Introduction to Establishing in Ireland 

The Financial Regulator is responsible for the regulation of most financial service firms (financial service providers)  in Ireland. 

The first step for a firm or individual proposing to provide a financial service in Ireland is to ascertain whether they need an authorisation/licence/approval from the Financial Regulator. 

We encourage all applicants, particularly for major financial service providers, to seek their own legal advice in determining whether or not their proposed business requires authorisation. 

In addition, we would encourage any applicant to meet with us early in the process, particularly if the proposed business is of a complex or unusual nature in order for any issues of concern to be addressed before a formal application in submitted. 

The Authorisation and Supervision Process

• Read about the Authorisation Process and the principal criteria we use when assessing applications for authorisation  
• Read about the Supervisory Process of the Financial Regulator

Fit & Proper requirements

Another area of interest to new entrants to the Irish financial services industry will be the Fit and Proper requirements.   EU and Irish law require that the Directors and Managers of financial service providers regulated by the Financial Regulator meet standards of competence and probity.  These standards are usually referred to as "fit and proper" standards.