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...
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.
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 ...
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...
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.
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 consumers). Major updates include:
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 informing (beyond disclosure); charges/regulatory status...
What You Need To Do
Gap analysis
Policy/system updates
Governance/risk
Testing/monitoring
Stakeholder engagement
Key Dates
24 March 2025- CBI publishes revised CPC 2025, Standards for Business Regulations, Consumer Protection Regulations, and guidance.
24 March 2026- CPC 2025 takes effect; existing 2012 Code ceases (12-month implementation period ends).
Until 24 March 2026- 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.
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...
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...
Introduction Good morning. I am delighted to welcome you to Central Bank of Ireland today as part of our continued engagement with the crypto sector. This time last year we hosted an industry briefing focused on the path to success in the authorisation of Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs). It has been a very active 12 months, and today I see many of you in the room from newly authorised CASPs who have come through the process successfully. This morning’s event is an excellent opportunity...
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...
AI Analysis
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. It reinforces an outcomes-focused approach, prioritizing:
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...
What You Need To Do
Conduct gap analyses for revised CPC compliance, focusing on thresholds, customer experience, and fraud support (immediate if in-scope)
Enhance resilience frameworks
Strengthen financial crime controls
Review technology/AI governance
Embed ESG/climate risks
Key Dates
24 March 2026- Revised Consumer Protection Code (CPC) takes effect (12-month lead-in complete; firms must be compliant).DEADLINE
H1–H2 2026- DORA implementation including threat-led penetration testing (survey issued H1).
H1 2026–H2 2027- Thematic inspection of transaction monitoring and STR reporting.
H1–H2 2026- 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.
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 ...
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.
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...
AI Analysis
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.
What You Need To Do
Conduct robust scenario testing and risk assessments for operational resilience, cyber threats, credit/market/liquidity risks, and document outcomes within compliance monitoring programs
Implement revised CPC by 24 March 2026, assessing scope changes and business impacts
Enhance financial crime controls, including fraud victim support, scam awareness, and market abuse detection; monitor AMLA developments
Embed ESG/climate risks into governance, risk management, and business models, preparing for SFDR 2
Review AI/data/models usage and operational frameworks for supervisory inspections; engage with CBI Innovation Sandbox if applicable
Key Dates
24 March 2026- 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/]DEADLINE
H1 2026- 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]
2026-2027- 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/]
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...
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...
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.
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...
AI Analysis
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 than enforcement-heavy approaches.
Supervisory Approach Evolution: Shifting in 2025-2026 to risk-based, outcomes-focused, less process-driven supervision integrated across financial stability, consumer...
What You Need To Do
Implement Revised Consumer Protection Code
Adopt Outcomes-Focused Practices
Engage with CBI
Leverage Technology
Key Dates
24 March 2026- Revised Consumer Protection Code comes into force; firms must ensure full readiness and ongoing embedding of provisions, including new Standards for Business.DEADLINE
January 2026speech).
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.
Mr Philip Smith, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Director of RSA Insurance Ireland DAC disqualified for 13 years by the Central Bank of Ireland for his admitted participation in a breach of financial services law by RSAII On 1 December 2025 the Central Bank of Ireland reprimanded Mr Smith and disqualified him for 13 years from being a person concerned in the management of a regulated financial service provider for his participation in a breach by RSA Insurance Ireland DAC (...
AI Analysis
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) reprimanded and disqualified former RSA Insurance Ireland DAC (RSAII) CEO Philip Smith for 13 years from management roles in regulated financial service providers due to his admitted role in under-reserving large loss claims, breaching Article 13(1)(a) of the European Communities (Non-Life Insurance) Framework Regulations 1994 (S.I. No. 359/1994). This enforcement action underscores CBI's commitment to individual accountability for senior executives who circumvent controls, risking policyholder protection and firm solvency, as evidenced by RSAII's subsequent need for a major capital injection. It matters for compliance professionals as it demonstrates CBI's use of prolonged disqualifications and inquiries under the Administrative Sanctions Procedure (ASP) to deter governance failures in insurance firms.
What Changed
This is not a regulatory change or new requirement but an enforcement precedent reinforcing existing obligations under the 1994 Regulations for insurers to maintain adequate technical reserves reflecting true liabilities. It highlights CBI's focus on senior executive accountability for deliberate policy circumvention, such as undocumented processes overriding claims handlers' estimates, which inflated reported profits and understated liabilities.
What You Need To Do
Review senior management oversight of claims handling; document all approvals and prohibit informal (e
Enhance governance training for executives on personal liability under ASP, including simulations of reserving decisions and policyholder risk scenarios
Assess historical exposures for under-reserving; remediate if needed, and prepare for potential CBI inquiries (noting 10+ year investigation timelines)
Update conduct and culture frameworks to align with CBI expectations for CEOs to drive compliance, as per Deputy Governor Colm Kincaid's comments
Key Dates
2014- CBI enforcement investigation into Mr Smith and RSAII commences.
December 2018- CBI reprimands and fines RSAII €3.5m for related breaches, including reserve failures.
November 2022- CBI decides to hold an Inquiry into Mr Smith's participation under Part IIIC of the Central Bank Act 1942.
1 December 2025- Reprimand and 13-year disqualification imposed on Mr Smith, effective immediately under IAF Act transitional provisions (no High Court confirmation needed).
12 December 2025- CBI publishes public statement on the enforcement action.
Compliance Impact
Urgency: High – This action signals intensified CBI scrutiny on individual accountability in insurance reserving, with 13-year bans possible for deliberate breaches risking policyholders, even without actual losses. It matters now (post-1 Dec 2025 effective date) as firms face elevated enforcement risk amid CBI's "full extent of powers" approach, potentially leading to parallel firm/individual sanctions and long inquiries; proactive reviews prevent similar outcomes, especially with statutory fine limits not mitigating non-financial penalties.
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.
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...
AI Analysis
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 face particular difficulties accessing cash, even where overall access-to-cash criteria are met. The guidelines will specify how the Central Bank receives notifications, undertakes assessments, and makes determinations regarding local deficiencies.
*2.
What You Need To Do
*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
5 December 2025 – 4 March 2026– Public consultation period for local deficiency guidelines and ATM service standards
30 June 2025– Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Act 2025 commenced
Early 2026– First publication of quarterly cash infrastructure data expected
30 June 2026– Central Bank to publish local deficiency guidelines
2026– Central Bank to publish final ATM service standards regulations
Deutsche Bank Wealth Management (CLONE) / Deutsche Bank AG (CLONE) / DB UK Bank Limited (CLONE) - Central Bank of Ireland Issues Warning on Unauthorised Firm
Warning Unauthorised Investment Firm / Unauthorised Investment Business Firm Unauthorised Firm Name Monument Financial Group Website https://monumentfg.com/ Email addresses used admin@monumentfg.com [name].[surname]@monumentfg.com Phone number used +353 81 800 5284 Authorisation in Ireland This firm is not authorised to provide investment services in Ireland. Notes: Any person wishing to contact the Central Bank with information regarding such firms / persons may telephone (01) 224 5800 or re...
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 **Monument Financial Group** as an unauthorised firm providing investment services in Ireland without authorisation. This matters for compliance professionals because it underscores the CBI's proactive enforcement against unauthorised activity, heightens scam awareness, and signals risks of consumer harm, regulatory referrals to An Garda Síochána, and potential enforcement against facilitating parties.[https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/monument-financial-group---central-bank-of-ireland-issues-warning-on-unauthorised-firm]
What Changed
This is not a regulatory change or new requirement but an enforcement action via a warning notice published on 25 August 2025. It publicly names the firm, its website (https://monumentfg.com/), emails (admin@monumentfg.com, [name].[surname]@monumentfg.com), and phone (+353 81 800 5284), confirming it lacks authorisation for investment services in Ireland.
What You Need To Do
Immediate verification
Client communications
Internal compliance
Key Dates
25 August 2025- Warning notice published by CBI, adding Monument Financial Group to the unauthorised firms list.[https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/monument-financial-group---central-bank-of-ireland-issues-warning-on-unauthorised-firm]
Compliance Impact
Urgency: Medium. This matters as part of a pattern of CBI warnings (e.g., Expert Limited on 19 June 2025, RCE Banque on 29 August 2025, DotBig on 01 December 2025), indicating rising unauthorised investment activity and scam risks in Ireland. Authorised firms face indirect liability for poor due diligence, reputational damage, or facilitation charges; consumers risk total fund loss without regulatory protections.
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...
“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
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...
AI Analysis
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).
What You Need To Do
Monitor for clones
Client communications
Internal processes
Public reporting
Key Dates
26 September 2022- CBI issues warning notice on SEI Investment clone.
February 2022- Fraudulent clone website www.seiinvestment.com deactivated following legitimate firm's report.
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.
Ban on price walking in motor and home insurance comes into effect on 1 July 2022. New customer discounts not affected. For automatic renewals, better information and reminders to be provided to encourage switching. The Central Bank of Ireland has today published the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 (Section 48(1)) (Insurance Requirements) Regulations 2022 which will apply to insurance undertakings and insurance intermediaries from 1 July 2022. The Central Bank identified d...
AI Analysis
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) published the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 (Section 48(1)) (Insurance Requirements) Regulations 2022 on 15 March 2022, banning price walking in motor and home insurance from 1 July 2022 to eliminate loyalty penalties for renewing customers while preserving new customer discounts and competition. This matters for compliance professionals as it imposes immediate prohibitions on differential pricing, mandatory annual reviews, enhanced renewal disclosures, and record-keeping, with CBI emphasizing ongoing oversight to ensure fair consumer outcomes.
What Changed
Ban on Price Walking: Insurance undertakings and intermediaries cannot charge renewing customers (defined as "relevant renewing customers") a premium higher than that charged to an equivalent year-one renewal consumer (EQFRP) for motor and home insurance policies. New customer discounts remain permitted to support competition.
Annual Pricing Reviews: Firms must conduct an annual review of motor and home insurance pricing policies and processes within two months of each year-end to ensure compliance, including controls to prevent price walking and adherence to Consumer Protection Code (CPC)...
What You Need To Do
Pricing Adjustments
Conduct Reviews
Enhance Communications
Record Maintenance
Internal Governance
Compliance Impact
Urgency: Medium (as of 2026). The regulations have been effective since 1 July 2022 with no transitional period, requiring immediate system/process overhauls at implementation; non-compliance risks enforcement under Section 48 of the 2013 Act. Ongoing annual reviews and CBI's commitment to monitoring pricing practices sustain medium-term priority, especially amid CBI's consumer protection focus, but established firms likely adapted by now—late compliance or audit gaps remain risks.
Differential Pricing and Business Interruption Insurance demonstrate Central Bank’s focus on conduct, culture and customer treatment Over €130 million paid in business interruption insurance claims to date Insurance sector needs to be prepared for the challenges ahead including digitisation and climate change Speaking at the Deloitte 2022 Insurance Industry Trends event Director General, Financial Conduct Derville Rowland discussed the position of the insurance sector in Ireland, the effect o...
Remarks by Director General, Financial Conduct Derville Rowland at the Deloitte Global Insurance Webinar Good morning everybody and thank you to Deloitte for the invitation to speak at this webinar. Some people think of insurance as a relatively modern financial concept. But of course, as the insurance experts in this audience know, its origins can be traced all the way back to certain kinds of shipping loans in Babylon, through Ancient Rome and Greece, and into Medieval Europe. In the 17 th ...
Review finds that differential pricing practices can result in unfair outcomes for some consumers Proposal to ban the practice of ‘price walking’ to end the loyalty penalty for consumers who do not switch insurance provider regularly Proposals will ensure that new business discounts are still available to allow consumers to seek the best prices, while ensuring that those who remain with the same insurance provider are not penalized The Central Bank is proposing to ban the practice of price wa...
AI Analysis
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) proposes banning "price walking" in private car and home insurance to eliminate the loyalty penalty, where long-term customers pay significantly higher premiums (14% more for car, 32% more for home after 9 years) than new customers with similar risk profiles. This stems from a 2021 review finding differential pricing unfair to loyal or less mobile consumers, with regulations finalized and effective from 1 July 2022, confirmed effective in subsequent reviews. It matters as it enforces fair treatment under CBI's consumer protection mandate, requiring insurers to overhaul pricing models while preserving new customer discounts to maintain competition.
What Changed
Ban on price walking: Insurers cannot charge second or subsequent renewal customers a higher premium than an equivalent year-one renewal customer with similar risk and service cost.
Disclosure of new business discounts: Firms must clearly disclose to new customers that lower prices include a new business discount.
Annual pricing policy reviews: Providers must review pricing policies yearly to ensure focus on customer impact, adherence to rules, and fair treatment.
Automatic renewals requirements: Introduce consumer consent for automatic renewals and enhanced information/reminders to support...
What You Need To Do
Pricing model adjustments
Disclosure updates
Governance and reviews
Renewal processes
Monitoring and reporting
Key Dates
22 October 2021- Consultation period closes for proposals in the final report.
Early 2022- CBI intends to finalize measures post-consultation.
15 March 2022- Publication of final Insurance Requirements Regulations 2022.
1 July 2022- Regulations apply to insurance undertakings and intermediaries; ban on price walking effective.
2023/2024- CBI review confirms regulations working, no loyalty penalty observed, no further measures needed at that time.
Compliance Impact
Urgency: low (as of 2026). Rules have been effective since July 2022, with CBI's 2023/2024 review confirming no loyalty penalties, no unintended consequences, and market stability—Ireland was first EU state with such a ban. Firms compliant since 2022 face ongoing low-risk monitoring; non-compliance risks enforcement under Section 48(1), but positive outcomes reduce immediate pressure. Matters for legacy audits or CPC reviews.
Insurance conference explores challenges facing the insurance industry Introduction of proposed judicial guidelines on personal injury claims would bring stability to the cost of insurance Solvency II review in 2020 to ensure continued protection of policyholders and beneficiaries The Central Bank hosted a conference for the insurance industry today with the theme “ Thriving in Challenging Times ”. The conference brought together domestic and international thought-leaders and policy makers to...
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...