This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more here.  
  • Delicious




Ireland Could Get New Financial Regulatory Body

Amanda Banks, Tax-news.com, London

06 February 2001

Plans to introduce a regulator to supervise Ireland's financial institutions are set to be presented to the Cabinet by the Tánaiste.

It is expected that the framework of the new financial regulatory body will be along the same lines as the Forfás, the National Policy and Advisory Board for Enterprise, Trade, Science, Technology & Innovation. The premise behind the proposal is that an umbrella type of regulatory body will clarify the existing complex regulation and replace a number of different groups that are responsible for banks, brokers, credit unions and their customers. The new regulator will possess extensive statutory powers and is likely to be independent of the Central Bank.

The implementation of a regulatory body has emerged from the conclusions of a report published by a committee headed by Attorney General, Michael McDowell, nearly two years ago. The McDowell report recommended removing the regulatory function from the Central Bank and establishing a seperate regulatory body. At the time, the Department of Finance lodged its opposition to the idea saying that the Central Bank must maintain its powers and in fact be given more duties, particular in connection with the rules for protecting customers.

Also suggested in the conclusions of the McDowell report and likely to be taken heed of in conjunction with the new regulator are new or upgraded laws under the Financial Services Miscellaneous Provisions Bill. This includes legislation governing issues such as ethics, corporate governance and codes of bank conduct. The cabinet meeting to discuss plans for the new regulatory body is expected to take place within a few weeks.

.

 

 






Write a comment