KBC appears set to complete its exit from Ireland this year but sets no firm date

Meanwhile, Bank of Ireland has told the stock market that US investment fund BlackRock has increased its stake to just over 7% from 6.95%. 

KBC shocked the banking and political systems when last year it followed Ulster Bank to say it was quitting banking operations in the Republic altogether.  Photo: Larry Cummins

KBC Bank appears to want to complete its planned exit from Ireland this year — although it has set no definitive date for its departure.

In its latest earnings report, the Belgian-based banking group reiterated it expects a €200m boost to its income in 2022 when it completes "the sales of substantially all of KBC Bank Ireland’s performing loan assets and its deposit book".