Central Bank & Financial Services Authority of Ireland

Central Bank & Financial Services Authority of Ireland
Founded	1943
Headquarters	Dublin, Ireland
Key People	John Hurley, Governor
Website	www.centralbank.ie

The Central Bank & Financial Services Authority of Ireland acts as agent for, and banker to, the government of Ireland.

History

In 1943, the Central Bank of Ireland came into being. In 1999, the Central Bank became part of the Economic and Monetary Union in Europe and a member of the Eurosystem. In 2003, the bank was restructured and renamed the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland (CBFSAI). The CBFSAI has two components.

• The Central Bank, which is responsible for monetary policy functions, financial stability, economic analysis, currency and payment systems, investment of foreign and domestic assets and the provision of central services.
• The Irish Financial Regulatory Authority (Financial Regulator), which is responsible for financial sector regulation and consumer protection.

Products and Services

The Central Bank's responsibilities include:

• Contributing to the maintenance of price stability and a stable financial system
• Ensuring safe and reliable payment and settlement systems
• Producing and distributing euro banknotes and coins and ensuring the security and integrity of the euro currency
• Managing foreign exchange assets on behalf of the European Central Bank
• Providing advice and guidance on Irish economic policies
• Serving the public interest

Key People

• John Hurley, governor
• Tony Grimes, director general