Monday 17th February, 2025 – John O’Beirne, CEO & Executive Director, Squareup International Ltd, has been appointed Chairperson of the Fintech & Payments Association of Ireland (FPAI). FPAI is an affiliate of Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) and is the representative body for the fintech sector in Ireland.
At Square, Mr O’Beirne works with businesses of all sizes to optimise integrated commerce and payment solutions within their operations. Prior to Square, he gained more than 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry holding roles in Ireland, the UK and Europe, including as CEO of Bank of Ireland Mortgage Bank and leading large scale digital transformation programmes. He holds a BA in Economics and Politics from Trinity College Dublin and post graduate qualifications from UCD. He is a Board member and Director of Dublin Chamber.
Commenting on his new role, Mr. O’Beirne said: “I am honoured to step into the role of Chair of FPAI at such a crucial time for the fintech sector. As new technologies like AI are poised to reshape financial services, FPAI will promote ongoing dialogue between stakeholders to ensure Ireland is well-positioned to harness the benefits these advancements offer. We will also be working closely with members on regulatory priorities as the industry navigates the evolving landscape.”
He added: “Collaboration has always been at the heart of FPAI’s mission and we will focus on further strengthening connections between fintechs, technology companies, and banks, and identifying opportunities for shared growth. I look forward to working with the new FPAI Council on this ambition, building on the work of my predecessor Ruth McCarthy of Fexco Corporate Payments.”
Mr O’Beirne concluded: “Ireland continues to be an attractive base for both domestic and global fintechs, such as Square, to establish and scale their operations across Europe and beyond, positively impacting the economy, customer choice and employment. Looking ahead, I’m excited to be opening our annual FPAI FintechNation Conference, on September 19th at the Convention Centre Dublin, which will showcase this diverse and growing ecosystem, as well as the scope of expertise to be found here.”
The FPAI was established in 2015 to foster an environment in which both indigenous and multi-national fintech companies can thrive and get the best from locating and doing business in Ireland. Its membership reflects the full spectrum of Irish fintech, from start-ups and scaling firms through to domestic and multinational banks and technology companies. Visit www.fpai.ie.
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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 125 member institutions and associates, including licensed domestic and foreign banks and institutions operating in the financial marketplace.
Contact: Fiona Murphy, Head of Communications, 087 9740046, fiona.murphy@bpfi.ie or Jillian Heffernan, Director of Communications, 087 9016880, jillian.heffernan@bpfi.ie.
