The Central Bank of Ireland published its annual Financial Conditions of Credit Unions report, providing a sector-wide update for the financial year ended 30 September 2025 and highlighting continued balance sheet growth, stable new lending volumes and improving profitability alongside strong reserves and liquidity. Total sector assets increased 5% to EUR 22.5bn, gross loans outstanding rose 8% to EUR 7.7bn and member savings grew 5% to EUR 18.7bn, while investments increased 2% to EUR 13.9bn. New loans issued were unchanged at EUR 3.3bn; personal loans remained the main exposure at EUR 6.54bn (85.4% of loans outstanding), but diversification continued with house loans reaching 12% of loans outstanding (EUR 900m, up from 10% in 2024) and business loans increasing to EUR 190m from EUR 180m. The average realised reserves ratio was steady at 16.8% versus a 10% regulatory minimum, average liquidity increased to 37.8%, arrears greater than nine weeks stood at 2.2%, and return on assets rose to 1.05% from 0.98%, driven primarily by higher interest income. The Registrar of Credit Unions referenced targeted changes to the regulatory lending framework effective from 30 September 2025 that expand scope for house and business lending, and set expectations that credit unions adopting the changes do so in a phased and prudent manner while developing relevant skills, asset-liability management and operational resilience.
Central Bank of Ireland 2026-04-08
Central Bank of Ireland publishes credit union financial conditions report showing assets up 5% to EUR 22.5bn
The Central Bank of Ireland’s annual Financial Conditions of Credit Unions report for the year ended 30 September 2025 highlights continued balance sheet growth, stable new lending, improving profitability, and strong reserves and liquidity. The sector recorded 5% asset growth to EUR 22.5bn, an 8% increase in gross loans to EUR 7.7bn, further diversification into house and business lending, and a higher return on assets of 1.05%, with arrears at 2.2%. The Registrar of Credit Unions announced targeted changes to the regulatory lending framework from 30 September 2025 to expand house and business lending, with expectations for phased, prudent adoption supported by enhanced skills and asset-liability management.