Last Updated on July 9, 2025 by admin
The banking landscape in Ireland is both rich in history and diverse in its offerings, playing a pivotal role in the country’s economic framework. With a blend of traditional institutions and modern financial services, Ireland boasts a wide array of banks that cater to various needs, from personal and retail banking to commercial and investment services
Banking in Ireland dates back to the 18th century, when the first banks began springing up faster than you can say “Leprechaun.” The establishment of the Bank of Ireland in 1783 marked the beginning of formal banking, which flourished through the 19th century thanks to the Industrial Revolution.
However, like a good fairy tale, the story of Irish banking has its ups and downs, including the 2008 financial crisis that left a lasting impact. Thankfully, the sector has rebounded, and today it stands stronger and more robust, much like a good Irish stout!
The sector is characterized by a mixture of domestic banks, including major players such as Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland, and Permanent TSB, each with a significant footprint in the Irish market.
These domestically rooted institutions provide a wide array of services, from personal banking products to commercial loans and investment services.
In addition to these indigenous institutions, Ireland hosts a number of international banks, which have established operations to capitalize on the country’s favorable regulatory environment and its strategic position within the European Union.
These global banks contribute to a dynamic and competitive financial sector, enhancing the variety of services available to businesses and individuals alike.
The presence of international institutions is indicative of Ireland’s appeal as a gateway for financial services in Europe. Regulation of the Irish banking sector is primarily the responsibility of the Central Bank of Ireland, which ensures stability, transparency, and security within the market. This regulatory framework aims to foster confidence among customers while promoting sustainable economic growth.
Major players such as Bank of Ireland, AIB Group, and Permanent TSB dominate the market, providing a wide range of financial services to individuals and businesses.
Additionally, international banks like Citibank Europe and Barclays Bank Ireland have a significant presence, contributing to the diversity and competitiveness of the sector.
The rise of digital banks, including N26, reflects the growing demand for mobile-first banking solutions among tech-savvy customers
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Names and list of ireland bank
Major Irish Banks
- Allied Irish BanksAllied Irish Banks (AIB)
- Bank (AIB)
- Bank of Ireland
- Permanent TSB (PTSB)
- EBS (Educational of Ireland
- Permanent TSB (PTSB)
- EBS (Educational Building Society Building Society) – Subsidiary)** – Subsidiary of AIB
- An Post of AIB
- An Post Money – Financial Money – Financial services arm of Ireland’s postal service
Foreign & International Foreign & International Banks
- Citibank Europe plc
- **Barclays Bank Banks
- Citib Ireland
- Bankank Europe plc
- Barclays Bank Ireland
- Bank of America Europe of America Europe DAC
- Bank of Montreal Ireland DAC
- Bank of Montreal Ireland
- Danske Bank
- Danske Bank
- BNP Paribas
- BNP Paribas SA
- HSBC Continental Europe
- ING SA
- HSBC Continental Europe
- ING Bank NV
- Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Ireland
- J.P. Morgan Bank Dublin Bank NV
- Int plc
- Wells Fargo Bank International
- Scotiabank (Ireland)
- esa Sanpaolo Bank Ireland
- JRabobank
- UniCredit Bank Ireland
Digital & Fintech Banks
- Revolut
- N26
- bun.P. Morgan Bank Dublin plc
- Wells Fargo Bank International
- Scotiabank (Ireland)
- Rabobank
- UniCredit Bank Ireland
Digital & Fintech Banks
- Revolut
- N26
- bunq
Specialized & Niche Banks
- Avant Money – Credit provider partnered with An Post Money
- Dell Bank International DAC
- Hewlett-Packard International Bank DAC
- ** Dell Bank International DAC
- Hewlett-Packard International Bank DAC
- DEPFA Bank
- Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBDEPFA Bank
- Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC) – In liquidationRC)** – In liquidation
- KBC Bank Ireland – Exiting Irish market
- Ulster Bank – Exited
- KBC Bank Ireland – Exiting Irish market
- Ulster Bank – Exited retail banking in retail banking in Ireland
Read: Vodafone Ireland Top Up: How to buy credit
1.Bank of Ireland
Bank of Ireland is one of the oldest and most prominent financial institutions in Ireland, with a legacy dating back to 1783 . It operates as a public limited company and is listed on both the Irish and London Stock Exchanges. The bank offers Personal Banking: Current accounts, savings, mortgages, loans, credit cards. It also offer Business Banking: SME loans, merchant services, business accounts and Corporate & Investment: Treasury, FX, and property finance solutions.
2.AIB Group (Allied Irish Banks)
AIB Group, also known as Allied Irish Banks, was established in 1966 through the amalgamation of three historic Irish banks: Provincial Bank of Ireland, Royal Bank of Ireland, and Munster & Leinster Bank. The roots of these constituent banks trace back to the early 19th century, with Provincial Bank pioneering joint stock banking in Ireland from 1825 and Royal Bank focusing on mercantile finance since 1836
Services
- Retail Banking: Current accounts, savings, loans, credit cards
- Business Banking: SME loans, merchant services, asset finance
- Corporate & Investment: Treasury, syndicated finance, real estate funding
- Insurance & Pensions: Through Irish Life Assurance plc
AIB has weathered financial storms, embraced digital transformation, and remains a pillar of Ireland’s banking sector
Headquarters: 10 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
3. Permanent TSB (PTSB)
Permanent TSB is known for its focus on personal banking, providing customers with current accounts, savings products, and lending options, including an emphasis on mortgage services given Ireland’s vibrant housing market
PTSB traces its lineage back to 1816, originally as the Trustee Savings Bank. Over time, it merged with:
- Irish Permanent Building Society (founded 1884)
- Irish Life Assurance plc (founded 1939)
These mergers led to the formation of Irish Life and Permanent Group in 1999, which later rebranded as Permanent TSB in 2001.
Leadership & Ownership
- CEO: Eamonn Crowley (since 2020)
- Ownership (as of mid-2023):
- Irish Government: 57.4%
- NatWest Group: 11.7%
- Goldman Sachs: 5.8%
Services
Category | Offerings |
---|---|
Personal Banking | Current accounts, savings, loans, credit cards |
Mortgages | First-time buyer, switcher, and home loans |
Insurance | Home and life insurance |
SME Banking | Business accounts and lending |
4. EBS (Educational Building Society)
- Founded: In 1935 by a group of Irish teachers, including Alexander McCabe and Thomas J. O’Connell, to provide affordable housing finance for educators and civil servants.
- Originally operated as a mutual building society, meaning it was owned by its members.
- In 2011, EBS demutualized and became EBS Ltd., a subsidiary of Allied Irish Banks (AIB) after receiving a banking license.
- Re-registered as a designated activity company (d.a.c.) in 2016 under Ireland’s Companies Act.
Services & Focus
EBS specializes in mortgage lending, particularly for:
- First-time buyers
- Home movers
- Switchers (those transferring mortgages from other banks)
They also offer:
- Savings accounts
- Home insurance
- Online banking via a secure platform for account management
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5. Danske Bank
Originally known as National Irish Bank, it became part of Danske Bank Group in 2005. In 2013, Danske Bank Ireland discontinued its personal and business banking services, shifting focus entirely to large-scale clients
- Danske Bank operates in Ireland as part of its Large Corporates & Institutions division.
- Its Irish office is located at 7th Floor, The Shipping Office, 20-26 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, D02 Y049.
Services Offered
- Focuses exclusively on corporate and institutional banking.
- Offers services like:
- Debt capital markets
- Treasury risk management
- Corporate advisory
- Cash management
- International trade finance
6. KBC Bank Ireland
Founded in 1973 as Irish Intercontinental Bank. and Became majority-owned by KBC Bank (Belgium) in 1978, and fully acquired in 1999. it was Renamed KBC Bank Ireland plc in 2008, marking 30 years of Belgian ownership
Headquartered in Dublin, with past branches in Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, and Belfast.
Offered a wide range of services including:
-
- Retail banking (current accounts, credit cards, savings, mortgages)
- Corporate and commercial banking
- Private banking
- Treasury & capital markets.
7. Bunq Bank Ireland
- Bunq is a Dutch digital bank founded in 2012 by entrepreneur Ali Niknam. Known as the “Bank of The Free”, it operates entirely online via its mobile app.
- Licensed by the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules.
🇮🇪 Bunq in Ireland
- Bunq officially launched in Ireland with Irish IBANs in 2022, making it a viable alternative to traditional banks.
- Offers personal, joint, and business accounts tailored to locals, expats, and digital nomads
- Irish users can now set up direct debits, receive salaries, and manage finances with full banking functionality.
8. AN Post Money
- It’s the financial services arm of An Post, Ireland’s national postal service.
- Offers a wide range of banking products including current accounts, credit cards, personal loans, foreign exchange, and money transfers.
- Operates through over 900 post offices across Ireland, making banking accessible even in rural areas.
Banking Products
- Current Accounts: For adults, kids (via Money Mate), joint accounts, and 16–22-year-olds.
- Credit Cards: Includes the Classic Card (0% interest on balance transfers for 12 months) and Flex Card (0% interest on purchases for 9 months).
- Loans: Home improvement, car, refinance, and green loans — with fixed rates and flexible terms.
- Currency Card: Prepaid card for travel, with top-up and spend tracking via the app
9.Citibank Europe plc
- Established in 1965, Citibank was one of the first foreign banks to open in Ireland.
- Today, it operates as Citibank Europe plc, headquartered at 1 North Wall Quay, Dublin 1.
- It’s the main European banking subsidiary of Citigroup, serving clients across 22 countries.
Services Offered
Citibank Ireland focuses on corporate and investment banking, not retail banking. Key offerings include:
- Cash management
- Corporate finance
- Trade services
- Custody and trustee services
- Fund administration
- Derivatives and investor products
- International payments
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- Barclays Bank Ireland plc is the European banking subsidiary of Barclays PLC (UK).
- Headquartered at One Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, it operates across nine EU countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.
- It’s regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and participates in the Irish Deposit Guarantee Scheme, protecting deposits up to €100,000 per depositor.
Services Offered
Barclays Ireland focuses on corporate and investment banking, including:
- Cash management and foreign exchange
- Capital raising and debt financing
- Trade finance and risk management
- Financial advisory and fund administration
11. Bank of America Europe DAC
- Established in Ireland, Bank of America Europe DAC is the primary European banking entity of Bank of America Corporation (BAC).
- It’s a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America, N.A. (BANA), with its head office in Dublin at Two Park Place, Hatch Street.
- Operates as a Designated Activity Company (DAC) under Irish law and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB)
Geographic Reach
- Services clients across the European Economic Area (EEA), UK, and Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEEMEA).
- Has branch operations in Amsterdam, Athens, Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Stockholm, and Zurich.
- Services & Clients
- Specializes in Global Banking and Global Markets, offering:
- Corporate and investment banking
- Global loan products and payment solutions
- Risk management and treasury services
- Asset-backed securitization and structured finance
- Foreign exchange and commodities trading
- Serves large global corporates, regional firms, financial institutions, and government entities.
- Specializes in Global Banking and Global Markets, offering:
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12. Bank of Ireland Mortgage Bank Unlimited Company
- BOIMB is a designated credit institution under the Asset Covered Securities Acts of 2001 and 2007.
- It focuses exclusively on Irish residential mortgages, including:
- First-time buyer loans
- Buy-to-let mortgages
- Home mover loans
- Mortgage switching
- Headquartered at 2 College Green, Dublin 2, D02 VR66.
- Total assets in 2024: €20.52 billion — up 5.06% from 2023.
13. N26
- Founded in 2013 in Berlin, N26 is a German neobank offering fully digital banking services.
- Operates under a full German banking license, regulated by BaFin (Germany’s financial authority).
- Available in 24 European countries, including Ireland, where users get local IBANs and full banking functionality.
14. Credit Unions
Credit unions are member-owned financial cooperatives. Instead of chasing profits, they focus on helping members save and borrow responsibly. Each member has one vote, regardless of how much money they have saved.
Membership & Common Bonds
To join, you need a common bond with other members:
- Community bond: Live or work in the same area
- Occupational bond: Work in the same profession or company
- Associational bond: Belong to the same group or society
- Over 477 credit unions across Ireland
- Cork leads with 35 locations, followed by Galway and Dublin
Services Offered
Category | Offerings |
---|---|
Savings | Regular savings accounts, covered by the Deposit Guarantee Scheme (€100k) |
Loans | Personal, car, education, home improvement, and even mortgages |
Current Accounts | Debit cards, direct debits, overdrafts |
Insurance | Loan protection and life savings insurance |
Youth Accounts | Special savings and education tools for young members |
15. Bank of New York Mellon (BNY)
- Operates as BNY Mellon SA/NV Dublin Branch, a branch of BNY Mellon SA/NV, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
- Irish offices are located at The Shipping Office, 20–26 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, D02 Y049.
- Registered with the Companies Registration Office in Ireland under number 907126
- Established in 1994, now operates from Dublin, Cork, and Wexford, employing over 1,200 people.
- Dublin hosts one of BNY Mellon’s global innovation hubs, supporting fintech and data science initiatives.
Services for Institutional Clients
BNY Mellon Ireland specializes in:
- Custody and asset servicing
- Fund administration for traditional and alternative funds
- Treasury and investment management
- Depositary and trustee services
- Execution and clearing via Pershing Securities International Ltd