The Central Bank today (15 September 2026) announced the appointment of Simon Sloan as Director of Strategy and Governance. Simon brings a wealth of experience from both inside and outside of the Central Bank. Since joining the Central Bank in 2011, he has held a number of leadership roles across Asset Management…
Why this matters
The content is purely administrative—announcing the appointment of Simon Sloan as Director of Strategy and Governance at the Central Bank. It contains no new rules, guidance, enforcement actions, or regulatory requirements affecting financial firms.
In his latest blog, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf explains the ECB Governing Council's decision to raise interest rates as well as why he supports it.
Why this matters
This is an informational speech/blog by CBI Governor Gabriel Makhlouf explaining the rationale behind a 25bp rate increase to 2.5% and forward guidance on monetary policy.
In his latest blog, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf reflects on his outreach visits to all 26 counties and what they taught him for his second term as governor of the Central Bank.
Why this matters
This is a reflective speech by the Central Bank of Ireland Governor summarizing county visits and economic observations. While it touches on consumer protection (revised Consumer Protection Code), financial inclusion, and access to banking services, it is primarily informational and forward-looking rather than...
CBI publication of updated AIF (Alternative Investment Fund) Rulebook is informational guidance update. AIFs are primarily managed by asset managers and investment firms. The update concerns authorisation/licensing requirements and disclosure obligations for AIF managers.
In this weeks blog, the governor outlines why his ECB Governing Council colleagues and him decided to leave interest rates unchanged. The Deposit Facility Rate, through which they steer the monetary policy stance, remains at 2.25 per cent.
Why this matters
This is an informational speech by ECB Governing Council member Gabriel Makhlouf explaining the decision to hold interest rates unchanged and outlining monitoring priorities before September.
People across Ireland are invited to give their feedback on the shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes, unveiled today by the European Central Bank (ECB). These design proposals are based on two different themes – “European culture” and “Rivers and birds” – and on the associated motifs…
AI Analysis
Key dates
End of 2026
- The ECB Governing Council is expected to make the final decision on the new banknote design
23 July 2026
- The Central Bank of Ireland publishes the press release encouraging public participation in the ECB consultation
21 September 2026
- The public survey on the shortlisted euro banknote designs closes
Suggested considerations
Review the ECB consultation materials and assess whether your firm has any direct operational exposure to future euro banknote changes.
Monitor ECB and Central Bank of Ireland updates for the final design decision expected around the end of 2026.
Prepare internal stakeholder briefings for cash operations, branch operations, payments, customer service, and communications teams on the expected euro banknote redesign timeline.
If your firm accepts or processes cash, begin a preliminary review of any systems, controls, or vendor dependencies that could be affected by future note specifications, authentication features, or rollout timing.
Update external messaging and FAQs only after the ECB publishes the final banknote design and implementation details.
What changed
- The ECB has published ten shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes, based on the themes “European culture” and “Rivers and birds.”
The ECB has opened an online public survey to gather feedback on the proposed designs.
The survey is open until 21 September 2026.
The ECB Governing Council is expected to make the final design decision around the end of 2026.
The current publication does not impose any immediate compliance obligation on firms; it is a consultation and design-selection step, not an enacted regulatory rule.
Compliance impact
The immediate compliance impact is low, because this is a consultation and not a binding regulatory requirement. The practical impact may become medium later if the ECB’s final decision triggers operational changes for cash-handling, customer communications, ATM calibration, or banknote lifecycle controls.
ECB unveils ten shortlisted design proposals for next series of euro banknotes Europeans invited to have their say in online survey open until 21 September Governing Council expected to select one design proposal around the end of the year The European Central Bank (ECB) today unveiled the shortlisted design proposals…
AI Analysis
The ECB has unveiled ten shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes and launched an EU‑wide public survey running to 21 September 2026, ahead of a Governing Council decision on the final design around end‑2026. This is the first full redesign since 2002 and will introduce new security, accessibility and environmental features, requiring bank, payments and cash‑handling firms to plan for operational, technical and customer‑facing changes to cash handling, processing and authentication.
Key dates
Late 2026
- Expected Governing Council decision on the final design proposal for the new euro banknote series
Subsequent years (post‑2026)
- Progressive introduction of new‑series euro banknotes into circulation, co‑circulating with existing series which retain value
21 September 2026
- Closure of the ECB public online survey on the ten shortlisted euro banknote design proposals
Suggested considerations
Establish an internal project workstream to monitor ECB communications on the banknote redesign and plan for operational impacts on cash handling, ATM networks and merchant devices.
Conduct a preliminary impact assessment of how new banknote security and design features may affect existing banknote sorting, authentication and recycling equipment, and identify likely upgrade or replacement needs.
Engage with ATM and cash‑handling hardware vendors to understand expected firmware, sensor and software changes required to support the new banknote series and to secure upgrade slots ahead of issuance.
Review and update internal cash‑handling and banknote authentication procedures, including staff training materials, to incorporate new design and security features once technical specifications are published.
Plan customer communications strategies to explain the coexistence of old and new series banknotes, reaffirm the continued validity of previous series, and address any fraud or counterfeiting concerns.
What changed
- The ECB has published ten shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes, based on the two themes “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”.
An EU‑wide online public survey has been launched to collect feedback on the shortlisted designs, forming part of the ECB’s inclusive approach to banknote design.
The ECB’s Governing Council will select a single design proposal around the end of 2026, informed by the Design Contest Jury conclusions, technical assessments and survey results.
The chosen design will undergo further development and testing before production, including integration of new and improved security features.
The new series of euro banknotes will be introduced into circulation in subsequent years, alongside existing series, which will retain their legal value and continue to circulate.
Compliance impact
Non‑compliance will primarily manifest as operational and conduct risk rather than direct regulatory sanction at this stage, but inadequate preparation could lead to service disruption, increased counterfeit losses, customer detriment and potential supervisory scrutiny over firms’ cash‑handling controls. Early engagement and orderly implementation will be important for banks and payment providers with large cash footprints or critical ATM networks.
This is an informational update from CBI regarding ESAP regulatory amendments and T+1 settlement preparation deadlines. It affects market participants broadly across capital markets infrastructure and reporting requirements. Marked as news/summary with no specific enforcement action, hence urgency is null.
ESMA reminder regarding binary option rules and obligations in context of growing prediction markets. This is informational guidance from CBI summarizing existing regulatory requirements, not announcing new rules. Applies broadly to firms offering binary options/prediction market products.
CBI publication of feedback statement on UCITS regulations and performance fee guidance. This is informational regulatory guidance affecting investment managers and UCITS funds. No immediate compliance deadline indicated, making this a news/guidance update rather than urgent enforcement action.
Central Bank of Ireland has appointed Gavin Curran as Director of Capital Markets and Funds and Max Patanella as Chief Information Officer. Director – Capital Markets and Funds Gavin joined the Central Bank in September 2022 and has been Head of Funds Supervision Division since January 2025. Gavin has over 20 years’…
Why this matters
Press release announcing leadership appointments at Central Bank of Ireland. Director of Capital Markets and Funds will oversee capital markets supervision and funds regulation. Chief Information Officer will manage IT security and technology strategy.
Central Bank of Ireland has today (Monday 6 July) launched a new €2 commemorative coin to mark the beginning of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The coin was officially launched by Governor Gabriel Makhlouf and Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris at a ceremony at the Central Bank…
Why this matters
This is an informational press release about a commemorative coin issuance by the Central Bank of Ireland. It relates to currency/payments as a sector and involves disclosure of a special coin launch. The content is ceremonial and promotional in nature with no regulatory compliance requirements or urgent directives.
This is a general Markets Update from the Central Bank of Ireland serving as an informational summary. It covers multiple regulatory areas across financial services sectors and applies broadly to all regulated firms.
This is an informational markets update from CBI covering EU T+1 settlement readiness and MiCA transitional compliance for unauthorised CASPs. The July 1, 2026 deadline for MiCA unauthorised entities represents a key regulatory milestone.
Inflation forecasts have been revised upwards notably, to 3.5 per cent this year and 2.9 per cent in 2027 Weaker consumer spending expected in 2026 but continued growth in MDD is projected over the forecast horizon with MNE-related investment playing a prominent role GDP fell sharply in the first quarter of 2026…
Why this matters
This is a CBI quarterly economic bulletin providing macroeconomic forecasts and outlook analysis. It contains informational content about inflation, GDP, consumer spending, and oil/gas price impacts relevant to financial institutions' risk assessments and reporting obligations.
In his latest blog, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf explains the ECB Governing Council decision to raise interest rates by 0.25 per cent. This first change since June 2025 brings the Deposit Facility Rate to 2.25 per cent. He supported the decision and, along with his colleagues on the Governing Council, is committed to…
Why this matters
This is an informational speech by ECB official Gabriel Makhlouf explaining the rationale behind a 0.25% interest rate increase and providing context on inflation dynamics and Irish GDP volatility.
This is an informational update from CBI regarding EU T+1 settlement readiness surveys. The content relates to capital markets infrastructure and operational readiness for industry participants.
CBI Markets Update Issue 8 2026 provides guidance on money market fund weekly liquid asset levels (CP168) and IOSCO AI supervisory toolkit publication. This is informational regulatory guidance affecting asset managers and investment funds, with focus on prudential requirements and disclosure standards.
In his latest blog, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf writes about the release of the latest Annual Report and Annual Performance Statement. He uses his blog to reflect how the Central Bank delivered on its mandate for the people of Ireland and gives an overview of the economic outlook, summarises achievements and provides an…
Why this matters
Annual report from Central Bank of Ireland covering 2025 performance and mandate delivery. Informational content addressing economic outlook, regulatory achievements (Consumer Protection Code revision, Innovation Sandbox, cash access safeguards), supervisory frameworks, and financial position.
This is an informational Markets Update from CBI covering ESMA's call for evidence on equity market structure and MMF stress test guidelines. It is general guidance/notice content rather than a binding regulatory requirement, making it informational in nature.
The Central Bank has today (15 May 2025) announced the appointment of Glenn Calverley to the role of Director of Finance and Business Performance. Mr Calverley will take up his role with effect from 1 September 2026. Glenn brings a wealth of experience to this role, most recently as Director of Strategy & Governance…
This regulatory update from the Central Bank of Ireland covers ESMA's publication of templates and instructions for Active Account Requirement (AAR) reporting, as well as a Supervisory Briefing on Algorithmic Trading.
Central Bank of Ireland today published the annual Financial Conditions of Credit Unions Report, which provides an update on the financial performance and position of the sector for the financial year ended 30 September 2025.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Central Bank of Ireland provides an annual report on the financial conditions of the credit union sector, including data on balance sheets, lending, savings, and reserves. It is an informational publication aimed at credit union boards and management.
In his latest blog, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf argues that central banks must modernise their digital infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to ensure that central bank money remains the stable foundation of Europe's financial system whilst enabling private sector innovation in a digitally transformed ecosystem.
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses the transformation of Europe's financial system driven by technological innovation, particularly in areas like distributed ledger technology and tokenization.
Central Bank of Ireland today launched a commemorative coin celebrating the life and work of renowned Irish playwright Seán O'Casey, on what would have been his 146 th birthday. It marks the 100th anniversary of the inaugural performance of his masterpiece The Plough and the Stars at the Abbey Theatre. The silver…
Why this matters
This is an informational news release from the Central Bank of Ireland about the launch of a commemorative coin honoring playwright Seán O'Casey. It does not appear to contain any urgent regulatory updates, but is relevant to banking, investment management, and wealth management firms as it relates to the central...
The Central Bank Commission has appointed Elizabeth Mahon as Secretary of the Central Bank, effective 30 March. Elizabeth has also been appointed to the role of Head of Governance in the Central Bank. Elizabeth has more than 20 years' experience in financial services, principally in the banking sector, where her…
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces the appointment of new leadership roles at the Central Bank of Ireland, including a new Secretary and Head of Governance. This is a routine organizational change announcement that is likely of low urgency for most financial firms.
Governor Gabriel Makhlouf of the Central Bank of Ireland today emphasised the critical need to strengthen Europe’s Single Market as the foundation for mobilising the continent’s substantial savings in an increasingly fragmented global environment.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the Central Bank of Ireland Governor discusses the need to strengthen the European Single Market and mobilize Europe's substantial household savings.
Renewed surge in international energy prices tests domestic economic resilience Higher oil and gas prices are expected to lead to lower growth and higher inflation than previously expected. The extent is dependent on the duration of the conflict and the scale of damage to critical infrastructure in the Middle East…
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses the impact of rising energy prices on the domestic economy, which could have significant implications for financial firms across banking, investment management, and wealth management sectors.
In his latest blog Governor Gabriel Makhlouf explains that the Governing Council held rates steady at 2 per cent due to new geopolitical uncertainty from Middle East tensions, which risk pushing energy prices and headline inflation above the 2 per cent target whilst dampening growth. The Bank will monitor inflation…
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses the impact of the Middle East conflict on inflation, growth, and monetary policy in Europe, which is highly relevant for banks, asset managers, and wealth managers in terms of prudential requirements, operational resilience, and ESG considerations.
This regulatory update from the Central Bank of Ireland covers several topics relevant to the banking, capital markets, and crypto/digital asset sectors, including changes to margin requirements for derivatives, amendments to client asset rules, and a discussion paper on distributed ledger technology.
In his latest blog, the Governor Gabriel Makhlouf reflects on the publication of the Regulatory and Supervisory Outlook 2026 and the recent Access to Cash report.
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses the Central Bank of Ireland's focus on building economic resilience, safeguarding access to cash, and maintaining central bank independence. It is an informational piece covering the bank's priorities and activities, rather than an urgent regulatory change.
This regulatory update from the Central Bank of Ireland covers changes to the authorization process for AIFMs managing loan originating AIFs, updates to the filing process for UCITS and AIFs, and new guidance on transparency requirements. This impacts investment managers, banks, and broker-dealers operating in Ireland.
In his latest blog, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf explains why the Governing Council kept its main policy interest rate (the deposit facility rate) unchanged at 2% for the fifth consecutive time since June 2025.
Why this matters
This regulatory update from the CBI discusses the Governing Council's decision to hold interest rates at 2% and the factors influencing inflation and economic growth in the euro area.
Central Bank of Ireland has successfully completed the sale of its Spencer Dock (East Wing) building to the Office of Public Works for €23.7m. The sale of Spencer Dock was a key element of the Central Bank’s longer term property strategy aligned to our decision to develop a single Dockland Campus through the purchase…
Central Bank of Ireland and Banca d’Italia are launching the Innovation Data Challenge 2026, a joint initiative designed to foster cutting-edge research and innovation in the retail payments sector. The Challenge reflects the shared commitment of the two Institutions to promoting applied research, international…
Why this matters
This regulatory update announces a joint innovation challenge between the Central Bank of Ireland and Banca d'Italia focused on the retail payments sector. This indicates the regulators' interest in promoting innovation and responsible use of technology in payments, which is relevant for fintechs and payment providers.
In this, his final blog for 2025, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf reflects on Ireland and the euro area’s economic performance and looks ahead to 2026, drawing on the Quarterly Bulletin and latest eurosystem staff projections published this week.
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses the economic performance and outlook for Ireland and the euro area, which is relevant for banking, investment management, and wealth management firms. It covers topics related to prudential requirements, reporting, and ESG/sustainability.
MDD is projected to grow by just below 4 per cent in 2025. From 2026 to 2028, MDD is forecast to grow at an annual average rate of 2.9 per cent per annum. More positive momentum in MNE investment amid lower uncertainty contrasts with slower pace of growth in domestic sectors and cooling of the labour market as drag…
Why this matters
This regulatory update provides a growth outlook for the MDD (Multinational Domestic Demand) sector, which is relevant for banking, investment management, and wealth management firms.
This appears to be a general news update from CBI covering regulatory developments across multiple financial sectors and topics. The lack of a detailed description suggests this is informational content rather than a critical regulatory change.
This appears to be a general regulatory news update from CBI covering multiple financial sectors and topics, so a low urgency classification is appropriate.
In this blog, Governor Gabriel Makhlouf writes about the development of the Digital Euro and how central banks foster trust and safety in the financial system and in the implementation of projects like the Digital Euro.
Why this matters
This regulatory update discusses the development of the Digital Euro, which is relevant for banking, payments, and digital asset firms. It covers consumer protection, prudential requirements, and technological aspects, making it informational in nature.
This appears to be a general news update from CBI covering regulatory developments across multiple financial sectors and topics. The lack of a detailed description suggests this is informational content rather than a critical regulatory change.
This appears to be a general news update from CBI covering multiple financial services sectors and regulatory topics, so a low urgency classification is appropriate.
This appears to be a general news update from CBI covering regulatory developments across multiple financial sectors and topics. The lack of a detailed description suggests this is informational content rather than a critical regulatory change.
This appears to be a general regulatory news update covering a range of financial services sectors and topics, without specific details on urgency or impact. The broad coverage suggests it is likely informational in nature.
This appears to be a general regulatory news update from CBI covering multiple financial sectors and topics, so a low urgency classification is appropriate.
This appears to be a general news update from CBI covering regulatory developments across multiple financial sectors and topics. The lack of a detailed description suggests this is informational content rather than a critical regulatory change.
This appears to be a general news update from CBI covering regulatory developments across multiple financial sectors and topics. The lack of a detailed description suggests this is informational content rather than a critical regulatory change.
This appears to be a general regulatory news update covering a range of financial sectors and topics, without specific details on the content. As such, it is likely informational in nature rather than requiring immediate action.
This appears to be a general regulatory news update covering a range of financial sectors and topics, without specific details on the content. As such, it is likely informational in nature rather than requiring immediate action.
This appears to be a general news update from CBI covering a range of financial services sectors and regulatory topics, without specific details on the content. As such, it is likely informational in nature rather than an urgent regulatory change.
This appears to be a general news update from CBI covering regulatory developments across multiple financial sectors and topics. The lack of a detailed description suggests this is informational content rather than a critical regulatory change.
This appears to be a general regulatory news update covering a range of financial services sectors and topics, without specific details on the content. As such, it is likely informational in nature rather than requiring immediate action.
This appears to be a general regulatory news update from CBI covering multiple financial sectors and topics, so the classification reflects a broad scope.
This appears to be a general news update from CBI covering multiple financial services sectors and regulatory topics, without specific details on urgency or impact.
This appears to be a general news update from CBI covering regulatory developments across multiple financial sectors and topics. The lack of a detailed description suggests this is informational content rather than a critical regulatory change.
This appears to be a general news update from CBI covering multiple financial services sectors and regulatory topics, without specific details on urgency or impact.
This appears to be a general news update from CBI covering regulatory developments across multiple financial sectors and topics. The lack of a detailed description suggests this is informational content rather than a critical regulatory change.
This appears to be a general regulatory news update covering a range of financial sectors and topics, without a specific call to action or high-urgency information. The lack of a detailed description suggests this is likely an informational piece.
This appears to be a general news update from CBI covering multiple financial services sectors and regulatory topics, without a specific call to action or high-urgency information. The lack of a detailed description suggests this is likely an informational update rather than a critical regulatory change.
This appears to be a general regulatory news update covering a range of financial sectors and topics, without specific details on urgency or impact. The broad coverage suggests it is likely informational in nature.
Gender diversity at senior levels in the regulated financial services sector is increasing but remains insufficient, according to the latest Central Bank of Ireland Demographic Analysis Report . The annual publication analyses applications to hold certain senior roles within regulated firms that require the Central…
The Central Bank of Ireland has today published a consolidated view of publically available data for insurance and reinsurance firms. Under new Solvency II regulations, firms must provide public disclosures. The public disclosures take the form of a Solvency and Financial Condition Report (SFCR), which firms produce…
Why this matters
This regulatory update is related to the publication of Solvency and Financial Condition Reports (SFCRs) by insurance firms, which is a prudential and reporting requirement under Solvency II regulations. The update is informational in nature and does not indicate any immediate regulatory action.