Reflections from CUMA 2025: Balancing Growth & Governance
Ireland’s credit unions are at a turning point, evolving from simpler savings and loans institutions into fully-fledged financial service providers. With recent regulatory changes, it is clear that the government sees them becoming our “community banks” – offering personal loans, mortgages, business loans, current accounts and insurance. However, this transition is in its early stages, with credit unions still understanding how to adapt their business models to sustain long-term growth.
With the sector on the threshold of significant transformation, this year’s CUMA Conference 2025 presented the perfect opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and voice challenges.
The expanding role of credit unions means maximising opportunity while minimising risk.
A key sentiment emerging from CUMA 2025 was that a cautious, strategic approach will be crucial for steady and sustainable growth. While there is significant potential for credit unions to do more for their members, careful liquidity management, regulatory compliance and operational resilience are essential.
As the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Sharon Donnery recently stated:
“It is not often you hear a regulator asking a sector to grow its loan book – to say that we are changing the rules to enable you to do more. So, you won’t be surprised to hear me say that with opportunities come responsibilities.
And so, while the sector continues to mature its offerings – it must also continue to mature its risk management and governance.”
The past ten years have been transformative for Irish credit unions. The number of institutions has halved, while the number of large Credit Unions has more than doubled. Average reserves now stand at 16.5%, well above the statutory minimum of 10%. There is an accelerated lending trajectory with substantial growth in loan portfolios – total loans have grown by 73% in the last ten years – and half of this growth has occurred in just the past two years. More financial products are now available than ever before: mortgages, business loans, current accounts – and with an average loan-to-asset ratio at circa 33%, credit unions still have significant capacity to expand lending activity.
However, while recent times have been a time of growth, there must also be an acknowledgement of the risks involved and the past mistakes of the financial sector, as well as a general acknowledgement of the limitations of credit unions – the model, the liquidity and the funding mechanisms that they can access, in comparison to banks.
As Dean Roche, Head of Finance at Ireland’s largest credit union, St Raphael’s Garda Credit Union, made clear in his remarks, caution is the dominant sentiment, even among the most capable institutions. St Raphael’s would not be approaching the proposed 30% mortgage lending limit set out in CP 159 anytime soon, opting for steady and sustainable growth instead and running their business to ensure it continues to be both financially and operationally resilient.
As credit unions evolve, so must their governance and risk management structures.
Recent legislative and regulatory proposals will create substantial opportunities for credit unions to expand their business models responsibly.
The Credit Union (Amendment) Act 2023 facilitates enhanced collaboration between credit unions and paves the way for corporate credit unions. CP 159 proposes the decoupling of lending limits, with separate concentration caps for house lending (30% of total assets) and business lending (10% of total assets). It also provides for the removal of asset-tiering restrictions, allowing all credit unions to operate within the same concentration limits regardless of size.
With retail deposits as a relatively stable funding source, credit unions could become an effective player in the Irish mortgage market. However, achieving all this requires a fundamental shift in risk culture and Asset and Liability Management (ALM).
Donal Corbett, CEO of Lumon FX, Europe reminded us in his opening remarks that “Markets can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent.” He took us back to 2008, when a credit crisis led to a liquidity squeeze which led to a credit crunch.
Historically, banks focused on capital but underestimated liquidity risk—leading to stark regulatory changes post-crisis. Credit unions currently lack advanced funding tools such as short-term repo arrangements and access to ECB funding, medium term note programmes and long-term securitisations, and their ALM frameworks are still being developed. This means their ALM practices must mature before they embark upon a journey towards significant long term lending expansion.
Credit unions can also consider proactively adopting best practices from the banking sector using for example tools similar to the banking liquidity ratios. It is also vital that credit unions continue to closely monitor their savings on a forward-looking basis, as well as their lending and investment strategies, to mitigate maturity mismatches.
And for smaller credit unions, they should be undertaking significant readiness assessment work before they consider entering new product lines such as mortgages and business loans.
For effective asset and liability management, learn what good looks like.
In this new territory, understanding “what good looks like” is more crucial than ever. Dean Roche offered some key insights into how St Raphael’s has maintained stability and growth.
With ten consecutive years of loan book expansion and a robust Asset Liability Management (ALM) framework, St Raphael’s welcome CP 159 as a progressive step. The key to their risk strategy? Vigilant liquidity management. They work to ensure that lending growth doesn’t outpace the predictability of members’ savings.
Dean emphasised that sustaining loan book growth depends on several factors, including the retention of existing shares, new deposits, and the maturity timing of investments. This approach centres on discipline: liquidity positions are assessed daily, weekly, and monthly to maintain financial resilience.
Dean believes St Raphael’s is an attractive mortgage provider due to its trusted reputation, stability, personalised service, and not-for-profit model and he presented St Raphael’s approach for navigating these uncertain waters.
His advice? Keep pricing structures simple, remain vigilant about member share trends, define a clear risk appetite and enhance ALM frameworks. Stress testing is also vital in preparing for any potential volatility.
Embracing digitalisation is crucial to compete in a changing financial landscape – but it brings a fresh challenge.
Another key topic discussed at the conference was the generational shift in expectations that credit unions are now facing. With 86% of Irish consumers using mobile banking, consumer behaviours are changing, and credit unions must adapt to this new environment. Many credit unions have embraced mobile apps and online banking, but the changing demographic of credit union members presents a challenge for the future of the loan book.
Traditionally, credit union savings have been “sticky”, but digitisation and SEPA instant payments are making it easier to move your money. This poses a risk to the future stability of credit unions’ funding sources. Funds that once remained within the credit union ecosystem can now be transferred instantly to digital banks. Credit unions can no longer assume that retail savings will be as “sticky” in the future as they are now.
Times are changing but credit unions must protect their unique position in the community.
In all discussions, it was widely recognised that a major strength of credit unions remains their member-first approach. They have always prioritised member welfare, particularly during times of financial hardship like COVID. This presents a unique challenge as credit unions expand their long-term lending capabilities. They must develop their risk management, operational resilience and financial resilience frameworks.
Despite the challenges ahead, there is real optimism for credit unions’ future. The sector has the capacity to grow— safely and steadily — with improved governance, investment strategies and a forward-thinking approach to Asset & Liability Management. It is vital that this is done properly so they can retain their position as Ireland’s most trusted, community-driven financial institutions.
Contact EisnerAmper Ireland
Contact Diarmaid O’Keeffe, Partner, Head of Audit & Advisory, to discuss how to align your strategy with industry changes.
Authors
Reflections on the Irish Funds US Seminar and Ireland’s Strengths as a Private Funds Domicile
As St. Patrick’s Day approached, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Irish Funds US Seminars, in Greenwich, Connecticut, before moving to New York. These events brought together financial leaders and innovators from all over the North American and Irish investment funds space, and I was honoured to be asked to participate in the final panel of the New York event. Accompanying me on this trip were my colleagues David Carroll, Partner, Head of Capital Markets, and Charys Magpayo, Senior Manager, Audit, enhancing our collective experience with their insights, expertise and company.
Nicholas Blake-Knox, Chairperson of Irish Funds, inaugurated the events by highlighting the deep-rooted historical ties between Ireland and Greenwich. He went on to emphasise the significant contribution to Ireland’s funds and asset management industry from US fund managers, who account for a full 33% of assets in Ireland’s Assets under Management (AuM). He pointed out key advancements, such as collaborations with the Central Bank of Ireland regarding strategies for private assets and improvements in Ireland’s capabilities within the private markets.
Amid an atmosphere imbued with characteristic optimism and can-do spirit, the seminars provided a dynamic platform for asset management leaders to engage in rich dialogue and share actionable insights. These gatherings helped both seasoned experts and new players alike forge paths for future development. Both legs of the event were well attended, showcasing Ireland and its role in the international fund management arena.
At the seminar’s closing act in New York, I moderated “The Private Funds Toolkit – Launching from Ireland” before 200 industry leaders, joined by Lloyd Collier from JTC Group, Melíosa O’Caoimh of Northern Trust and Scott Parkin of Zeidler Group. Our discussion drew out Ireland’s advantages for private funds: regulatory agility, tax efficiency, global distribution and operational excellence.
IRELAND’S REGULATORY ADVANTAGES: WHERE FLEXIBILITY MEETS FAMILIARITY
My first panel question was to Scott Parkin from Zeidler Group, a specialist funds law firm, about the regulatory advantages of Ireland and the various legal structures available, specifically the Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicle (ICAV) and the Investment Limited Partnership (ILP), and how they fit into the private markets toolkit.
What emerged from the panel, and from some of the prior talks in the Seminar, included:
Regulatory toolkits provide agility: Frameworks like the ICAV and ILP, highlighted by our panel’s experts, offer segmented liability and LP-friendly governance, critical for private equity and credit strategies. This matters because it allows Alternatives Managers to launch operations more quickly and cost-effectively than in other jurisdictions. How much quicker and how much cheaper? It was said at the event that launching in Ireland is up to 40% cheaper on average compared to other European jurisdictions and could be up to 50% faster too.
Common Law Advantage: The foundational strength of common law in Ireland aligns well with US and international business practices, making it a straightforward choice for global investors. The importance of this becomes clear to anyone restructuring a fund mid-stream – they soon appreciate Ireland’s common-law agility! The recent EU pre-marketing reforms, allowing managers to gauge interest before full launches, further tilt the scales, a point appreciated by multiple speakers through the Seminar.
Tax Efficiency as a factor: Ireland’s 0% withholding tax for private credit (via US treaties) emerged as an important benefit, earlier highlighted at the Greenwich Seminar. Ireland’s tax treaty with the US provides a unique gateway for non-US investors in Irish domiciled credit funds. In short, it was noted that Ireland’s tax environment includes no corporate, capital gains, or withholding tax for non-Irish investors, and coupled with an extensive double tax treaty network, it offers an ideal setting for establishing tax-efficient fund structures.
A DIPLOMATIC DANCE
A lively debate ensued when I asked both Lloyd Collier (JTC Group) and Scott Parkin (Zeidler Group) to discuss why they believe Ireland is a preferable domicile compared to other EU jurisdictions. This was tongue-in-cheek, intended to stir some hearty debate from the panel, which it did.
Cost efficiency (40% savings), tax efficiency (no withholding tax), time-zone advantage (5 hours, not 6 hours difference with New York), direct flights to Ireland, and the delegated management model were all cited.
I invited Lloyd to expand and demystify the delegated management model, a cornerstone of Ireland’s appeal for cross-border funds. It was elaborated that this framework, while anchoring funds in Ireland’s robust regulatory regime, allows for a globally dispersed operational ecosystem. This model is particularly relevant as it illustrates how, although funds may be domiciled in Ireland, the operational ecosystem can span multiple jurisdictions, with General Partners (GPs) in one country (for example the United States), Limited Partners (LPs) in another (for example, spread across Europe or Asia) and underlying assets in a third jurisdiction, all managed under an Irish structure that supports this complex arrangement. Such an approach delivers three advantages: jurisdictional flexibility, operation simplicity and investor confidence.
Finally, with my tongue firmly in my cheek once again, I challenged Melíosa to comment on the fact that €2 trillion of the assets under administration in Ireland are actually domiciled in other jurisdictions. Although she remained neutral, noting Northern Trust’s operation across multiple jurisdictions, she did acknowledge the competitive positioning and strength of the ecosystem of Ireland in the global funds industry.
OPERATIONAL AND DISTRIBUTION CAPABILITIES
While Ireland’s regulatory and tax advantages set the stage, discussions at my panel and throughout the US Seminar revealed what truly powers fund success – Ireland’s distribution capabilities. Here’s how Ireland’s delivers:
UCITS (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities): The UCITS brand is recognised not only as a kitemark of quality within the EU but also as a premier vehicle for distributing investments to Asia and Latin America. Its reputation for quality ensures that it is the preferred choice for investors looking to access markets in these regions. The UCITS brand extends far beyond European borders, facilitating global investment flows and showcasing the EU’s influence in international finance.
On the note of global distribution, another panellist, Dirk Grosshans from Universal Investment, said Ireland serves as an ideal hub for global fund distribution, capable of reaching markets in up to 90 countries.
Private Assets AuM Growth: In 2025, Investments in private assets are expected to reach €15 trillion in AUM, up from €10 trillion in 2010. Consensus estimates suggest that by the end of 2027, private capital AUM could reach €18 trillion, a good chunk of which is expected to be domiciled in Ireland.
Pre-marketing Capability: Ireland’s regulatory framework now permits pre-marketing activities, empowering fund managers to assess investor interest and refine their offerings prior to a full-scale launch. This capability is pivotal for strategically positioning new funds in a competitive marketplace, enabling optimal alignment with market and investor expectations. Not long ago, managers weren’t able to really test their hypothesis before launch. That pre-marketing ability has reduced the failure rate for American managers coming into the EU dramatically.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SPEAKERS AROUND THE EVENT
Beyond my panel discussion, and in conversations with colleagues David Carroll and Charys Magpayo during the seminar, several additional strategic advantages for Ireland emerged:
Innovation and technological advancements as a differentiator: Ireland is a leader in financial technology, utilising proprietary software and platforms that enhance fund management efficiency and investor engagement, supporting activities from Exchange Traded Fund (‘ETF’) wrappers for mutual funds to comprehensive digital asset management solutions.
EU and Irish Jurisdictional Innovations: Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, Irish Minister for Health (formerly Minister for Financial Services), speaking in New York, highlighted Ireland’s significant contributions to the U.S. financial services sector and its commitment to innovation, citing private asset funds and sustainable finance as examples.
David highlighted to me an important contextual point also. The EU is actively working to reduce regulatory complexity by 25% by 2029, aiming to streamline operations and enhance market efficiency and accessibility. Additionally, the EU’s new Savings and Investment Union plans to mobilise roughly €9 trillion in retail bank accounts across Europe to stimulate investment and savings, enhancing opportunities to gather assets from a relatively untouched source.
In Ireland, innovation continues with flexible financial products like EFT wrappers for mutual funds, which improve liquidity and tax efficiency. The financial landscape also accommodates a range of operational models from completely independent setups to collaborative approaches with third-party management company umbrellas, ensuring effective fund management across the spectrum.
CONCLUSION
These insightful discussions with my fellow panellists and colleagues showcased to our audience Ireland’s unique advantages as a domicile for private funds, including its robust regulatory environment, strategic geographic positioning and the sophisticated ecosystem it uses to support US fund managers looking to raise assets from the EU – and around the world.
Many thanks to Irish Funds for the opportunity to moderate, to the organisers, and all who made this such a valuable event, David, Charys and I are already looking forward to next year’s Seminar.
Contact Us
If you would like to gain deeper insights into this area and explore how it may impact your business, we invite you to connect with Paul Traynor, Partner and Head of Governance, Risk, and Compliance or Ian Wilson, Partner and Head of Funds.
Authors
Why Ireland is the Top Choice for U.S Asset Managers?
The European market is fast becoming an established focal point for U.S. asset managers looking to diversify their investor base, launch new funds, and enhance their global footprint. With regulatory reforms, market access, and a welcoming business environment for the U.S. funds industry, Ireland has emerged as a leading destination for U.S. managers seeking to domicile funds and raise capital from European investors.
Why Europe now?
European investors have been drawn to U.S. managers for some time for their scale, competitiveness, and resilience. This includes leading U.K. and European investors, such as BAE System and Shell’s pension funds, each with over $25 billion in assets. The Financial Times reported that “…Americans are profiting as European investors shift money into low-cost tracking funds[,] exchange-traded funds and unlisted alternatives, including private equity, private credit, and infrastructure.”
Impact of Brexit and Ireland’s Rise
Brexit has fundamentally reshaped the European fund landscape. With the U.K. no longer part of the E.U., its ability to serve as a gateway to access E.U. investors has been severed. This has forced firms to look elsewhere to maintain access to the E.U.’s €20 trillion institutional investor market.
Ireland has stepped into this void, offering seamless access to E.U. investors through its E.U. passporting rights. It has a robust infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and allocator-friendly policies that investors value. As a native English-speaking jurisdiction with a regulatory environment familiar to U.S. managers, Ireland provides the ideal bridge between the U.S. and Europe. Ireland is the natural choice for U.S. managers looking to capitalize on European opportunities.
Ireland: The Preferred Fund Domicile
Ireland emerged as the preferred fund domicile when U.S. managers sought to launch into Europe. Since the Irish Limited Partnership (ILP) reform in 2021, registrations from U.S. managers have grown significantly, with the structure now a leading choice for private equity, real estate, and credit funds. For example, according to Irish Central Bank data, Blackstone and Lazard Asset Management launched new funds in Ireland under the ILP structure in mid-to-late 2024. According to the Irish Funds Association, annual asset growth for Ireland-domiciled alternative funds grew 22% to November 2024.
Ireland’s Value Add for U.S. Managers
Whilst Luxembourg and Ireland have hotly competed in recent years, Ireland has pulled ahead, becoming a top choice for U.S. asset managers seeking European expansion. Recent figures published by the European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA) show that Ireland saw the “vast majority” ($179 billion) of cross-border fund sales in 2023, outstripping Luxembourg across both traditional and alternative strategies. The same report also shows that Ireland and Luxembourg remain dominant in the private market funds space, with Ireland holding 19% of alternative funds versus Luxembourg’s 16%.
This is because Ireland offers distinct advantages over other jurisdictions. It is the only native English-speaking E.U. member country that offers full market access to European investors whilst benefiting from a common law system and a U.S.-aligned regulatory framework. This simplifies compliance and feels familiar to U.S. managers.
Ireland is a cost-efficient jurisdiction with competitive fees and provides a transparent regulatory environment. With a robust financial ecosystem of over 17,000 fund professionals specializing in fund administration, depositary, legal, and tax services, Ireland is recognised as a top-tier fund servicing destination.
Europe’s Fastest-Growing Fund Domicile
Ireland is the fastest-growing major European fund domicile, managing nearly 20% of all European fund assets. This is bolstered by the jewel in Ireland’s crown: Ireland’s ILP, reformed in 2021. The ILP offers several advantages for U.S. asset managers. Given its Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) compliant structure, tax transparency, and regulatory credibility, it is a strong alternative to Luxembourg’s Special Limited Partnership (SCSp) or Cayman funds for European and global investors:
- Tax Efficiency: tax-transparent, with no corporate, capital gains, or withholding tax for non-Irish investors, and benefits from Ireland’s extensive double tax treaty network for favorable tax treatment. The income, gains, and losses of an ILP are allocated to each limited partner (LP) based on their proportional ownership in the partnership.
- Competitive Alternative to Luxembourg’s SCSp: offers lower regulatory costs, faster approval times, and a common law legal system that aligns more closely with U.S. investors.
- Flexibility in Fund Structuring: offers an umbrella structure with segregated liability, flexible capital commitments for various fund types, and LP-friendly governance that allows advisory participation without compromising limited liability.
- Suitable for Multiple Alternative Strategies: It mirrors the structure of U.S. LPs and offers tax transparency, governance flexibility, a robust legal framework for asset holding and lending, long-term investment suitability, and adaptability for both liquid and illiquid strategies.
- Streamlined Regulatory Process: 24-hour approval for Qualifying Investor Alternative Investment Funds (QIAIFs) and no pre-approval requirements for general partners (GPs). The GP can be based outside Ireland and does not have to be a corporate entity.
The Growing Trend
According to ISS Market Intelligence, assets under management (AUM) by U.S. asset managers in Europe more than doubled in a decade, from $2.1 trillion in 2014 to $4.5 trillion as of September 2024. The numbers are clear. U.S. asset managers are increasingly turning to Europe to diversify their investor base and tap into the region’s deep pools of capital. And Ireland is increasingly the domicile of choice.
Contact Us
If you would like to gain deeper insights into this area and explore how it may impact your business, we invite you to connect with Paul Traynor, Partner and Head of Governance, Risk, and Compliance.
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EisnerAmper Ireland Welcomes TY Students for an Immersive Work Experience Programme
We had the pleasure of welcoming talented transition year (TY) students to our ‘EAI for TY’ Work Experience Programme 2025 in the week of 10th February 2025.
This programme provided students with a unique opportunity to step into the world of professional services and gain first-hand experience across a range of business functions. Through interactive, engaging presentations, and department rotations, students explored key areas of our firm, including audit, tax, accounting, EA Solve, Governance, Risk & Compliance, HR and Operations.
A Week of Learning & Growth
Throughout the program, the students met with Partners and took part in a series of in-depth presentations led by experienced professionals from across our firm. These sessions provided valuable insights into the business landscape, including:
EisnerAmper Ireland, the story to date – A deep dive into the Firm’s origins, growth, and role in the Global EisnerAmper network, highlighting our commitment to excellence and innovation in professional services.
Information Management Systems & GDPR – An introduction to data security and best practices for managing information within a business environment, emphasising the importance of data protection and regulatory adherence.
Cybersecurity – A practical session on identifying and mitigating cyber threats, covering real world case studies and essential tips on staying secure in the digital age.
Risk & Quality – An overview of risk management strategies, quality control processes, and how businesses safeguard their operations against potential threats.
Commercial Awareness – An interactive session focusing on an understanding of economic trends, industry developments, and the key drivers of business success.
In addition, students participated in hands– on workshops designed to develop critical professional skills, including
Presentation Skills – A practical workshop focused on effective communication, public speaking techniques and building confidence when delivering presentations.
CV & Interview Skills – A comprehensive session on crafting a professional CV, preparing for job interviews mastering and mastering techniques to make a strong impression in the hiring process.
The team Project Challenge
The highlight of the week was the team project challenge, giving students the opportunity to collaborate in small groups to apply their learnings from the program. Guided by mentors from EisnerAmper Ireland, each team worked on a business-related challenge, developing strategic solutions and presenting their findings to a panel of EisnerAmper Ireland Partners on the final day. This challenge provided students with a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity, problem solving abilities, and teamwork skills while receiving valuable feedback from industry professionals.
Looking Ahead
We are proud to support the next generation of professionals by providing meaningful learning experiences that inspire and empower young talent. If you are a Transition Year Student and interested in joining our next programme, please contact us at hr@eisneramper.ie.
EisnerAmper Ireland – investment & strategy update
EisnerAmper Ireland’s Partner group are pleased to have agreed an investment from MML Growth Capital Partners Ireland Limited (“MML Ireland”). The investment supports the development and expansion of our Irish and international service and software solution offering. It also supports our updated long-term partner equity capital model.
This investment will see MML Ireland become a minority shareholder in EisnerAmper Ireland; we will continue to be majority owned and led by our existing partner group.
MML Ireland has a well-established track record for partnering with leadership teams and investing in well-run Irish businesses which, with strategic capital support, can realise their development and growth ambitions and better serve their markets.
At EisnerAmper Ireland we focus on creating an environment and culture that enables our Happy, Healthy & Productive team deliver high-quality services and solutions to our clients. MML Ireland’s investment will support us in continuing to attract top talent and developing the best team, both in our Dublin office and our soon to be opened Ireland West office in Sligo.
Our mission is to design and deliver sustainable services and solutions to make trade happen. Our niche strategy is to provide innovative solutions and specialist services to specific markets in key global financial services and international trading hubs – incorporating design thinking and technology as a fundamental part of how we “Make Trade Happen”. This investment by MML Ireland allows us to accelerate the execution of these strategic plans. MML Ireland is a strong fit for EisnerAmper Ireland given their ethos, rooted in a collaborative, commercial mindset built on trust.
Latest News →EisnerAmper Ireland hosts Christmas Party and ‘Doing Great Work Awards’ for 2024
We were delighted to hold our annual firm Christmas Party and the ‘ EAI Doing Great Work Awards’ at The Merry Ploughboy in the foothills of the Dublin mountains.
The “EAI Doing Great Work Awards” celebrates the outstanding contributions of our team members who exemplify our commitment to excellence. This year, we proudly recognised eight employees who demonstrated their passion for “doing great work” across the four key areas of Quality, People, Operational Excellence, and Growth. These awards reflect our shared dedication to supporting each other, delivering exceptional service to our clients, and making a positive impact in our communities.
Quality Award
- Aileen MacDonagh, Senior Manager, Audit
- Gavin Redmond, Director, Accounting & Compliance
People Award
- Conor O Gorman, Supervisor, Accounting & Compliance
- Kevin Keane, Senior, Audit
Operational Excellence Award
- Alex O’Meara, Intern, Audit
- Nicola Keogh, Payroll Manager, Audit
Design Thinking & Growth Award
- Alex Pierce, Manager, Audit
- Clara Andrade, Trainee, Audit
A big thank you to the members of our team and to the Merry Ploughboy who organised and facilitated such a festive and fun afternoon.
Latest News →Leinster Society of Chartered Accountants Annual Christmas Lunch 2024
Members of our team were thrilled to attend the Chartered Accountants Leinster Society Annual Christmas Lunch, where each guest contributed a toy to be distributed among up to 10 children’s charities. Attendees also had the opportunity to buy raffle tickets in support of Debra Ireland, a worthwhile charity who support people who live with EB, also known as Butterfly Skin. It was a fantastic afternoon, offering the chance to reconnect with many friends of the Firm while supporting truly meaningful causes.
Latest News →
EisnerAmper Ireland hosts Exclusive Screening of Moana 2
EisnerAmper Ireland was delighted to host a special screening of Moana 2 on Saturday afternoon in Movies @ Dundrum for friends of the Firm and their families.
This highly anticipated sequel continues the inspiring story of Moana, a fearless wayfinder who embarks on a new adventure to protect her island and her people, overcoming challenges with courage, determination, and the help of her friends.
The screening was a wonderful occasion, offering an enjoyable afternoon filled with laughter, inspiration, and connection. It also provided an excellent opportunity for friends of the Firm to reconnect with members of our team and share in the magic of this exclusive screening.
Latest News →EisnerAmper Ireland Attends the Annual EisnerAmper Partner Advance
Members of the Partner group attended the Partner Advance, a premier networking event bringing together all EisnerAmper US Partners and EA Global partners. The event provided an excellent opportunity to share knowledge, gain insights into each other’s businesses, and explore collaborative opportunities with over 400 partners in attendance.
Latest News →New Partner Appointment at EisnerAmper Ireland
EisnerAmper Ireland are delighted to announce that Paul Traynor has been appointed Partner and Head of our Governance, Risk & Compliance practice. Paul will lead our practice team’s delivery of governance, risk and regulatory services and solutions, including internal audit, to our domestic and international financial services clients.
Paul has over 30 years’ financial services industry and practice experience with leading global advisory and financial services firms. Most recently, Paul led the Asset Management Advisory practice of EY in Ireland. A leading voice in the industry, Paul has also served on numerous industry committees.
Paul brings a wealth of experience to EisnerAmper Ireland delivering and managing complex governance, risk, regulatory and compliance solutions for domestic and international financial services clients.
Paul Traynor, Partner, commented:
“I am excited by the firm’s ambition, position and growth. EisnerAmper’s reputation within the Financial Services sector is testament to the great people behind that success. The team’s focus, methodology-led delivery approach and smart use of technology to build reusable software assets and enable client delivery will, I have no doubt, power our success into the future. I also look forward to connecting with our EisnerAmper colleagues and clients globally”
EisnerAmper Ireland CEO, Attracta van Rensburg, commented:
“On behalf of EisnerAmper Ireland, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Traynor. Paul’s impressive track record, coupled with the breadth and depth of his leadership in the financial services sector will play an important part in the development and expansion of our services and solutions to our financial services clients and markets.
I congratulate Paul on his appointment, I look forward to working with him and wish him every success.”
EisnerAmper Ireland Chair, Alastair Mac Donald, commented:
“Paul’s appointment represents a further strengthening of our Governance Risk & Compliance team while adding significant experience, expertise, and leadership to our Partner group. Paul’s appointment aligns with our strategic focus upon delivering market-leading services and solutions via a combination of deep industry knowledge, well-defined methodologies, and cutting-edge technology.”
About EisnerAmper Ireland
EisnerAmper Ireland is a specialist firm of accountants, auditors, tax advisors and risk & regulatory experts. It has a niche focus on the financial services and international trade markets.
EisnerAmper Ireland is a founding member of EisnerAmper Global, a specialist network of independent member firms operating via global international trading and financial services hubs.
Being part of EisnerAmper Global gives clients access to the experience and expertise of EisnerAmper’s 450 Partners and 4,000 professionals across the United States and key trading hubs globally.
Latest News →
EisnerAmper Ireland Hosts The Academy 2024
At EisnerAmper Ireland, our commitment to the professional growth of our team is at the heart of everything we do. Each year, we host The EisnerAmper Ireland Academy, our annual all-staff residential training program, which plays a pivotal role in accelerating our professionals’ development. The Academy is more than a training day; it is an immersive experience designed to empower our staff with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to excel as not just accountants but as exceptional advisers and practitioners.
This year the EAI Academy embraced the theme “The Art of Practice”, showcasing our firm’s distinctive approach to nurturing the current and next generation of accounting practitioners. The two-day program offered a dynamic mix of interactive workshops, technical training sessions, and knowledge-sharing exercises. Each session was thoughtfully crafted to enhance participants’ skills and provide valuable insights into becoming outstanding professionals in today’s fast-evolving industry.
One of the highlights of this year’s Academy was its focus on practical application and collaboration. Through real-world case studies, team exercises, and thought-provoking discussions, participants gained a deeper understanding of the principles that underpin exceptional client service and innovative problem-solving. This hands-on approach not only honed technical expertise but also reinforced critical interpersonal and advisory skills, essential for success in client engagements.
We heard from Claire Byrne, CEO of St Raphael’s Garda Credit Union, who shared insights from her career journey and provided a unique client’s perspective on working with EisnerAmper Ireland. This discussion underscored the importance of understanding client needs and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships in delivering exceptional service.
The Academy also provided a unique opportunity for networking, bringing together professionals at all levels of the firm. This collaboration fosters a culture of shared learning and mentorship, ensuring that each team member feels supported in their journey towards becoming a leading practitioner.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Claire Byrne and everyone who participated in the EisnerAmper Ireland Academy 2024. EisnerAmper Ireland remains committed to investing in our people and building a workplace where talent thrives. The EisnerAmper Ireland Academy 2024 exemplified our dedication to equipping our team with the skills, confidence, and mindset to lead with excellence in a competitive industry.
Latest News →
Navigating the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process – SREP
At EisnerAmper Ireland, we are committed to providing practical, hands-on guidance that empowers our clients to navigate complex regulatory landscapes with confidence. In collaboration with the Irish MiFID Industry Association (IMIA), we hosted an event focused on one of the most critical regulatory assessments for financial services firms—the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP).
This event was designed to offer participants practical insights into how firms can effectively prepare for and manage a SREP engagement with the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI). Our expert panel shared invaluable advice drawn from our extensive experience supporting clients through every stage of the SREP process.
Key Topics: How to Prepare and Excel During a SREP Review
The panel, featuring Frank Keane, Partner, Risk & Regulatory; Carina Myles, Partner, Governance, Risk & Compliance; and Ronan Murphy, Partner, Head of Internal Audit, led a discussion on how firms can best prepare for a SREP visit. The session covered essential topics such as:
Documenting Your Strategy and Business Model Risk Assessment:
Ensuring that your firm’s strategy and risk assessment are thoroughly documented and aligned with your business model is crucial for meeting regulatory expectations. The panel shared industry practices on how to approach this critical step. Regulators are alive to incongruence between the strategy and the risk assessment.
Evaluating Internal Governance & Risk Management Frameworks:
A key component of the SREP is the assessment of internal governance structures and risk management frameworks. The team offered insights into how firms can strengthen these areas to meet CBI standards. Regulators will be looking for evidence of an adequately assessed control environment. Regulators will have an expectation that Internal Audit functions follow –up proactively on their own findings and those of Supervisors, along with any remedial actions taken in response – and to report back to Boards on this process.
Preparing Your Internal Capital Adequacy and Risk Assessment Process (ICARAP):
The ICARAP forms the backbone of a firm’s ability to manage capital adequacy and risk. Our team discussed how to ensure this document accurately reflects your firm’s risk profile and capital needs. Reliance on undocumented or informal governance processes will not satisfy Regulators.
Best Practices and Client Support
Throughout the event, our panel emphasised the importance of preparation for a SREP review. Key takeaways included strategies for:
– managing the feedback received from CBI post-review;
– implementing ongoing improvements based on regulatory insights; and
– continuously evolving internal frameworks to stay compliant.
With experience guiding clients through their SREP reviews, EisnerAmper Ireland’s Risk & Regulatory, Governance, and Internal Audit teams are uniquely positioned to support firms at every stage of the process.
We understand the complexities of regulatory compliance and risk management. Our dedicated teams provide a comprehensive suite of services, including:
– Risk & Regulatory Advisory: Helping clients navigate the evolving regulatory environment and ensuring compliance with CBI and MiFID regulations.
– Governance, Risk & Compliance: Designing and implementing robust governance frameworks that support long-term success.
– Internal Audit Services: Providing independent reviews and assessments to strengthen internal controls and ensure effective risk management.
If your firm is preparing for a SREP visit, or if you have recently undergone one, our expert partners – Frank Keane, Carina Myles, and Ronan Murphy – are available to provide guidance and support throughout the entire process.
We are committed to helping our clients excel in their regulatory obligations while driving strategic growth. Thank you to all who joined us, and we look forward to continuing these important conversations with our clients and industry peers.
Ronan Murphy, Partner, Head of Internal Audit, Carina Myles, Partner, Head of Risk & Regulatory & Frank Keane, Partner, Risk & Regulatory
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