Cork makes case to maximise role in financial services sector

At the Cork Financial Services Forum Annual Summit 2026 at Clayton Hotel Cork City wereBrian Corr, Head of International Financial Services Unit, Department of Finance, Susie Horgan, President of Cork Chamber, David Bennett, EY and Chair of the Cork Financial Services Forum and Julieanne Nolan, Partner, Grant Thornton and MC.

More than 730 financial services jobs have been announced in Cork over the past 18 months, and the region is determined to grow that further, a summit in the city has heard.

More than 200 leaders from across the sector attended the Cork Financial Services Forum Annual Summit at the Clayton Hotel in Cork City, which brought together leaders from industry, the Dept of Finance, the Central Bank, and academia. where the Ireland for Finance Strategy 2026–2030 was up for discussion.

The Government aims to grow international financial services employment to 70,000 by 2030, and the strategy commits to locating at least a quarter of international financial services jobs in the regions. Cork is home to 25 international financial services companies employing almost 2,000 professionals.

“The national ambition is clear, and Cork is ready to support it and drive growth in the sector," said Cork Chamber president Susie Horgan. "Attracting investment matters, but so does creating an environment where indigenous businesses and start-ups can thrive and scale. That depends on the delivery of housing, transport and infrastructure that allow firms to grow here and attract the talent they need. That is where the Chamber’s advocacy is focused, and we will keep pushing for it.”

Chair of the Cork Financial Services Forum, David Bennett, EY, said strong regional centres give Ireland a broader, deeper and more resilient proposition. "Cork has the firms, the skills and the track record. Talent is consistently what draws firms to Cork, and our universities provide a strong pipeline of graduates ready to build careers in the sector. The Forum’s members are committed to working with Government and the Central Bank to deliver the 2030 ambition, here and across the country.”

The Cork Financial Services Forum was established in 2008 to strengthens partnerships between industry, education and government organisations. The Forum also promotes Cork as a destination for investment and talent.