BPFI welcomes new Ireland for Finance Strategy but says delivery will be key to future growth
Tuesday 25th August 2026 – Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) welcomes today’s publication of the new Ireland for Finance Strategy, which sets out the next phase of Ireland’s approach to developing the international financial services sector. While the publication provides an important roadmap for the next four years, its impact will ultimately depend on clear priorities, effective delivery and sustained collaboration between Government and industry.
Commenting on the publication, Brian Hayes, Chief Executive, BPFI, said: “BPFI welcomes the publication of the new Ireland for Finance Strategy and the Government’s continued commitment to supporting Ireland’s position as a leading global financial services centre. Over recent decades, the sector has developed deep expertise across banking, payments, funds, asset servicing, fintech, insurance and technology. The opportunity now is to build on that success with a clear path for growth and a strong focus on effective delivery.”
Pointing to the contribution made by industry during the consultation process, Mr Hayes said: “We are pleased to see many of the priorities highlighted by industry during the consultation process reflected in the new strategy, including competitiveness, international promotion, and talent and skills development. These are central to ensuring Ireland remains well positioned to capture future growth opportunities in international financial services. BPFI looks forward to supporting Government’s international engagement in targeted markets and helping to promote Ireland’s strengths in this sector to a global audience. We have also called for the introduction of a dedicated National Digital Finance Strategy, so it is encouraging to see a clear focus on strengthening Ireland’s digital finance capabilities.”
Underscoring the current strengths of the industry in Ireland, Mr Hayes continued: “Ireland is home to over 600 international financial services firms supporting approximately 61,000 jobs and contributing more than €7.7 billion annually in tax revenues. These figures point to the increasing scale and strategic importance of the sector. However, the global environment is becoming increasingly competitive and complex, with jurisdictions around the world competing aggressively for talent, investment and business activity.”
“The new Ireland for Finance Strategy provides a timely platform to secure Ireland’s future as a global leader in international financial services. Ireland has built a world-class sector through long-term policy ambition, public-private collaboration and a willingness to adapt, but continued success will depend on effective implementation. The proposed new delivery structures are welcome and should help maintain momentum with measurable actions and sustained engagement between Government, regulators and industry. BPFI and our affiliates will work constructively with Government and stakeholders to support delivery and help ensure Ireland remains a globally competitive, innovative and resilient financial services centre.”
In a joint submission to the Department of Finance public consultation on the Ireland for Finance Strategy 2026–2030, BPFI, FPAI and FIBI called for the new approach to be underpinned by a clear vision for growth, a competitive operating environment, and a focus on attracting and retaining talent.
Key recommendations included:
- International competitiveness and growth: Strengthening Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for international financial services investment through a competitive operating environment, a strong business ecosystem and a continued focus on long-term sector growth.
- Regulatory efficiency, effectiveness and simplification: Maintaining high regulatory standards while improving efficiency, predictability and responsiveness, reducing unnecessary complexity and ensuring Ireland remains competitive relative to peer jurisdictions.
- Talent and skills development: Building a deeper pipeline of financial services, technology and digital finance talent through enhanced collaboration between industry, education providers and policymakers.
- Digital finance and innovation: Positioning Ireland to capture emerging opportunities in areas such as digital finance, tokenisation, artificial intelligence and financial technology, building on existing strengths.
- International promotion and positioning of Ireland as a global financial centre: Developing a stronger value proposition for Ireland and enhancing coordinated promotion of its capabilities across banking, payments, funds, asset servicing, fintech and other international financial services sectors.
The Ireland for Finance Strategy Vision 2030 is available on the Department of Finance website here.
ENDS/
Note: Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) represents the banking, payments and fintech sector in Ireland. Together with its affiliates, the Federation of International Banks in Ireland, and the Fintech & Payments Association of Ireland, BPFI has over 120 member institutions and associates, including licensed domestic and foreign banks and institutions operating in the financial marketplace.
For further information contact: Fiona Murphy, Head of Communications, 087 9740046, Fiona.murphy@bpfi.ie or Jillian Heffernan, Director of Communications, 087 9016880, jillian.heffernan@bpfi.ie.
