44% of international banks expect to increase Irish job numbers

Report by Federation of International Banks in Ireland predicts increased business activity this year, despite geopolitical uncertainty and intensifying competition

Davinia Conlan, Citi Country Officer Ireland, and chair of the Federation of International Banks in Ireland (FIBI). 44% of FIBI members surveyed expect to increase employee numbers during 2026. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Employment in international banks in Ireland is up by over 20% in the last year, with almost 17,700 people employed, with further growth expected, a report published on Wednesday said. 

The report by the Federation of International Banks in Ireland (FIBI) said 44% of members surveyed expect to increase employee numbers during 2026, with increased business activity this year, despite geopolitical uncertainty and intensifying competition. FIBI is the forum and representative body for international banking and investment firms in Ireland, representing over 30 international banking institutions and investment firms.

Total outstanding private-sector loan value from international banks in Ireland reached €18bn at the end of 2025. The chair of FIBI, Davinia Conlan of Citi Ireland, said international banks already contribute €6.5bn in direct spending in the Irish economy and this will grow further in the year ahead. “Ireland is now firmly established as a major European and global hub for international banking and investment firms and is currently the seventh largest exporter of financial services in the world, " said Ms Conlan. 

More than 60% of respondents cited the development of Ireland as a fintech and AI innovation hub as a key opportunity over the next five years while 28% cited AI, cybersecurity, and regtech leadership. On savings and investments, 39% cited growth in ETFs, pensions, and retail investment products while 28% selected advancing the EU Single Investments Union and retail market development.

The FIBI survey showed two-thirds of members cited heightened geopolitical tensions as a challenge. FIBI said half of members highlighted the regulatory challenges. "Regulatory simplification has long been a priority for FIBI and its members. This is not about reducing regulation or weakening its application, but about cutting complexity and unnecessary duplication," said Ms Conlan. "The simplification measures being advanced by the European Banking Authority, the European Central Bank and the Central Bank of Ireland are welcome. However, our survey points to a clear appetite across the industry for further and faster progress, particularly on duplicative reporting, gold-plating and fragmented supervisory requirements.”

The survey said AI adoption is accelerating, with 88% of respondents now using AI technology in their business, up from 71% in 2025.