Corporate Finance Salary Survey 2025

Ireland’s corporate finance landscape for 2024 has been shaped by a combination of domestic economic factors, global market trends, and regulatory developments.

Geopolitical factors, AI, inflation, energy costs continue to dominate the financial landscape and shape activity across borrowing, lending and investment. M&A activity has remained solid through 2024 for inbound and outbound transactions. Private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) continue to drive investment activity in Ireland, with a focus on sectors such as AI, Tech, Fintech, Pharma, Healthcare, Bio Tech and green energy.

“Digital transformation, AI, advanced data analytics will continue to play a huge part as they are integrated into financial modelling, risk assessment, and M&A due diligence”

Investors and regulatory bodies are already prioritising ESG and Sustainability. As such, Irish companies will likely face increased pressure to integrate sustainability into their financial strategies, from capital raising to mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

As we prepare for 2025, rising inflation and European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate hikes may increase the cost of capital, impacting corporate borrowing, investment decisions, and M&A activity. However, Ireland’s strategic location within the EU, combined with its competitive tax regime for multinationals, will continue to make it a key destination for corporate finance activities.

In addition, Ireland’s commitment to renewable energy and decarbonisation will continue to attract FDI and private equity investment in wind, solar, and other sustainable energy projects.

There continues to be a skills gap in certain areas of Corporate Finance such as complex financial modelling, due diligence, and investment analysis. Companies are looking to other EU countries and international markets to attract Corporate Finance and M&A talent to their Irish teams.