Dublin's IFSC, which was set up by the Irish Government with EU approval in 1987, is globally recognised as a leading location for a range of internationally traded financial services, including banking, asset financing, fund management, corporate treasury management, investment management, custody and administration and specialised insurance operations.

More than 500 operations are approved to trade in under the IFSC programme. The centre is host to half of the world's top 50 banks and to half of the top 20 insurance companies. Merrill Lynch, Sumitomo Bank, ABN Amro, Citibank, AIG, JP Morgan (Chase), Commerzbank,BNP Paribas and EMRO are just some of the big-name operations that have chosen to locate in the area. A sophisticated support network, including shared services centres, software development, and legal and accountancy companies, has also developed around the IFSC.

The IFSC was established in 1987 under legislation designed to boost activity and employment in the Irish economy. The Government had identified the growth potential of the international financial services sector and recognised that Ireland had the capacity to develop in the industry because of its well developed financial infrastructure, a sophisticated internal and international communications system and a young and highly educated population.