Financial regulation

Introduction

The Central Bank of Ireland is responsible for the regulation of all financial services firms in Ireland. The Central Bank Reform Act 2010, which commenced on 1 October 2010, created a new single body called the Central Bank of Ireland which is responsible for both central banking and financial regulation. It replaced the previous related bodies – the Central Bank and the Financial Services Authority of Ireland (generally known as the Central Bank) and the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority (Financial Regulator).

What does the Central Bank of Ireland regulate?

The Central Bank regulates the activities of:

• Credit institutions, investment intermediaries, stockbrokers, financial exchanges, collective investment schemes, funds, investor compensation and related consumer issues
• Life insurance, general insurance and related consumer issues
• Moneylenders, mortgage and credit intermediaries, the monitoring of customer charges by credit institutions and related consumer issues
• Credit unions

You can find more information on the financial institutions regulated here.

What is the main purpose of regulation?

The main purpose of regulation is:

• To promote a safe and fair financial services market for consumers
• To promote sound and solvent financial institutions, thereby giving depositors and other consumers of financial products confidence that their deposits and investments are safe.

The Central Bank monitors and enforces the consumer protection, conduct of business and prudential requirements of financial institutions. It also sets minimum competency requirements for firms.

What is a code of conduct?

The Central Bank has a number of statutory codes of conduct which oblige financial institutions to act in a fair and transparent manner, and in the best interests of their customers. These protection codes are policed and enforced by means of on-site inspections, backed-up by enforcement powers. Copies of the various codes are available on the Central Bank’s financial regulation website.

Where do I make a complaint about a financial institution?

If you have a complaint about a financial service provider you should begin by complaining directly to the person that you would normally deal with in the firm. If you are not satisfied with how your complaint is dealt with, you can make a more formal complaint to senior management at the financial service provider. If you are still not satisfied that your complaint is being dealt with fairly by the firm, you may take your complaint to the Financial Services Ombudsman.

You can read more about making a complaint in our document: Making a complaint about a financial service provider.

Where can I find information on financial products?

The National Consumer Agency (NCA) provides information to consumers on their rights and on the costs, risks and benefits of different financial products. This information also helps you to access the financial services that are most suitable to you. The NCA maintains financial information on its website for consumers.