Central Bank of Ireland

About CBI

The Central Bank of Ireland is Ireland’s central bank and integrated financial regulatory authority. It was established on 1 February 1943 under the Central Bank Act 1942. Following reforms introduced in 2010, the current institution became the single body responsible for both central banking and financial regulation in Ireland. As Ireland’s central bank, it contributes to monetary and financial stability and performs functions within the European System of Central Banks and the Eurosystem. It also carries out financial stability analysis, macroprudential policy, payment-system oversight and bank resolution responsibilities. As an integrated financial regulator, the Central Bank authorises and supervises banks, investment firms, insurance companies, payment institutions, electronic money institutions, funds, fund service providers, retail intermediaries, credit institutions and securities markets operating in Ireland. For forex and CFD services, the Central Bank supervises Irish-authorised MiFID investment firms and monitors their prudential position, governance, conduct of business and compliance with investor-protection requirements. Retail CFD providers are subject to leverage restrictions, margin close-out protection, negative balance protection, restrictions on incentives and standardised risk warnings. Consumers should first submit complaints directly to the regulated financial service provider. Eligible unresolved complaints may subsequently be referred to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman. Where an eligible investment firm is unable to return client money or investment instruments, the Investor Compensation Scheme may provide limited compensation, subject to its eligibility rules.