The Central Bank of Ireland published loan-level research drawing on Central Credit Register data that suggests the Irish loan market is significantly less concentrated than measures focused on the largest domestic retail banks imply. Speaking alongside the release, Deputy Governor Mary Elizabeth McMunn said there is little evidence to support reducing bank capital requirements or overall resilience levels to boost lending, profitability or international competitiveness, and argued that central banks best support productivity and growth by delivering their core mandates. The research found concentration falls sharply when non-bank lenders, foreign banks and credit unions are included, and that one-third of Irish firms, including 40% of small and medium-sized enterprises, borrow from multiple lender types. McMunn also cited the Honohan Report in opposing a competitiveness mandate for the regulator and reiterated that the Central Bank is pursuing a multi-year domestic simplification programme across regulation, supervision, gatekeeping and reporting.
Central Bank of Ireland 2026-05-07
Central Bank of Ireland research finds Irish loan market less concentrated when non-bank and foreign lenders are included
The Central Bank of Ireland published loan-level research using Central Credit Register data showing the Irish loan market is less concentrated once non-bank lenders, foreign banks and credit unions are included, with one-third of firms, including 40% of SMEs, borrowing from multiple lender types. Deputy Governor Mary Elizabeth McMunn said there is little evidence to justify lowering bank capital requirements to boost lending or competitiveness, rejected a competitiveness mandate for the regulator, and highlighted the Central Bank’s multi-year domestic simplification programme.