Ireland: Financial Services

ESMA has published its 2027 Annual Work Programme outlining key workstreams and deliverables for fund management companies and their delegates. The programme addresses integrated funds reporting, retail investment strategy, SFDR 2.0 revisions, and transaction reporting reforms that will shape the regulatory landscape for asset managers operating in Ireland and across the EU.

This September 2026 edition examines critical regulatory developments affecting asset management and investment funds, including proposed extensions to EMIR initial margin exemptions...

The European Banking Authority has published final Guidelines on the sound management of third-party risk regarding non-ICT services, replacing the 2019 Outsourcing Guidelines and introducing a broader regulatory framework. Financial entities will need to navigate expanded scope requirements, enhanced governance standards, and alignment with DORA while managing compliance timelines and contractual obligations.

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/825 introduces sweeping changes to MiFID order execution requirements, shifting from public disclosure to robust internal governance. Investment firms face enhanced obligations around execution venue selection, continuous quality monitoring using objective market data, and comprehensive documentation of routing decisions. How will firms adapt their execution frameworks to meet these data-driven standards by the February 2028 deadline?

Ireland's Department of Finance unveils its Vision 2030 strategy to strengthen the country's position as a leading international financial services hub through 31 targeted actions addressing legislation, regulation, digital transformation, and talent development.

The Central Bank of Ireland (the “Central Bank”) has published a thematic assessment report (the “Report”) following a review of the implementation of key aspects of the Fitness and Probity regime (the “F&P Regime”) in the MiFID investment firm sector.

This monthly legal update from William Fry LLP examines significant regulatory and legislative developments across Ireland's financial, environmental, and infrastructure sectors. From proposed reforms to limited partnership regimes and new home support provider regulations, to the transposition of EU directives on distance marketing and capital requirements, these articles analyze how recent policy changes will impact businesses, financial institutions, and service providers operating in Ireland.

On 30 July 2026, the Central Bank of Ireland (Central Bank) published a feedback statement (Feedback Statement) and supplemental guidance relating to prohibition notices under the Fitness and Probity regime (Supplemental Guidance).

The Central Bank of Ireland has commissioned an independent review of its enforcement activities, led by former Revenue Commissioners Chair Josephine Feehily, following judicial criticism of its processes and significant structural changes in the financial system. The review will examine the effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency of enforcement operations, with recommendations due by January 2027 that could reshape regulatory practice for years to come.