The Central Bank of Ireland serves as Ireland's central bank and financial regulator. With origins dating to 1943, the Central Bank is responsible for both monetary stability and the regulation of all financial service providers in Ireland. As an EU member state regulator, CBI-authorised firms can passport their services across the European Economic Area.
About the Central Bank of Ireland
The Central Bank of Ireland fulfils a dual mandate as both Ireland's central bank and its integrated financial services regulator. The Central Bank is responsible for the authorisation and supervision of all financial service providers operating in Ireland, including investment firms, credit institutions, insurance companies, and fund management entities.
Regulatory Framework
The Central Bank's regulatory framework is fully aligned with EU directives including MiFID II, CRD IV, and Solvency II. Ireland has become a major hub for financial services firms seeking EU market access, particularly following Brexit, leading to a significant expansion of the Central Bank's supervisory responsibilities. The Client Asset Regulations (CAR) impose particularly stringent requirements on how regulated firms handle client money and assets.
Investor Protection
The Investor Compensation Scheme provides coverage of up to €20,000 for eligible investors in the event of a regulated firm's failure. The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman provides an independent, fair, and free service for resolving complaints between consumers and financial service providers.
- Investor Compensation Scheme — up to €20,000 per investor
- Full MiFID II compliance with EU passporting rights
- Client asset regulations (CAR) with strict segregation requirements
- Consumer Protection Code enforcing fair treatment
| Instrument | Retail | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Major Forex | 1:30 | 1:500 |
| Minor Forex | 1:20 | 1:400 |
| Gold | 1:20 | 1:400 |
| Indices | 1:20 | 1:400 |
| Shares CFDs | 1:5 | 1:200 |
| Crypto | 1:2 | 1:50 |
Passporting Regions
Restricted Countries
Ireland has become a major EU financial hub post-Brexit, with many firms relocating from London.
Body: Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman
Visit Dispute ResolutionRelated Regulators
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FINMA
AAATier 1Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority
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CySEC
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BaFin
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MFSA
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AMF
AATier 2Autorité des Marchés Financiers
The Autorité des Marchés Financiers is France's financial markets regulator, established in 2003. Together with the ACPR (Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution), the AMF forms the dual regulatory system overseeing the French financial services sector. The AMF is particularly noted for its proactive stance in maintaining and publishing blacklists of unauthorised firms.