in opposite directions. My speech tod...
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
Good morning and welcome to Central Bank of Ireland. Thank you for joining us for this inaugural gathering of the Savings and Investment Forum. I want to extend a particular welcome to the Tánaiste. Today marks an important milestone. The Department of Finance's 2024 Funds Review recognised the importance of enabling more retail investment in Ireland. It recommended establishing this Forum to address that challenge and today provides a timely opportunity to do so. Let me place this initiative...
BankWealth ManagerAsset Manager
Central Bank of Ireland today launched a commemorative coin celebrating the life and work of renowned Irish playwright Seán O'Casey, on what would have been his 146 th birthday. It marks the 100th anniversary of the inaugural performance of his masterpiece The Plough and the Stars at the Abbey Theatre. The silver proof coin will go on sale today (Monday 30 March 2026) at 1pm on www.collectorcoins.ie . Designed by PJ Lynch, there are just 3,000 coins available, and they will retail at €90. Gov...
BankWealth ManagerAll Firms
Good morning everyone. It is a pleasure to join you today at the Abbey Theatre. We are here, of course, to launch a commemorative coin to honour Seán O’Casey, one of Ireland’s most important literary figures, and one whose voice continues to resonate profoundly, both in Ireland and internationally. I am delighted to welcome Shivaun O’Casey, Seán O’Casey’s daughter. It is particularly fitting to mark this occasion in her presence. Thank you to the Abbey Theatre for hosting us here today, a pla...
BankWealth ManagerAsset Manager
The Central Bank Commission has appointed Elizabeth Mahon as Secretary of the Central Bank, effective 30 March. Elizabeth has also been appointed to the role of Head of Governance in the Central Bank. Elizabeth has more than 20 years' experience in financial services, principally in the banking sector, where her career has focused on strategy and implementation, management consulting, organisational change, and stakeholder management. Since 2022 she has worked at the Central Bank as Head of S...
BankWealth Manager
Governor Gabriel Makhlouf of the Central Bank of Ireland today emphasised the critical need to strengthen Europe’s Single Market as the foundation for mobilising the continent’s substantial savings in an increasingly fragmented global environment.
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
In his remarks, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf emphasised that Europe must mobilise its substantial savings by strengthening economic growth, completing the Single Market, and building more integrated capital markets, as capital currently flows abroad due to perceived higher returns elsewhere. He argued that central banks must anchor price stability and financial stability as preconditions for effective capital allocation, and that by addressing these fundamentals, European savings will naturally ...
BankAsset ManagerBroker Dealer
Naperte Designated Activity Company (CLONE) - Central Bank of Ireland issues warning about unauthorised firm
BankWealth ManagerAll Firms
West Invest Bank - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Bank
Walsh Trust Bank - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Bank
Renewed surge in international energy prices tests domestic economic resilience Higher oil and gas prices are expected to lead to lower growth and higher inflation than previously expected. The extent is dependent on the duration of the conflict and the scale of damage to critical infrastructure in the Middle East. MDD is forecast to grow by 2.8 per cent per annum on average from 2026 to 2028 in the baseline forecast, with inflation averaging 2.5 per cent per annum over that period. More seve...
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
J.P. Morgan Asset Management (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Asset ManagerBank
Good afternoon and welcome to this Central Bank of Ireland workshop on the Consumer Protection Code. Today I will focus on the outlook for consumers and investors. But first let me pause to talk a little about the broader context in which we find ourselves. We are living through a period marked by extraordinary change, geopolitical instability, rapid technological transformation and shifting economic conditions. Governor Makhlouf summarised this well when he said how 2026 has already seen ext...
Deputy Governor Colm Kincaid's speech on 24 March 2026 emphasizes consumer protection as central to the Central Bank of Ireland's (CBI) mission amid geopolitical, technological, and economic changes, highlighting the revised **Consumer Protection Code 2025** (CPC 2025) as a key modernization effort. This matters for compliance professionals because the CPC 2025 introduces enhanced, digitally-focused protections effective **24 March 2026**, replacing the 2012 Code after a 12-month implementation period, with firms required to proactively secure customer interests.
What Changed
- The CPC 2025 comprises Standards for Business Regulations (governance, resources, risk management, conduct standards) and Consumer Protection Regulations (cross-sectoral and sector-specific rules for...
- Core obligation: Firms must "secure customers’ interests," shifting to a proactive, customer-focused mindset.
- Cross-sectoral requirements: Knowing the consumer/suitability; conflicts of interest/remuneration; vulnerable consumers (updated definition); digitalisation (customer-focused design); effective...
- Specific enhancements: Fraud/scam protections; mortgage switching disclosures; greenwashing prevention via clear sustainability claims; expanded consumer definition (e.g., SMEs up to €5m turnover...
- Supporting materials: Guidance on securing interests/vulnerable consumers, mapping tool for legacy codes, redline amendments.
Suggested Considerations
- Gap analysis: Map current policies/processes against CPC 2025 using CBI's mapping tool; update for new obligations like digital service design, vulnerability screening, fraud measures.
- Policy/system updates: Implement "secure customers’ interests" framework; enhance disclosures (e.g., mortgages, charges, unregulated activities); train staff on conduct standards/vulnerable consumers.
- Governance/risk: Strengthen board oversight, risk management for cyber/fraud/digital risks; distinguish regulated/unregulated activities.
- Testing/monitoring: Develop records/compliance systems; test advertising/bundling; integrate sustainability claims checks.
- Stakeholder engagement: Review CBI guidance/FAQs; prepare for supervision during implementation.
Key Dates
- CBI publishes revised CPC 2025, Standards for Business Regulations, Consumer Protection Regulations, and guidance
- CPC 2025 takes effect; existing 2012 Code ceases (12-month implementation period ends)
- 2012 Code (with addenda) remains in force
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – With effectiveness today (24 March 2026), firms face immediate non-compliance risk as the 12-month window closes; CBI supervision will intensify on digital/fraud/vulnerability protections amid heightened risks (e.g., cyber, scams). Non-adherence risks enforcement under CBI's powers, reputational damage, and fines, especially as this "gold-plates" EU rules in a volatile environment.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankInsurancePayment Provider The Central Bank of Ireland today (Tuesday 24 March 2026) marked the coming into force of the modernised Consumer Protection Code, giving consumers stronger protections when using banks, insurance companies, and other financial services. The modernised Code has been designed to better protect consumers in today’s world, and in anticipation of how financial services will evolve into the future. It follows extensive public consultation and engagement. Deputy Governor Colm Kincaid said: "The Cen...
BankInsuranceAll Firms
In his latest blog Governor Gabriel Makhlouf explains that the Governing Council held rates steady at 2 per cent due to new geopolitical uncertainty from Middle East tensions, which risk pushing energy prices and headline inflation above the 2 per cent target whilst dampening growth. The Bank will monitor inflation expectations and wage dynamics closely to prevent the energy shock from becoming embedded in persistent above-target inflation, as occurred after the Ukraine crisis.
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
No description available.
BankBroker DealerCrypto Exchange
Role of Non-Bank Entities in the Irish Housing Market regarding residential mortgages Go raibh maith agat a Chathaoirligh agus gabhaim buíochas leis an gcoiste as ucht an cuireadh a bheith anseo inniú. I am joined by my colleagues Domhnall Cullinan, Director of Banking and Payments, and Aisling Menton, Head of Retail Credit and we welcome the opportunity to continue this important discussion on the role of non-bank entities in the Irish mortgage market. As outlined in updated figures we publi...
BankFintechAll Firms
Good morning everyone, I am delighted to be here for what looks set to be an interesting conference on a topic which is both very close to my heart and central to what we do at Central Bank of Ireland (“the Central Bank”) – as we work to deliver on our mission, and in particular ensuring the financial system is operating in the best interests of consumers and the wider economy. 1 I am particularly delighted to be back in UCD – where I had the pleasure to study economics as an undergraduate, w...
This speech by Deputy Governor Mary Elizabeth McMunn outlines the Central Bank of Ireland's (CBI) shift toward **outcomes-focused regulation and supervision**, emphasizing five key priorities from the 2026 Regulatory and Supervisory Outlook (RSO) to address geopolitical risks, consumer protection, technology, and resilience in a volatile environment. It matters for compliance professionals as it signals intensified CBI scrutiny on firm behaviors and outcomes rather than mere rule compliance, with direct implications for supervisory engagements, thematic reviews, and enforcement across banking, funds, insurance, and payments sectors.
What Changed
- No new legislative changes are introduced in the speech itself, which serves as a practitioner's perspective on implementing the RSO 2026 priorities.
- Resilience to geopolitical/macro risks (operational resilience, cyber security, financial resilience).
- Consumer/investor protection (customer experience, digitalisation risks, financial crime/fraud).
- Technology transformations (AI, digital money, tokenisation).
These build on prior developments like the revised Consumer Protection Code (CPC), DORA implementation, and enhanced AML/CFT frameworks,...
Suggested Considerations
- Conduct gap analyses for revised CPC compliance, focusing on thresholds, customer experience, and fraud support (immediate if in-scope).
- Enhance resilience frameworks: Map operational/cyber risks, perform realistic scenario testing, document risk management for geopolitical/macro uncertainties.
- Strengthen financial crime controls: Improve fraud detection, victim support, scam awareness; update AML/CFT via enhanced questionnaires and transaction monitoring.
- Review technology/AI governance: Assess AI models, digital innovations (e.g., tokenisation); engage CBI supervisors pre-implementation; ensure data quality/reliability.
- Embed ESG/climate risks: Integrate into governance/business models; prepare for desktop/onsite reviews and greenwashing checks.
Key Dates
- Revised Consumer Protection Code (CPC) takes effect (12-month lead-in complete; firms must be compliant)
- DORA implementation including threat-led penetration testing (survey issued H1)
- Enhanced AML/CFT Risk Evaluation Questionnaire
- Thematic inspection of transaction monitoring and STR reporting
- UCITS Value at Risk (VaR) model review and depositary oversight
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – The speech, delivered today (9 March 2026), underscores imminent RSO 2026 execution with CPC effective in 2 weeks (24 March 2026) and H1 2026 activities (e.g., DORA testing, AML questionnaires) starting soon. Non-compliance risks intensified supervision, thematic inspections, enforcement, and reputational damage in a high-geopolitical-risk environment; outcomes-focus demands proactive evidence of resilience and consumer safeguards over procedural box-ticking.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankAsset ManagerInsurance
New OECD report highlights financial scams as top threat to consumers globally Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland Colm Kincaid welcomed the publication of the OECD’s Consumer Finance Risk Monitor 2026 , a comprehensive global assessment examining consumer protection challenges across 60 international jurisdictions. Deputy Governor Kincaid emphasised the need for strengthened oversight as structural economic, technological and market-conduct risks converge to significantly elevate ...
BankFintechPayment Provider
Stalwart Investments Limited (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankFintechAll Firms
SB Leasing Ireland Limited (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankFintechAll Firms
In his latest blog, the Governor Gabriel Makhlouf reflects on the publication of the Regulatory and Supervisory Outlook 2026 and the recent Access to Cash report.
BankPayment Provider
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankBroker Dealer
The Central Bank has today published its Regulatory & Supervisory Outlook 2026 , which sets out its latest assessment of the risk landscape facing the financial sector and the supervisory work it will undertake in response. This follows on from the Governor’s letter to the Tánaiste on the economic outlook and regulatory priorities in January . This is the third year of the report, which continues to be set against a backdrop of a changing, uncertain and increasingly complex external environme...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has published its **Regulatory & Supervisory Outlook 2026**, outlining priorities shaped by geoeconomic fragmentation, technological acceleration, and elevated risks like operational resilience, cyber threats, data/AI, and consumer protection. This matters for compliance professionals as it signals intensified supervisory scrutiny, including desktop and onsite inspections, across Ireland's financial sector to ensure resilience and adaptability amid uncertainties.[https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/press-release-central-bank-sets-out-its-regulatory-and-supervisory-priorities-26-february-2026][https://www.ogier.com/news-and-insights/insights/regulatory-outlook-2026-the-central-bank-of-ireland-s-priorities-explained/]
What Changed
No new binding regulatory requirements are introduced in this publication, which serves as a strategic outlook rather than enforceable rules. Key shifts in risk assessment include elevated operational risks (due to geopolitics, digitalisation, complex models), increased asset valuation/market risks, and rising data/models/AI risks, while inflation/interest rate risks have decreased.
Suggested Considerations
- Implement revised CPC by 24 March 2026, assessing scope changes and business impacts.[https://www.ogier.com/news-and-insights/insights/regulatory-outlook-2026-the-central-bank-of-ireland-s-priorities-explained/]
- Enhance financial crime controls, including fraud victim support, scam awareness, and market abuse detection; monitor AMLA developments.[https://www.ogier.com/news-and-insights/insights/regulatory-outlook-2026-the-central-bank-of-ireland-s-priorities-explained/]
- Embed ESG/climate risks into governance, risk management, and business models, preparing for SFDR 2.0 and event response reviews.[https://www.ogier.com/news-and-insights/insights/regulatory-outlook-2026-the-central-bank-of-ireland-s-priorities-explained/]
- Prepare for integrated supervision via gatekeeping enhancements and streamlined reporting.[https://maples.com/regulatory-round-up/central-bank-of-ireland-update-and-supervisory-approach-for-2026-fund-service-providers]
Key Dates
2027; - Ongoing desktop/onsite reviews on operational resilience, ESG/climate, and supervisory priorities across sectors.[https://www.ogier.com/news-and-insights/insights/regulatory-outlook-2026-the-central-bank-of-ireland-s-priorities-explained/]
- Revised Consumer Protection Code (CPC) takes effect, following 12-month lead-in; firms must ensure full implementation.[https://www.ogier.com/news-and-insights/insights/regulatory-outlook-2026-the-central-bank-of-ireland-s-priorities-explained/]
- CBI consultation on new Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) Framework.[https://maples.com/regulatory-round-up/central-bank-of-ireland-update-and-supervisory-approach-for-2026-fund-service-providers][https://www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/regulation/transforming-regulation-and-supervision/regulating-supervising-well-a-more-effective-and-efficient-framework.pdf]
- Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) single rulebook implementation, influencing financial crime priorities.[https://www.ogier.com/news-and-insights/insights/regulatory-outlook-2026-the-central-bank-of-ireland-s-priorities-explained/]
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – This outlook directly previews intensified 2026 supervision, with operational/cyber resilience and consumer protection as "key concerns" likely triggering unannounced inspections and enforcement. Firms risk findings on outdated resilience testing or CPC gaps, especially amid elevated risks; proactive alignment now prevents remediation costs and sanctions, given CBI's efficiency roadmap and international...
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankAsset ManagerAll Firms
The Central Bank of Ireland has today (24 February) published its first quarterly Access to Cash report . The Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Act 2025 has put in place a framework to ensure sufficient and effective access to cash across the State. Today’s report uses newly collected data to show the number, location and opening hours of ATMs and cash service points across eight geographical regions in Ireland, as of 31 December 2025. The Minister for Finance set the acces...
BankPayment Provider
Gabriel Makhlouf, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, today delivered a keynote address at the Blavatnik School of Government, outlining the critical role of central bank independence in delivering price stability and supporting economic prosperity for society. Speaking on “Institutions, Anchors, and Their Discontents: The Role of Central Banks”, Governor Makhlouf highlighted how central bank independence, underpinned by clear mandates and robust accountability frameworks, enables moneta...
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
It is a pleasure to be here in Oxford 1 While I’m aware that this is a school of government and I’m a central banker, the two are inextricably linked. Societies and indeed economies are shaped by their institutions, specifically the legal, social, cultural, formal and informal norms that impact the way citizens interact with each other. Successful institutions are those that are trusted by the societies that created them and for which they ultimately serve. Today I am going to resist the oppo...
Governor Gabriel Makhlouf's speech at the Blavatnik School of Government addresses central bank independence as a foundational institutional mechanism for delivering price stability and economic prosperity, rather than as a shield from accountability. The speech is not a regulatory enforcement action or new requirement, but rather a governance statement clarifying the Central Bank of Ireland's institutional philosophy on independence, credibility, and accountability—matters that directly affect how the CBI exercises supervisory discretion over regulated firms.
What Changed
- This is not a regulatory change document but a governance clarification with compliance implications:
- Reframing of independence: Central bank independence is characterized as an "anchor" enabling long-term decision-making rather than isolation from society.
- Credibility framework: Credibility depends on competence, engagement, coherence, and public trust—not institutional distance alone.
- Accountability emphasis: Independence requires continuous dialogue with society and other economic governance institutions; it "does not mean isolation."
- Historical validation: The speech references the 1960s-1970s macroeconomic instability under political pressure versus post-pandemic effectiveness of credible central banks in controlling inflation.
Suggested Considerations
- *Understand CBI decision-making philosophy: Recognize that CBI supervisory decisions are grounded in long-term economic stability objectives, not short-term political cycles.
- *Align governance with credibility principles: The speech identifies four credibility pillars—competence, engagement, coherence, and public trust. Regulated firms should ensure their governance frameworks reflect these principles in their own operations.
- *Monitor 2026 supervisory priorities: The speech references CBI's published 2026 Regulatory and Supervisory Priorities, which include maintaining resilience to geopolitical risks, securing consumer and investor interests, and delivering new responsibilities under Access to Cash legislation.
Key Dates
- Ireland assumes EU Council Presidency; CBI will support government during this period
- CBI published its 2026 Regulatory and Supervisory Priorities, which establish the operational framework within which this governance philosophy applies
- This speech delivered, reinforcing institutional independence principles
Compliance Impact
Urgency: MEDIUM
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankAsset ManagerPayment Provider Central Bank of Ireland Deputy Governor Vasileios Madouros spoke at Technological University Dublin on the need to increase domestic investment over the next decade to support Ireland’s long-term economic success. Looking back, Deputy Governor Madouros discussed how, despite very strong economic growth, investment in key domestic sectors has been relatively subdued over the past decade. Looking ahead, like many other countries, Ireland is facing profound economic and societal shifts in years ...
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
Over the course of the next decade, we will need to allocate more of our collective resources towards domestic investment. 1 In part, that is because of where we are coming from. Despite very strong economic growth in recent years, investment in key domestic sectors has been lacklustre. But it is also because of where are going. Ireland, like many other countries, is facing profound structural transitions. Navigating these will require additional investment in the years ahead. Raising Ireland...
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
I would like to welcome you all to the Central Bank of Ireland today 1 . We are delighted to host this gathering of EU Heads of Missions, representatives of our friends and partners from across the EU. A little over a year ago I had the pleasure to meet with you all. I spoke then of a geopolitical landscape facing significant strain and complexity; of the rise of economic nationalism and trade disputes; as well as the shift from cooperation to competition, and its impact on our ability to mee...
This speech by Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) Governor Gabriel Makhlouf outlines priorities for building economic and financial resilience amid geopolitical risks, climate change, technological shifts, and geoeconomic fragmentation, emphasizing domestic policy focus areas like infrastructure, indigenous business growth, and fiscal buffers. It matters for compliance professionals as it previews CBI's forthcoming 2026 regulatory and supervisory priorities, signaling heightened scrutiny on operational and financial resilience, consumer protection, and alignment with a transforming regulatory framework. https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/speech-governor-makhlouf-head-eu-missions-10-February-2026
What Changed
- This is a forward-looking speech, not announcing immediate regulatory changes, but it references CBI's ongoing transformation agenda, including:
- Four overarching supervisory priorities for 2026: (1) Maintaining/building resilience to geopolitical/macro-financial risks (operational and financial resilience); (2) Securing consumer/investor...
- Upcoming publication of full 2026 Regulatory and Supervisory Priorities "in the next few weeks." https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/speech-governor-makhlouf-head-eu-missions-10-February-2026
- Broader roadmap initiatives: Integrated risk-based supervision; rulebook updates (e.g., AIF/UCITS, Fund Service Provider framework review post-AIFMD II, insurance compatibility with Solvency II,...
Suggested Considerations
- Review and prepare for priorities: Monitor for 2026 priorities release (imminent); assess firm alignment with resilience themes (geopolitical/macro-financial risks, operational resilience, consumer protection).
- Enhance resilience planning: Strengthen operational/financial resilience frameworks, including stress testing for geopolitical shocks, infrastructure dependencies, and climate risks; update outsourcing/governance per cross-sectoral guidance.
- Engage on consultations: Participate in H1 2026 RIA Framework consultation and upcoming FSP review; review internal reporting/data processes for proportionality.
- Sector-specific: Funds/asset managers—prepare for AIF/UCITS updates and FSP review; banks/insurers—align with CRD V/Solvency II compatibility reviews; all firms—ensure business models address narrow economic vulnerabilities.
Key Dates
2026; - Ongoing implementation of banking/payments supervisory activities and multi-year roadmap (supervision, regulation, gatekeeping, reporting). https://www.matheson.com/insights/fig-top-5-at-5-06-03-2025/ https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/press-release-central-bank-of-ireland-publishes-roadmap-to-deliver-a-more-effective-and-efficient-regulatory-framework-10-december-2025
- Publication of CBI's full 2026 Regulatory and Supervisory Priorities. https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/speech-governor-makhlouf-head-eu-missions-10-February-2026
- Consultation on new Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) Framework. https://maples.com/regulatory-round-up/central-bank-of-ireland-update-and-supervisory-approach-for-2026-fund-service-providers https://www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/regulation/transforming-regulation-and-supervision/regulating-supervising-well-a-more-effective-and-efficient-framework.pdf
- Launch of comprehensive Fund Service Provider (FSP) Framework review. https://www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/regulation/transforming-regulation-and-supervision/regulating-supervising-well-a-more-effective-and-efficient-framework.pdf
Compliance Impact
Urgency: Medium—This speech signals strategic direction rather than enforceable rules, but imminent priorities publication and 2026 consultations demand proactive preparation to avoid intensified supervision/enforcement. It matters because CBI emphasizes resilience in a high-risk environment (geopolitics, AI, climate), with non-compliance risking closer scrutiny under new integrated approach; firms ignoring this could face heightened operational reviews amid efficiency drive without standards reduction. https://www.centralbank.ie/regulation/transforming-regulation-and-supervision
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankAsset ManagerInsurance
The Central Bank of Ireland has set out its regulatory and supervisory priorities for 2026 and provided detailed advice to Government on building economic resilience in the face of unprecedented uncertainty. In his letter to the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf set out his views on the macro-financial environment, the financial services landscape and the Central Bank of Ireland’s financial regulation priorities for the year ahead . Governor Makhlouf em...
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
Capital Horizon Loans (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankFintechAll Firms
In his latest blog, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf explains why the Governing Council kept its main policy interest rate (the deposit facility rate) unchanged at 2% for the fifth consecutive time since June 2025.
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
In his latest blog, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf argues that economists must adapt their analytical frameworks and expand their focus beyond traditional topics to address emerging challenges—such as geopolitical upheaval and defence spending—in order to provide robust evidence-based policy advice that serves the public interest.
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankHedge Fund
Central Bank of Ireland has successfully completed the sale of its Spencer Dock (East Wing) building to the Office of Public Works for €23.7m. The sale of Spencer Dock was a key element of the Central Bank’s longer term property strategy aligned to our decision to develop a single Dockland Campus through the purchase of our North Wall Quay building and subsequent purchase of our Mayor Street building. This sale of the East Wing, to Office of Public Works on 22 January 2026, follows the earlie...
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
DEV Limited (CLONE) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankFintech
Alan Finance Group (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankFintech
Doherty Bergin Financial Services Ltd (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankWealth Manager
Introduction Good morning and thank you to Michael for inviting me to speak at the Compliance Institute’s Annual General Meeting. It is always a real pleasure to engage with compliance professionals. At the Central Bank, we recognise the essential role played by the compliance community in ensuring that financial firms are well-run and contributing to a financial system that is trusted and resilient. We also recognise the important role played by the compliance institute, equipping those work...
This speech by Gerry Cross, Director of Capital Markets and Funds at the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), outlines key supervisory priorities including securing customers' interests via the revised Consumer Protection Code, Individual Accountability Framework (IAF) implementation, regulatory simplification, resilience, technology leverage, and an evolving outcomes-focused supervision approach. It matters because it signals CBI's expectations for compliance professionals to drive these outcomes in firms, emphasizing proportionality and ongoing engagement amid regulatory evolution. Compliance teams must integrate these themes to align with CBI's shift toward less process-driven, more effective oversight.
What Changed
- - Revised Consumer Protection Code: Introduces new Standards for Business, building on the Code reviewed with industry input; focuses on delivering good outcomes for consumers and the economy.
- Individual Accountability Framework (IAF): Implemented 18 months prior (circa mid-2024); enhances clarity on responsibilities, supports governance, and aligns with outcomes-focused regulation rather...
- Supervisory Approach Evolution: Shifting in 2025-2026 to risk-based, outcomes-focused, less process-driven supervision integrated across financial stability, consumer protection, safety/soundness,...
- Regulatory Simplification: Openness to reviewing frameworks (e.g., fitness and probity) for simpler, outcomes-based alternatives without compromising effectiveness; supports broader simplification...
- Resilience and Technology: Ongoing focus on financial resilience post-reforms, leveraging technology for supervision; no specific new rules but emphasis on embedding these in operations.
No new...
Suggested Considerations
- Implement Revised Consumer Protection Code: Complete readiness by 24 March 2026; apply new Standards for Business in operations, leveraging CBI workshops for guidance.
- Embed IAF: Maintain enhanced responsibility mapping, support decision-making, and engage with CBI on implementation feedback to mature governance.
- Adopt Outcomes-Focused Practices: Shift from process-driven to outcomes-based compliance (e.g., customer interests, resilience); review internal frameworks for simplification opportunities.
- Engage with CBI: Participate in ongoing consultations, workshops, and stakeholder feedback on supervision evolution, IAF, and Consumer Protection Code.
- Leverage Technology: Integrate tech for resilience and compliance efficiency, aligning with CBI's supervisory priorities.
Key Dates
- Revised Consumer Protection Code comes into force; firms must ensure full readiness and ongoing embedding of provisions, including new Standards for Business
Compliance Impact
Urgency: Medium. This speech reinforces imminent obligations like the 24 March 2026 Consumer Protection Code effective date (less than 2 months from speech/publication), requiring immediate readiness checks, but lacks new rules or critical enforcement threats. It matters for long-term alignment with CBI's outcomes-focused supervision, reducing future supervisory risks through proactive embedding of IAF and simplification; non-engagement could signal poor governance amid evolving oversight.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
Asset ManagerBankAll Firms
Invesco Investment Management Limited (CLONE) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Asset ManagerBank
Harbor Valtrix– Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankWealth Manager
Solunar Finance Holdings Limited (Clone) – Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankWealth ManagerFintech
Economics Winter Workshop 2025: Opening Remarks by Governor Gabriel Makhlouf
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
In this, his final blog for 2025, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf reflects on Ireland and the euro area’s economic performance and looks ahead to 2026, drawing on the Quarterly Bulletin and latest eurosystem staff projections published this week.
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
MDD is projected to grow by just below 4 per cent in 2025. From 2026 to 2028, MDD is forecast to grow at an annual average rate of 2.9 per cent per annum. More positive momentum in MNE investment amid lower uncertainty contrasts with slower pace of growth in domestic sectors and cooling of the labour market as drag from capacity constraints becomes evident. Outlook for slightly higher overall inflation, as underlying services price growth more persistent at a higher rate than pre-pandemic. Th...
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
Tava Loans - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankFintechAll Firms
Ava Credit Finance - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankFintech
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
Good evening. Thank you for the invitation to join you today. This evening I want to talk about economic resilience, what it is and whether we have enough of it. I spoke about economic resilience in my first speech as Governor – 6 years ago – and wrote to the Minister for Finance about it in early February this year. After everything that’s happened since February, it feels timely to take stock of where we are. My conclusion is that we need to give it greater focus. Let me start by setting ou...
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
New report outlines the Central Bank’s approach to more effective and efficient regulatory and supervisory framework, reducing complexity and improving clarity while maintaining resilience and important protections in the system. This work builds on the Central Bank’s strategy to transform regulation and supervision, including the introduction of our new integrated supervisory approach and the improvements made in our gatekeeping processes in recent years. The roadmap sets out a comprehensive...
The Central Bank of Ireland published a comprehensive multi-year roadmap on December 10, 2025, aimed at streamlining its regulatory and supervisory framework across four pillars: supervision, regulation, gatekeeping, and reporting. This initiative represents a strategic shift toward more effective and efficient oversight while explicitly maintaining resilience standards and consumer protections, responding to EU calls for regulatory reform to enhance competitiveness.
What Changed
- The roadmap encompasses four major reform areas:
Supervision: Implementation of a new integrated, risk-based supervisory approach introduced in January 2025, consolidating multidisciplinary teams...
- Insurance: Major compatibility review to eliminate duplication with Solvency II reforms and review of 2021 Recovery Planning Regulations
- Banking: Review of domestic banking rules predating CRD V/CRR to ensure consistency with updated EU standards
- Credit Unions: Updates to the Credit Union Handbook following simplification of the Lending Framework
- Funds: Changes to AIF rulebook and UCITS regulation with full review of the Fund Service Provider Framework
Suggested Considerations
- *Immediate actions for compliance professionals:
- *Monitor consultation releases: Track the Central Bank's website for the 2026 RIA Framework consultation and respond with firm-specific impact assessments
- *Assess rulebook changes: Review how proposed updates to insurance regulations, banking rules, credit union handbook, and fund regulations affect your firm's compliance framework
- *Evaluate supervisory engagement: Understand how the new integrated supervisory model affects your firm's supervisory relationship and reporting lines
- *Prepare for gatekeeping changes: Anticipate enhanced consistency and transparency requirements in authorisation and Fitness & Probity processes
Key Dates
- New integrated supervisory model became effective
- Strategic review of Industry Funding Levy approach (consultation expected during 2025)
- Public consultation on new Regulatory Impact Assessment Framework
- Multi-year programme implementation period for all roadmap initiatives
Compliance Impact
Urgency: HIGH
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankAsset ManagerInsurance Obelisk Wealth - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankWealth Manager
Good morning and welcome everyone. I am delighted to address the eighth meeting of this Forum. When the Forum was established three years ago, the goal was to bring together participants from across Ireland to build a shared approach to understanding and managing the systemic risks that climate change poses, while supporting the orderly transition of households and businesses to the net zero objective that we’re all familiar with. The Forum has come a long way in those three years. We have es...
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
In this blog, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf writes about the development of the Digital Euro and how central banks foster trust and safety in the financial system and in the implementation of projects like the Digital Euro.
BankFintechCrypto Exchange
The Central Bank of Ireland has today (5 December) launched a public consultation on the implementation of our new Access to Cash responsibilities. Deputy Governor Vasileios Madouros said: “Amid a rapidly evolving payments landscape, the Central Bank of Ireland is committed to making sure that cash continues to be readily available as a means of payment. Today’s consultation is an important step towards the implementation of the Central Bank’s new responsibilities under the Access to Cash leg...
The Central Bank of Ireland has launched a public consultation on implementing new **Access to Cash** responsibilities under the Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Act 2025, which commenced on 30 June 2025. This consultation addresses two critical areas: identifying local deficiencies in cash infrastructure and establishing minimum ATM service standards. The initiative reflects regulatory commitment to ensuring cash remains readily available as payment preferences shift toward digital channels.
What Changed
- The consultation covers two primary regulatory components:
1. Local Deficiency Guidelines
The Central Bank will establish procedures for identifying geographical areas where individuals and SMEs...
- Hours of ATM availability
- Cash withdrawal limits
- Banknote denomination stocking requirements
- Maximum ATM unavailability periods
Suggested Considerations
- *For designated credit institutions:
- Monitor consultation developments and prepare for compliance with minimum cash infrastructure maintenance levels once regulations are finalized
- Prepare to provide quarterly data on ATM numbers, locations, and availability hours
- *For ATM operators:
- Engage with the consultation process to provide feedback on proposed service standards
Key Dates
– Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Act 2025 commenced
– Public consultation period for local deficiency guidelines and ATM service standards
– First publication of quarterly cash infrastructure data expected
– Central Bank to publish final ATM service standards regulations
– Direct engagement with consumers, people with disabilities, older people, and SMEs
Compliance Impact
Urgency: HIGH
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankPayment Provider
EPC Finance Limited - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankWealth ManagerFintech
LiteLoans4U - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankFintech
Wealthbayy - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
Good morning everyone. 1 I am delighted to join you here today for this year’s Climate Finance week. “The scientific evidence that climate change is a serious and urgent issue is […] compelling.” “The benefits of strong, early action on climate change outweigh the costs.” And “the choices made in the next 10-20 years […] will affect greenhouse gas emissions for the next half-century.” These are not my words. And they are not recent words. They are key conclusions from the Stern Review on the ...
BankAsset ManagerInsurance
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
Deutsche Bank Wealth Management (CLONE) / Deutsche Bank AG (CLONE) / DB UK Bank Limited (CLONE) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
Rates Finder– Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankWealth Manager
Barclays Wealth (Clone) – Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankWealth Manager
Magnum Options - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankBroker DealerWealth Manager
LSFX Limited/ LightStocksFX- Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Broker DealerWealth ManagerFintech
Uniq Loan Financial - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
FintechAll Firms
BW Financial Services (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankWealth ManagerFintech
Caventer Finance - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
FintechAll Firms
Clearbnk (Clone) – Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankFintech
Northern Trust Fund Managers (Ireland) Ltd (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankWealth ManagerAsset Manager
KPMG Ireland (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankWealth Manager
Lending Loans - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
BankFintech
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
At our meeting yesterday, the ECB’s Governing Council cut our three policy rates by 25 basis points (or, one quarter of a percent). The disinflation process remains on track, allowing us to reduce rates. However, with some components of inflation still too high for comfort – notably, services inflation – I continue to favour a gradual reduction in rates over large moves. As policy rates fall, we should see a reduction in the costs of borrowing for households and firms. We are already seeing s...
BankAsset ManagerWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland Gabriel Makhlouf today (25 November) addressed the UK Society of Professional Economists annual dinner . Speaking this evening, Governor Makhlouf said: “Europe is at a pivotal moment in its economic development. The tangle of ageing populations with weak productivity growth raise questions about the long-term growth outlook. The need to build economic resilience to both short-term shocks and longer-term transitions become self-evident by the day. Produc...
BankWealth ManagerAsset Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
The Central Bank of Ireland has today (Monday 14 October) published its Flood Protection Gap Report . Some homes and businesses in Ireland are unable to obtain flood cover. This means that when a flood occurs, there can be a shortfall between the actual cost of the flood and the portion of that cost that is covered by insurance. This is the flood protection gap. The occurrence of severe flooding could and does leave households and business with high levels of uninsured losses, and may create ...
BankInsuranceAll Firms
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
No description available.
BankWealth ManagerAsset Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
No description available.
Asset ManagerBankWealth Manager
I’d like to thank Insurance Ireland and Milliman for inviting me here today for this Chief Risk Officer (CRO) Forum. I’d like to use this opportunity to briefly reflect on the recent turmoil we’ve seen in the banking sector, what this might mean for (re)insurers, and to highlight some of our supervisory priorities going forward. Much commentary has already been devoted to the fallout from SVB and Signature Bank in the US, and to the acquisition of Credit Suisse by UBS. Whilst the exposure of ...
BankInsurance
“Review of the Consumer Protection Code: securing customers’ interests” - Remarks by Gerry Cross, Director of Financial Regulation – Policy & Risk, Central Bank of Ireland at Insurance Ireland - KPMG Briefing Session: CBI Review of the Consumer Protection Code
BankInsurance
Introduction Good morning everyone. Thank you for inviting me to speak here today. Before I begin, I’d like to acknowledge the important role played by Financial Services Ireland in advocating for its members, and in promoting the Irish financial services sector, both here and abroad. Whilst the respective missions we undertake are undoubtedly different, we have a shared interest in a strong and stable financial services sector. It is claimed that the phrase “may you live in interesting times...
Insurance
It has come to the attention of the Central Bank that a scam entity by the name SEI Investment (United States, Ireland), formerly operating the fraudulent clone website www.seiinvestment.com, has been claiming to be an investment firm / investment business firm in the absence of appropriate authorisations. In this instance, the scam entity cloned details and website content of the legitimate firm, SEI Investments (www.seic.com), in order to deceive consumers. The legitimate firm was proactive...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) issued a warning on 26 September 2022 about a fraudulent entity named "SEI Investment (United States, Ireland)" that cloned the legitimate authorised firm SEI Investments (www.seic.com) via the fake website www.seiinvestment.com to deceive consumers into unauthorised investment services. This matters because it highlights the rising threat of clone firm scams, which impersonate authorised entities using stolen details like names, addresses, and authorisation numbers, exposing firms to reputational risk and consumers to financial loss without Investor Compensation Scheme protection. Authorised firms must remain vigilant in monitoring for clones and reporting them promptly, as demonstrated by SEI Investments' proactive response that led to the site's deactivation in February 2022.
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).
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.
Key Dates
- Fraudulent clone website www.seiinvestment.com deactivated following legitimate firm's report
- CBI issues warning notice on SEI Investment clone
Compliance Impact
Urgency: Medium – Not critical as the specific clone site was deactivated in 2022, but medium due to persistent clone fraud trend evidenced by ongoing CBI warnings into 2026 (e.g., BW Financial Services clone in August 2025, Stalwart Investments clone in March 2026). Matters for authorised firms as it underscores reputational, operational resilience, and consumer protection obligations under CBI's supervisory framework; unaddressed clones can lead to client complaints, enforcement scrutiny, or compensation claims if mis-sold products are linked back erroneously.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
Asset ManagerWealth ManagerBank Gender diversity at senior levels in the regulated financial services sector is increasing but remains insufficient, according to the latest Central Bank of Ireland Demographic Analysis Report . The annual publication analyses applications to hold certain senior roles within regulated firms that require the Central Bank’s prior approval under the Fitness & Probity Regime. The Central Bank received more than 3,500 such applications for Pre-Approval Control Function (PCF) roles in 2021. This is...
Bank
Recent increase in cross-border financial assets is largely due to migration of assets from UK banks to subsidiaries in Ireland, to continue to serve EU clients after Brexit. Paper examining the strength of the connectedness of Irish insurance sector and investment funds finds insurers primarily hold shares in equity, bond, and mixed funds. The Irish non-bank financial intermediation sector – as measured using a Financial Stability Board framework - is the fifth largest in the world. The Cent...
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) published three "Behind the Data" papers on 20 January 2022 analyzing the international activities of Ireland's banking, insurance, investment funds, and non-bank financial intermediation (NBFI) sectors, highlighting post-Brexit asset migrations, insurer exposures via funds, and Ireland's fifth-largest global NBFI sector per FSB metrics. This matters for compliance professionals as it signals heightened CBI scrutiny on cross-border exposures, interconnectedness, and data granularity needs, potentially informing future supervisory expectations, macro-prudential policies, and reporting enhancements without imposing immediate rules.
What Changed
No direct regulatory changes, requirements, or new rules are introduced; these are analytical papers using existing locational banking, insurance, and fund data. Key insights include: (i) €180bn surge in cross-border bank assets (2018-Q3 2021) driven by UK-to-Ireland subsidiary migrations post-Brexit, concentrated in loans/deposits, derivatives, and three foreign-parent banks; (ii) Irish insurers' fund holdings primarily in equity (US-issued), bond (euro-area government/corporate), and mixed funds, with ~50% domiciled in Luxembourg but minimal local issuance; (iii) Recommendation for refined...
Suggested Considerations
- Review and enhance internal reporting on cross-border assets, distinguishing Irish-parent vs. foreign-parent activities, in anticipation of potential narrower CBI statistics.
- Map insurer fund exposures to underlying assets (e.g., equities, bonds) for geographic and asset-class transparency, addressing CBI-noted complexities in fund structures.
- Assess NBFI activities against FSB economic functions for stability risks; prepare for possible granular data requests.
- Monitor CBI's "Behind the Data" series for evolving trends, as it uses firm-submitted data and fulfills IMF recommendations (e.g., FSAP 2022 on fund exposures).
Key Dates
Publication date of the three Behind the Data papers
Compliance Impact
Urgency: Low – This is informational analysis from 2022 with no binding rules, deadlines, or enforcement; it matters indirectly by flagging data gaps (e.g., parent distinction) that could shape future CBI supervision, macro-prudential tools, or reporting burdens, especially amid ongoing Brexit/NBFI focus. Firms with foreign parents or fund-heavy portfolios should note for risk monitoring, but no immediate compliance overhaul needed.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankAsset ManagerInsurance
Introduction Good morning, and thank you for attending our Insurance Industry Event, the second of these which we’ve held virtually. Hopefully, as the vaccine rollout continues and restrictions are eased, there won’t have to be a third! The COVID 19 crisis has brought about a significant amount of change to all of our personal and professional lives, and with it has provided the opportunity to reflect on what is important, and where our priorities should lie. With this in mind, I would like t...
Insurance
Speech delivered at Institute of Directors’ Briefing Webinar on 10 June 2021 Good morning everyone, I am delighted to speak to you on the importance of effective culture in firms, the contribution fitness and probity can make, and how we see the forthcoming Individual Accountability Framework further reinforcing effective culture. I’ll come to each of those topics in turn. But first let me say that the Central Bank and the Institute of Directors have overlapping visions. The Central Bank serv...
This 2021 speech by Derville Rowland, Director General of Financial Conduct at the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), emphasizes the critical role of the Fitness & Probity (F&P) regime and the forthcoming Individual Accountability Framework (IAF) in fostering effective culture, governance, and individual responsibility in regulated firms. It matters because it signals CBI's supervisory priorities on senior role holders' competence, integrity, and accountability, which have since evolved into concrete regulatory updates, directly impacting board and compliance functions to mitigate conduct risks and ensure consumer protection. https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/speech-importance-of-fitness-probity-and-ensuring-responsibility-derville-rowland-10-june-2021
What Changed
- The speech itself outlines no new statutory changes but highlights the F&P regime's role in ensuring "fit and proper" individuals in key roles and previews the IAF as a complementary framework to...
- Consolidation of F&P Standards into the Fitness and Probity Standards 2025, applicable across all sectors, read alongside revised Guidance on the Fitness and Probity Standards (effective 20 November...
- Amendments to Pre-Approval Controlled Functions (PCFs), adding roles like Designated Person for Investment Management (PCF-39D), Distribution (PCF-39E), and Regulatory Compliance (PCF-39F),...
- Clarifications on due diligence (best-efforts basis for references, criminal checks, financial soundness via public records only—no bank statements required), time commitments (case-by-case), and...
- Proportionality for fitness assessments but not probity; ongoing certification obligations for Controlled Functions (CFs) and PCFs.
These build on the speech's vision, addressing Enria Report...
Suggested Considerations
- Conduct thorough F&P due diligence on PCF/CF holders pre-appointment and ongoing (best-efforts for references, criminal/financial checks via public records; assess time commitments case-by-case).
- Certify annually that PCF/CF individuals meet standards; no dual certification needed if PCF covers CF-1/2.
- Review and update succession planning, handover policies, and conduct breach procedures in light of new PCFs and IAF/SEAR (Statements of Effectiveness and Accountability of Responsibilities).
- Assess residency and capacity for non-resident PCF holders case-by-case, considering firm complexity.
- Embed F&P into culture and governance frameworks, aligning with IAF Conduct Standards once enacted.[Speech]
Key Dates
- CBI notice of intention to amend PCFs under F&P regime (e.g., new Designated Persons roles)
- Effective date for revised Guidance on Fitness and Probity Standards
- CBI publishes Feedback Statement on CP160, Fitness and Probity Standards 2025, and revised Guidance
amendment (TBD, after regulations effective); - 6-week window for in-situ PCF assessments and confirmations to CBI
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – While the 2021 speech is foundational, 2025 Standards and Guidance are now effective, mandating immediate due diligence enhancements and certifications amid IAF rollout. Non-compliance risks CBI investigations, prohibitions, or sanctions, especially with expanded PCFs tying into broader accountability (e.g., SEAR). This elevates board exposure, demanding proactive governance reviews to align culture with consumer protection mandates.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
BankAsset ManagerInsurance Opening remarks at the 2020 Insurance Industry Briefing Good morning everyone. I would like to thank you for attending today’s industry briefing. In my remarks this morning, I will take this opportunity to touch on: the role that insurance can play in society; some of the reasons why the industry in Ireland is negatively perceived; and the areas of supervisory focus for the Central Bank moving forward. 2020 has been an unprecedented year in so many respects and the emergence of COVID-19 has a...
BankInsurance
Good afternoon Chairman, Committee members, I am joined by Ed Sibley, Deputy Governor, Prudential Regulation and Derville Rowland, Director General, Financial Conduct. We welcome the opportunity to appear before you today. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been deep and distressing for our community. The actions taken to contain the health emergency have affected the economy and all of our lives. The Central Bank’s job is to ensure the financial system operates in the best interests o...
BankInsuranceAll Firms
I am joined today by Gráinne McEvoy, Director of Consumer Protection, and Domhnall Cullinan, Director of Insurance Supervision. Thank you for this opportunity to speak to you today about the Central Bank’s work in regulating and supervising the Irish insurance industry and specifically the practices of differential pricing and dual pricing. Insurance serves a critical role in the functioning of a modern society, through reducing uncertainty by protecting people and businesses against the risk...
BankInsurance
Following a satisfactory review of the data submitted by banks and credit unions, to the Central Credit Register, the initial enquiry phase has now commenced. This means that from today borrowers and lenders can request a copy of credit reports from the Central Credit Register. Data on mortgages, personal loans, credit cards and overdrafts, which is backdated to 30 June 2017, is live on the system and is incorporated into credit reports. From 30 September 2018 it will be compulsory for credit...
BankPayment ProviderAll Firms
Five Crises Ábhar mór bróid dom an léacht seo a thabhairt in onóir an Dochtúra T.K. Whitaker. Agus mar bharr ar sin, é bheith i láthair anocht. It is a great honour to be asked to deliver this lecture in honour of Dr. Ken Whitaker, all the more so in his presence. Go maire sé an céad! Or even better, as the Yiddish saying goes, ‘biz hundert un tsvantsik’. Economic crises often prompt us to look backwards and, perhaps, to seek solace in parallels and precedents in the past. Just as rising unem...
This 2011 Whitaker Lecture by Professor Cormac O'Grada, hosted by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), is an academic speech analyzing five historical economic crises in Ireland, including the Economic War, WWII Emergency, 1950s downturn, and others, to contextualize the post-2008 financial crisis. It lacks any regulatory changes, enforcement actions, or compliance mandates, serving instead as reflective economic history rather than a binding publication. Compliance professionals need not action it directly, but it offers historical perspective on crisis resilience relevant to risk management and governance discussions.
What Changed
There are no regulatory changes, new requirements, or enforcement directives in this publication. The content is purely historical and analytical, discussing past Irish economic crises (e.g., net emigration peaks during 1934-38 Economic War and 1943 WWII Emergency) without proposing or announcing policy shifts.[User Provided Content]
Compliance Impact
Urgency: Low – This is a non-regulatory academic lecture with no immediate or ongoing compliance implications. It matters peripherally for firms emphasizing long-term economic history in prudential risk frameworks or governance training, but misclassification as "enforcement" (per query) overstates its relevance in 2026.
AI-generated analysis. May contain errors or omissions — verify with the
original CBI source
before acting. Full disclaimer.
Bank