We track 30 Consumer Credit updates from Ireland regulators, published by CBI. The archive covers 14 warnings, 11 enforcement actions and 3 speeches. Most recent update: September 2026. Coverage runs from 2018 to 2026.
Warning: Unauthorised Retail Credit Firm Unauthorised Firm Name Personal Financing Website https://personalfinancing.co.uk/# Email address used info@personalfinancing.co.uk Phone number used 02080584359 Telegram link used https://t.me/LoanFinance12 Authorisation in Ireland Personal Financing is not authorised to…
Why this matters
The Central Bank of Ireland has issued a warning notice against 'Personal Financing', an unauthorised firm operating retail credit services without proper authorisation. The firm uses multiple contact channels (website, email, phone, Telegram) to solicit customers.
Warning: Unauthorised Retail Credit Firm Unauthorised Firm Name Eire Loans Website www.eireloans.com Email address used info@eireloans.com Phone numbers used 0831589748 0833446276 0892765660 Telegram link used https://t.me/LoanFinance12 Authorisation in Ireland Eire Loans is not authorised to provide retail credit…
Why this matters
The Central Bank of Ireland has issued a warning notice against Eire Loans, an unauthorised firm operating a retail credit scam involving advance fee fraud. The content is factual and administrative in nature—identifying contact details, website, and the fraudulent scheme type.
Warning: Unauthorised Retail Credit Firm Unauthorised Firm Name Liffey Loans Website https://liffeyloans.com/ Email addresses used info@liffeyloans.com liffeyloans@pm.me Phone numbers used 0833546524 0862800307 0831884377 0899460081 Authorisation in Ireland Liffey Loans is not authorised to provide retail credit…
Why this matters
This is a targeted enforcement warning by the Central Bank of Ireland against an unauthorised retail credit firm (Liffey Loans) operating a fraudulent scheme. The content explicitly identifies an unauthorised entity cloning legitimate firm details and conducting advance fee fraud.
Warning: Unauthorised Retail Credit Firm/High Cost Credit Provider Unauthorised Firm Name Emerald Loans Group Website https://emeraldloansgroup.com/ Email address used info@emeraldloansgroup.com Phone numbers used 0833536684 0831589748 +353831875313 Telegram links used HTTPS://T.ME/LOANFINANCE12/…
Why this matters
This is a public warning notice against an unauthorised retail credit firm operating without Central Bank of Ireland authorisation. The content is factual and administrative in nature—listing contact details, websites, and Telegram channels used by the fraudulent entity.
Warning: Unauthorised Retail Credit Firm Unauthorised Firm Name LoanzaaBlogs Website www.loanzaablogs.com Email address used loanzaablogs2026@gmail.com Authorisation in Ireland LoanzaaBlogs is not authorised to provide retail credit services in Ireland. Additional information This scam is an example of an ‘advanced…
Why this matters
The Central Bank of Ireland has issued a warning notice against LoanzaaBlogs, an unauthorised firm operating a retail credit scam involving advance fee fraud. The content is factual and administrative in nature—identifying an unauthorised entity and its contact details.
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.
Why this matters
This is a reflective speech by the Central Bank of Ireland Governor summarizing county visits and economic observations. While it touches on consumer protection (revised Consumer Protection Code), financial inclusion, and access to banking services, it is primarily informational and forward-looking rather than...
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…
AI Analysis
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.
Key dates
26 June 2026
- CBI publishes the warning notice against Loan Empower Solution as an unauthorised retail credit firm and lists the firm under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013
Suggested considerations
Review and update internal unauthorised-firm and scam monitoring procedures to ensure Loan Empower Solution and its identifiers (name, website, address, email, telephone number) are captured in watchlists, fraud rules, and staff guidance.
Screen recent and ongoing customer transactions and communications for any references to Loan Empower Solution or similar lending scams requesting upfront “loan fees”, and escalate any matches to fraud and compliance teams.
Update customer-facing communications and website scam warnings to highlight the risk of advance fee fraud in retail credit, referencing the need to check the CBI registers and unauthorised-firms list before engaging with lenders.
Ensure call centre, branch, and digital support staff are trained to identify and respond to customers approached by unauthorised lenders, including how to advise customers to verify authorisation status on the CBI website and to report suspected scams.
Incorporate checks against the CBI unauthorised firms search into onboarding, due diligence, and third-party risk management processes for any lending-related partnerships, introducers, or lead generators.
What changed
- The CBI has added Loan Empower Solution (website: lesolution.eu) to its public list of unauthorised firms and explicitly categorised it as an unauthorised retail credit firm operating without the...
The CBI has publicly stated that Loan Empower Solution appears to be operating an advance fee fraud model, where upfront payments are requested for credit services that are never provided.
The CBI has confirmed that the firm is using a purported Irish business address (The Merrion Buildings, 18–20 Merrion Street, Dublin 2, D02 XH98), a non-Irish telephone number, and a specified...
The firm’s name has been published under section 53 of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013, reaffirming the CBI’s use of its statutory power to publicly identify entities...
The CBI has directed the public to its unauthorised firms search and financial scams information pages, implicitly reinforcing expectations that firms promote use of these tools in their consumer...
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.
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…
Why this matters
Deputy Governor speech on financial literacy strategy emphasizing consumer protection framework, modernized Consumer Protection Code requirements, and firm obligations around clear communication, digital service design, fraud prevention, and consumer awareness.
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…
Why this matters
Deputy Governor speech announcing modernised Consumer Protection Code application to credit unions, digital transformation requirements, and financial literacy initiatives. Informational in nature with forward-looking regulatory guidance on implementation timelines and support mechanisms.
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…
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…
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…
AI Analysis
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]
Key dates
14 April 2026
Publication date of warning notice; Immediate public alert on unauthorised status of Finance Advice Help.[Source URL: https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/finance-advice-help--central-bank-of-ireland-issues-warning-on-unauthorised-firm]
Suggested considerations
Verify firm status: Use CBI's unauthorised firms search tool before engaging with any retail credit provider (https://www.centralbank.ie/regulation/how-we-regulate/authorisation/unauthorised-firms/search-unauthorised-firms).
Report suspicions: Contact CBI at (01) 224 5800 or via direct reporting portal for any dealings with Finance Advice Help or similar entities.[Source URL: https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/finance-advice-help--central-bank-of-ireland-issues-warning-on-unauthorised-firm]
Educate clients/staff: Disseminate scam protection guidance from www.centralbank.ie/financialscams; implement "SAFE test" for verification.[Source URL: https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/finance-advice-help--central-bank-of-ireland-issues-warning-on-unauthorised-firm]
Monitor clones: Screen for impersonation risks, as seen in related warnings (e.g., Shamrock Lend clone).
What changed
This is not a regulatory change but an enforcement action via a public warning notice. It reinforces existing requirements under the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 (section 53), which empowers CBI to publish names of unauthorised firms offering regulated services like retail credit. No new rules are introduced; it signals ongoing vigilance against unauthorised retail credit providers.[Source URL: https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/finance-advice-help--central-bank-of-ireland-issues-warning-on-unauthorised-firm]
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.
Shamrock Lend (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Why this matters
This is a warning from the Central Bank of Ireland about an unauthorized firm called 'Shamrock Lend (Clone)' that is impersonating a legitimate firm to provide retail credit services in Ireland. This is a consumer protection and authorization issue that requires urgent attention.
The Prohibition Notice (PDF) issued after Mr Buckley signed a Statement of Undisputed Facts, in which he accepted that between 1 February 2021 and 12 December 2023, while he was employed at two different retail intermediaries, he issued invoices to clients directing payment to his personal bank account in place of his…
AI Analysis
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has issued an indefinite prohibition to Nicholas (Nick) Buckley from all controlled functions, effective 25 February 2026, following his admission of diverting client payments to his personal account and misrepresenting financial qualifications while at two retail intermediaries from 1 February 2021 to 12 December 2023. This enforcement action underscores the CBI's commitment to the Fitness and Probity Regime, emphasizing integrity in customer-facing roles to maintain public trust. Compliance professionals should note it as a precedent for severe sanctions on dishonesty, potentially influencing vetting and monitoring practices.
Key dates
1 February 2021
12 December 2023; Period of Buckley's admitted misconduct (diverting payments and misrepresenting qualifications)
25 February 2026
Effective date of the indefinite prohibition on Buckley performing any controlled functions
01 April 2026
Publication date of the CBI press release announcing the Prohibition Notice
Suggested considerations
Firms employing similar roles: Immediately review invoicing processes to ensure payments direct only to firm accounts, with segregation of duties and dual approvals for client billing.
Fitness and Probity assessments: Conduct enhanced due diligence on customer-facing staff, verifying qualifications via independent sources and monitoring for personal financial gain conflicts.
Incident reporting: Escalate any suspected integrity breaches (e.g., qualification misrepresentation or fund diversion) to CBI under fitness and probity notification obligations.
Training programs: Update mandatory training on Fitness and Probity Standards (available at https://www.centralbank.ie/regulation/fitness-and-probity), focusing on honesty in client interactions.
Prohibition checks: Screen all controlled function holders against CBI's public prohibitions list before approvals or role changes.
What changed
This is not a new regulation but an enforcement outcome under the existing Fitness and Probity Regime, established by the Central Bank Reform Act 2010, which mandates high standards of competence, integrity, and honesty for individuals in controlled functions. No regulatory changes are introduced; instead, it reinforces enforcement mechanisms, including investigations and prohibitions for breaches, particularly in customer-facing roles where honesty is paramount.
Compliance impact
Urgency: Medium – This is a specific enforcement precedent rather than a new rule, but it signals heightened CBI scrutiny on integrity breaches in retail intermediation, with indefinite bans as a tool to protect consumers. It matters because customer-facing misconduct erodes trust, prompting firms to strengthen controls proactively to avoid similar investigations, especially given CBI Director of Enforcement's warning on accountability. Non-compliance risks firm-level sanctions, reputational damage, and operational disruptions.
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…
AI Analysis
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.
Key dates
24 March 2025
- CBI publishes revised CPC 2025, Standards for Business Regulations, Consumer Protection Regulations, and guidance
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.
Testing/monitoring: Develop records/compliance systems; test advertising/bundling; integrate sustainability claims checks.
Stakeholder engagement: Review CBI guidance/FAQs; prepare for supervision during implementation.
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.
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.
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…
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Central Bank of Ireland introduces a modernized Consumer Protection Code that imposes new requirements on financial firms to better protect consumer interests.
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…
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Central Bank of Ireland highlights the growing threat of financial scams and fraud targeting consumers globally, which is a critical issue for banks, fintechs, and payment providers to address through enhanced fraud prevention and consumer protection measures.
Stalwart Investments Limited (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Why this matters
This is a warning from the Central Bank of Ireland about an unauthorized firm impersonating a legitimate retail credit provider. It involves an advanced fee fraud scheme, which poses a high risk to consumers. The warning covers key details about the unauthorized firm and provides guidance to protect against such scams.
SB Leasing Ireland Limited (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Why this matters
This is a warning from the Central Bank of Ireland about an unauthorized firm, SB Leasing Ireland Limited (Clone), that is seeking to deceive consumers by cloning the details of a legitimate Irish registered company. This poses a high risk to consumers and requires prompt action.
Capital Horizon Loans (Clone) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Why this matters
This is a warning from the Central Bank of Ireland about an unauthorized firm, Capital Horizon Loans, that is engaging in an advanced fee fraud scheme. It is a high urgency issue as it involves consumer protection, unauthorized financial activities, and potential financial crime.
DEV Limited (CLONE) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Why this matters
This is a warning from the Central Bank of Ireland about an unauthorized firm cloning the identity of a legitimate Irish company to provide credit services. This poses a high risk to consumers and requires immediate attention.
Tava Loans - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Central Bank of Ireland warns about an unauthorized firm operating in the banking, consumer credit, and mortgage lending sectors. This is a high urgency issue as it relates to consumer protection and the need for proper authorization and licensing of financial firms.
Ava Credit Finance - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Why this matters
This is a warning from the Central Bank of Ireland about an unauthorized firm operating in the banking, consumer credit, and mortgage lending sectors. This is a high urgency issue as it relates to consumer protection and the proper authorization of financial firms.
LiteLoans4U - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Why this matters
This is a warning from the Central Bank of Ireland about an unauthorized firm operating in the consumer lending and mortgage sectors, which raises consumer protection concerns.
Uniq Loan Financial - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Why this matters
This is a warning from the Central Bank of Ireland about an unauthorized retail credit firm, Uniq Loan Financial, which is not authorized to provide retail credit services in Ireland. This is a high urgency issue as it relates to consumer protection and unauthorized financial activities.
Caventer Finance - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Why this matters
This is a warning from the Central Bank of Ireland about an unauthorized retail credit firm, Caventer Finance, which appears to be engaging in an advanced fee fraud scam. This is a high-urgency issue as it involves consumer protection and unauthorized financial activities.
Lending Loans - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Why this matters
This is a warning from the Central Bank of Ireland about an unauthorized retail credit firm engaging in an advance fee fraud scam. It is relevant for banks, fintechs, and other firms involved in consumer lending and credit activities, as well as those responsible for AML/financial crime compliance and consumer...
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…
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Central Bank of Ireland focuses on the flood protection gap, which has implications for the banking, insurance, and consumer credit sectors. It discusses prudential and capital requirements, ESG/sustainability, and reporting/disclosure, making it relevant for a range of financial firms.
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…
Why this matters
I cannot provide the analysis you've requested because the document you've referenced is not available in the search results provided. The URL you cited (https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/speech-introductory-statement-governor-makhlouf-21-oct-20) is from October 21, 2020—a historical speech addressing COVID-19...
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…