What Ireland’s New Crypto Laws Mean for You

Ireland’s role in the global crypto space is evolving quickly in 2025, driven by major regulatory changes, tougher compliance rules, and clearer guidelines for both investors and businesses. With the country aligning closely with EU legislation while refining its national tax and AML policies, understanding what’s new is essential for anyone active in the Irish crypto market.

EU-Driven Changes Take Centre Stage

The biggest regulatory milestone this year is the rollout of the European Union (Information Accompanying Transfers of Funds) Regulations 2025 (S.I. No. 310/2025), which took effect on July 10. This law introduces enhanced traceability for crypto transactions, ensuring all transfers include identifying information to curb money laundering and terrorist financing.

Ireland also updated its approach to the EU’s broader Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR), with new Central Bank guidance released on July 28. MiCAR creates a unified regulatory framework for crypto-assets across Europe. Ireland’s proactive integration of MiCAR shows a strong commitment to building regulatory clarity and oversight at home.

How Crypto Presales, Buying, Selling, and Trading in 2025 Are Impacted

These updated laws change how crypto presales and trading work in Ireland. The evolving regulatory framework in Ireland significantly impacts how buying, selling, trading, and live crypto presales in 2025 are conducted. The goal is to introduce key compliance measures to ensure transparency, consumer protection, and anti-money laundering (AML) controls. 

For example, if you are to buy the latest token like Bitcoin Hyper at the presale phase, the new laws impact you too. The token is a new Layer-2 blockchain project for Bitcoin that uses the Solana Virtual Machine and zero-knowledge rollups to address Bitcoin’s scalability and smart contract limitations. With over $7 million raised in presales and advertised yields above 152% APY, Bitcoin Hyper has drawn investor attention for enabling DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and real-world asset tokenisation through a BTC-linked bridge. 

Now, under MiCAR, when you buy crypto tokens in a presale like Bitcoin Hyper, the act of purchasing itself is usually not an immediate taxable event. However, the token acquired is treated as a capital asset from the point you receive it. So, when you later dispose of (sell, trade, or spend) the tokens acquired in the presale, any profit (gain) made above your original cost basis will be subject to Capital Gains Tax at 33%, after allowance of the annual exemption (€1,270). Essentially, your purchase price in the presale sets the cost basis for future capital gains calculation.

For crypto projects, crypto presales like this require a detailed white paper disclosing the project’s purpose, token rights, technology, and risks. Asset-referenced and e-money tokens must gain prior approval from the Central Bank. Tokens classified as transferable securities may also trigger prospectus obligations under EU securities law.

AML rules under the Fifth Money Laundering Directive (MLD5) apply to presales. Virtual asset service providers (VASPs) must conduct customer due diligence and monitor transactions to detect suspicious activity. These rules are designed to protect investors while curbing fraud and illicit finance.

For everyday buying and selling, exchanges and brokers must be registered VASPs and comply with AML/CFT obligations. The 2025 travel rule now requires identifying information to accompany crypto-asset transfers, just as it does with wire transfers.

Taxation: Crypto Treated as Property

From a tax standpoint, crypto is classified as property in Ireland. This means Capital Gains Tax applies to gains above €1,270 annually. Income tax, up to 40%, applies if your crypto activity is treated as business income, such as regular trading, staking, or mining.

Not all activity is taxable: buying crypto with euros or moving assets between your own wallets doesn’t trigger a tax liability. But accurate record-keeping is essential. Losses can be used to offset gains, offering some relief amid volatility.

Trading Platforms and Investor Protection

Trading crypto in Ireland now falls under stricter MiCAR rules. Platforms must be licensed, operate with transparency, conduct regular reporting, and meet consumer protection standards. These changes bring crypto markets closer to the standards of traditional finance.

While crypto isn’t legal tender, the new framework makes Ireland’s trading environment more structured and secure. Investors benefit from clearer rules and increased oversight, though with added compliance obligations.

Ireland’s Anti-Money Laundering Push

Ireland continues to take AML/CFT compliance seriously. MLD5 extends AML rules to crypto exchanges, custodians, and wallet providers, all of which must verify customer identities, monitor activity, and report suspicious transactions.

The Central Bank has consistently warned about risks tied to crypto-assets, such as price volatility, fraud, and the lack of consumer protection. These concerns have led to increased enforcement and scrutiny of crypto firms.

This approach aligns with wider EU efforts to counter crypto-related financial crime, including money laundering and sanctions evasion. Ireland is positioning itself as a secure, compliant jurisdiction within this broader regulatory context.

Ireland in the EU Regulatory Landscape

Across the EU, national approaches still vary. Malta, for instance, has been quicker to license major exchanges like Gemini and OKX, creating a more permissive environment. Ireland, by contrast, has adopted a more conservative stance, with tighter controls and slower licensing processes.

This measured strategy reflects the Central Bank’s cautious attitude, prioritising financial stability over rapid growth. While MiCAR aims to harmonise regulation across Europe, national differences in enforcement remain.

Implications for Stakeholders

For investors and crypto firms in Ireland, these developments offer both clarity and added responsibility. Clearer rules may attract institutional interest, but they also require more diligent tax compliance, accurate disclosures, and robust AML procedures.

Investors should track their gains and losses closely, and businesses must invest in compliance frameworks. Regulators, meanwhile, face the challenge of balancing innovation with enforcement.

Conclusion

As of 2025, Ireland has embraced a more regulated crypto environment by adopting MiCAR, the 2025 EU travel rule, and stricter AML requirements. These measures signal a shift toward transparency, accountability, and investor protection.

While the new rules demand more from participants, they also lay the groundwork for a more stable and credible crypto sector. For investors, firms, and policymakers alike, staying informed and proactive will be key to navigating the opportunities and risks in Ireland’s evolving crypto landscape.

Fenergo creates 300 new jobs in Ireland with €100 million investment

Leading Irish Software as a Service (SaaS) financial technology solutions provider Fenergo, has today announced 300 new jobs at its global HQ in Dublin. This is part of a €100 million Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) expansion plan supported by Enterprise Ireland. In addition to the new roles in Ireland, which will double the domestic headcount, Fenergo is creating new jobs across its international markets to meet increasing demand for its AI-powered solutions. A total of 500 new positions will be filled by the company globally within the next three years.  

With support from Enterprise Ireland, Fenergo has also invested in a new RD&I Centre of Excellence at its Dublin HQ where the new Irish roles will be based, supporting Fenergo’s innovation strategy. The new roles will enable Fenergo to further deliver on its mission to support financial institutions in fighting financial crime and creating a safer world. Fenergo will continue to build out its intelligent, AI-powered solutions for client lifecycle management (CLM), anti-money laundering (AML) and Know your Customer (KYC). This suite of solutions forms Fenergo’s FinCrime Operating System, which addresses all anti-financial crime events and operations, transforming compliance from a burden into a strategic competitive advantage. 

Recruitment for the new roles is now underway, with candidates being sought for a wide range of mid-level engineering and R&D positions. Fenergo is also rolling out a graduate programme with the intention to appoint up to 30 university graduates. Interested candidates can find more information about the new jobs and submit applications via: Let’s Grow Together | Fenergo. 

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD welcomed the jobs announcement: “The government and Enterprise Ireland are committed to supporting and accelerating the scaling of ambitious, innovation-led Irish companies. Fenergo is a clear example of ambition in action – a company that has expanded at pace since it first launched in 2009, and one which today represents a standout financial technology solutions provider both globally and domestically. Today’s announcement not only represents significant job creation within the Irish market and excellent opportunities for our homegrown talent, but it also reinforces our position as one of the largest and most important tech hubs in Europe. I would like to commend Fenergo on this milestone expansion and their continued investment in Ireland, which I’m confident will underpin further growth for the company while supporting our economy.”  

Marc Murphy, CEO and Founder of Fenergo, said: “I am delighted to announce Fenergo’s significant expansion in Ireland with the creation of 300 jobs at our new RD&I Centre of Excellence, which was made possible with the considerable support and investment we have received from Enterprise Ireland. This investment and growth of our Irish operations reflect our confidence in the excellent talent pool we have in this country, and a market where innovative thinking, entrepreneurship and evolving technology will propel Fenergo to new heights. With AI at the core of our RD&I strategy, we are committed to delivering future-proof solutions for financial institutions in Ireland, across Europe, the UK, America, Middle-East and Asia – supporting them during times of intensifying geopolitical tension and regulatory uncertainty.  

“We are actively recruiting for the new roles already, and I would strongly encourage prospective candidates to consider applying and join our world-class team of change-makers at Fenergo – shaping the future of financial services operations through innovation and AI.” 

Kevin Sherry, Interim CEO, Enterprise Ireland said, “Ambitious companies like Fenergo embody Enterprise Ireland’s mission that Irish owned, globally focused companies will be the primary driver of our economy. Fenergo, announcing 500 new jobs today, is a great example of an innovative Irish company growing customers, adding RD&I to drive forward AI powered solutions and creating an impact in global markets. I’d like to congratulate Marc and the team on this expansion and we look forward to working with them.” 

Due to the continued strength of Fenergo’s export activity, along with a growing portfolio of financial services clients in the Irish market over the past two years, Fenergo delivered a substantial profit in FY25 and is tracking well to deliver strong EBITDA profitability in this financial year, FY26.  Fenergo’s investment in its Irish and international expansion is expected to further bolster its ability to serve international markets while also growing its domestic business. 97% of Fenergo’s revenue in the year ending March 2025 was generated from exported business. 

Enterprise Ireland Export Results 

This expansion announcement was made in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland’s client company export results for 2024. Enterprise Ireland today announced that its clients have achieved record exports of €36.75bn in 2024, up 7% on 2023, with all territories and major sectors recording increases, surpassing the 2022 – 2024 strategy target of €30bn exports.  

Exports to Europe, grew by 8% to €10.63bn representing 29% of total exports. This is the first time that exports to this region have surpassed the UK, making Europe now the largest export territory for Enterprise Ireland’s client base. 

·       Within Europe, the Eurozone, which represents 26% of total exports, continued to perform. Exports increased by 9.6% to €9.42bn in 2024 with growth across the majority of countries, including Germany, the Netherlands and France. 

·       The UK, now the second largest export territory for clients achieved €10.52bn exports in 2024, up 4% on 2023 and surpassing the €10bn mark for the first time.  

·       North America also delivered growth, with exports of €7.30bn in 2024, up 8% on 2023. USA, the main export market had exports of €6.66bn, up 8% on 2023. 

 

All sectors showed strong export growth. The Food and Sustainability sector reached €16.25bn, up 5% on 2023. Non-food exports surpassed this, achieving €20.5bn, up 8%, with the Industrial and Lifesciences sector recording €11.46bn exports, up 9%. Of this, High Tech Construction exports increased by 20% to €4.66bn. 

The Technology and Services sector also grew, with exports of €9.05bn achieved in 2024, up 7% on 2023. Of this, Digital Tech exports reached €3.16bn in 2024, up 9% on 2023. Fintech, Financial & Business Services also saw an increase, up 5% to €2.90bn in 2024.  

Enterprise Ireland client companies spent €42.65bn in the Irish economy in 2024, including €13bn on payroll.  

 

Welcoming Enterprise Ireland’s export results, Minister Burke said“The strength of Ireland’s exporting base of companies is reflected in Enterprise Ireland’s strong 2024 export performance results. Despite a more challenging international environment, Irish exporters have made significant gains and continue to grow their influence internationally. These companies are a critical part of the Irish economy, and the government through Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting this sector to scale further, while preparing for and mitigating against disruption in global trade tariffs.” 

 

Announcing Enterprise Ireland’s export results today, Kevin Sherry Interim CEO of Enterprise Ireland said: “Despite ongoing challenges in recent years, such as economic headwinds and rising costs our client companies continue to show their agility and resilience as they scale internationally, achieving yet another year of record export growth with €36.75bn in exports in 2024. This robust performance by clients like Fenergo, reflects a strong and resilient exporting base which fuels our economy, delivering sustainable prosperity nationwide.” 

 

“Our results show that for the first time Europe has surpassed the UK as the number one export territoryThis demonstrates that while our client base continues to grow exports in the UK, there is less reliance and dependency on this one market with many clients broadening their base and winning business in other marketsAmid future geopolitical instability, Irish businesses proven ability to diversify across markets will stand to them when facing challenging and uncertain times. Enterprise Ireland remains committed to supporting companies as they explore potential mitigation and market diversifications strategies to navigate the challenges of export tariffs. added Kevin Sherry.