Rathbones secures Irish licence as it eyes Europe expansion

Rathbones has secured a financial licence, allowing the wealth manager to begin operations in Ireland and across the European Union. The firm received a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) licence from the Central Bank of Ireland, enabling it to serve new and existing clients in both Ireland and the EU. This licence is part of Rathbones' broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Europe, as clients increasingly hold their wealth across multiple countries.

Camilla Stowell, Rathbones' chief executive of wealth, emphasized that careers, families, businesses, and investments are no longer confined to national borders and require a more flexible approach to wealth management. Camilla Stowell highlighted that securing the Irish licence is vital for Rathbones, providing a strong foundation to support clients in Ireland and the EU, combining local presence with top-notch investment expertise.

Dolores Geaney, Rathbones Ireland's managing director, was recruited in April to spearhead the company's European expansion. Geaney described Ireland as a "natural home" for Rathbone's move into Europe, given the country's strong ties with the EU and its well-connected financial market. She noted that the focus now is to build a client-centric business from Dublin, working with clients, advisers, and partners who require thoughtful investment management and long-term support across increasingly international lives.

Ireland has become one of Europe's prominent financial centers in recent years, attracting global and UK banking groups to Dublin following Brexit. These institutions established operations in the city to serve EU clients and benefit from the thriving technology sector. Companies such as Evelyn Partners, Aviva, Royal London, and Blackrock all have a presence in the Irish capital.

Rathbones' expansion across the Irish Sea also aligns with a trend of business owners leaving the UK due to rising wealth taxes and a sluggish economy. According to Rathbones, nearly 6,000 high-growth entrepreneurs have left the country between 2024 and 2026, compared to only 3,000 who chose to move to the UK.