Broadgate Ireland - Salary Guide 2025/26
Risk • Compliance • Financial Crime
PCF Roles • Senior Executive Appointments • INED & Chair
Senior & Executive Level Compensation Benchmarking
Central Bank of Ireland Regulated Firms
Understanding PCF & executive Compensation in Ireland
This salary guide is produced by Broadgate's Ireland division and draws on live placement data, candidate conversations and market intelligence gathered over the last 12 months.
Our focus is the senior end of Ireland’s Financial Services market, including PCF holders, functional heads and board-level leaders responsible for Risk, Compliance and Financial Crime functions.
One of the biggest challenges in salary benchmarking is that no two regulated firms are directly comparable.
While compensation is often discussed in terms of company size or employee numbers, Broadgate’s experience advising clients on senior Business Protection hiring suggests the reality is more nuanced. At PCF and executive level, salary is often shaped by regulatory accountability, organisational risk profile, reporting structure, scope of responsibility and an individual’s approval history.
A Head of Compliance within a small Irish entity of a global financial institution may command a higher salary than a counterpart in a larger domestic business. Equally, two firms with similar headcount can offer very different compensation packages depending on their Central Bank classification, regulatory obligations, governance structure and international footprint.
The salary ranges throughout this guide reflect Broadgate’s placement activity and market intelligence across banking, insurance, asset management, payments and fintech. They are intended as market benchmarks rather than fixed rules. Every appointment carries its own variables, and the context behind the role is often as important as the title itself.
Bespoke Salary Benchmarking and Market Mapping
The salary ranges throughout this guide reflect Broadgate’s placement activity and market intelligence across banking, insurance, asset management, payments and fintech. They are intended as market benchmarks rather than fixed rules. Every appointment carries its own variables, and the context behind the role is often as important as the title itself.
If you would like to discuss any of the salary data in more detail, benchmark a specific hire, or request a bespoke market map for a senior Risk, Compliance or Financial Crime appointment, please contact Broadgate’s Ireland team.
Broadgate Ireland Covers
Risk Management | Compliance & Regulatory Affairs | Financial Crime & AML
PCF Executive Search | INED & Chair Appointments | Interim & Contract
Irish Market Overview 2025/26
The Irish financial services market remains one of Europe's most competitive talent environments, driven by Dublin's status as the EU's leading hub for global asset managers, insurance groups, payments firms and technology-enabled financial services businesses. The post-Brexit reconfiguration of European operations has continued to deepen the talent market, with in-scope regulated firms now competing fiercely for a limited pool of Central Bank of Ireland pre-approved individuals.
Key Themes Shaping Compensation in 2025/26
SEAR & IAF Pressure on PCF Premiums
Since the extension of SEAR to NEDs and INEDs in July 2025, personal accountability has become a tangible pricing factor. Candidates holding or seeking CBI pre-approvals — particularly in Compliance, Risk, AML/CFT and INED roles — are commanding measurable premiums over non-approved equivalents.
Scarcity of Board-Ready Compliance & Risk Talent
The pool of individuals who combine senior functional experience with active CBI pre-approvals is demonstrably small. This scarcity is most acute at CCO, CRO and INED level, with firms increasingly willing to offer enhanced packages and relocation support.
Funds & Asset Management Continue to Lead
ManCos, AIFMs, UCITS platforms and fund administrators continue to pay at the top of the market for Compliance and Risk professionals. The concentration of international managers in Dublin and the complexity of cross-border regulatory obligations remain key drivers.
Financial Crime Demand Outpacing Supply
AML, sanctions and fraud roles at Head and Director level are exceptionally difficult to fill. Regulatory enforcement activity, growth in digital payments firms and increased board scrutiny mean MLRO profiles are among the most sought-after in the market.
DORA Driving New Appointments
The Digital Operational Resilience Act has created a new wave of hiring at VP and Director level, with overlap across operational risk, IT risk and compliance functions. Early movers are embedding CISOs and Technology Risk Directors as standalone PCF-relevant appointments.
PCF Reference — Roles Covered in This Guide
The Central Bank of Ireland's Pre-Approval Controlled Function regime requires individuals in key senior roles to obtain prior approval before taking up their position. The following PCF designations are most relevant to the roles covered in this guide.
| PCF Ref | Role Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PCF-1 | Chair of the Board | Senior governance role; SEAR applies from July 2025. Chair of Risk, Audit and Remco committees attract additional committee premiums. |
| PCF-2A | Non-Executive Director | Non-independent board member responsible for non-executive oversight functions. SEAR applicable from July 2025. |
| PCF-2B | Independent Non-Executive Director | INED designation; must satisfy CBI independence criteria. Most prominent in funds, insurance and banking. SEAR applicable from July 2025. |
| PCF-3 | Chair of a Board Committee | Often held concurrently with PCF-2B. Audit, Risk and Remuneration committees are most common and typically carry an additional fee or compensation premium. |
| PCF-12 | Head of Compliance | Covers the Designated Person for Regulatory Compliance. Must hold appropriate regulatory knowledge for the entity type. Critical hire for all regulated firms. |
| PCF-13 | Head of Internal Audit | Senior assurance function. Separate PCF from Compliance. Growing demand across banking and insurance markets. |
| PCF-14 | Chief Risk Officer / Head of Risk | Covers the most senior risk management function. Distinct from operational risk management and requires strategic oversight capability. |
| PCF-52 | Head of AML/CFT Compliance | Standalone PCF introduced April 2022. Reflects the CBI's escalated focus on financial crime. Typically the MLRO function in scope and highly sought after. |
Broadgate has successfully placed individuals into PCF-12, PCF-14 and PCF-52 roles across banking, payments, funds and insurance sectors. Our process includes full F&P preparation support to maximise CBI approval timelines.
Compliance & Regulatory Affairs
Compliance is the single largest vertical within Broadgate Ireland's practice. Demand is concentrated at the senior end, with particular scarcity for board-approved Heads of Compliance and Chief Compliance Officers who can navigate cross-border regulatory complexity. The introduction of DORA, AIFMD II and MiCAR has materially widened scope for many CCOs.
| Role / Title | PCF | Base Salary | Typical Bonus | Key Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of Compliance (SME/Boutique) | PCF-12 | €100,000–€130,000 | 10–20% | Often a first PCF appointment or a role within a lower risk firm with a narrower remit. |
| Head of Compliance (Mid-Tier) | PCF-12 | €120,000–€160,000 | 15–25% | The typical range for prior PCF approval, local board reporting and direct CBI engagement. |
| Head of Compliance (Large / Global Firm) | PCF-12 | €160,000–€210,000 | 20–40% | Usually higher risk firms, wider scope, larger teams or candidates with deep PCF experience. |
| Chief Compliance Officer | PCF-12 | €180,000–€250,000 | 25–50% | Typically reflects group or entity-level scope, senior reporting lines and wider accountability. |
| Deputy Head of Compliance / Deputy CCO | — | €90,000–€130,000 | 10–25% | Supports the PCF holder. Some roles carry approval, while others do not require it. |
| Director of Compliance – Funds/ManCo | PCF-12 | €130,000–€190,000 | 15–40% | Fund compliance experience carries a premium, particularly across UCITS, AIFMD and DORA. |
| VP / Senior Manager – Regulatory Affairs | — | €90,000–€125,000 | 10–20% | Strong demand for regulatory change, policy and horizon scanning experience. |
| Designated Person – Regulatory Compliance | PCF-39F | €80,000–€130,000 | 10–30% | Scope varies by ManCo model, regulatory permissions and the breadth of oversight required. |
Financial Crime, AML & Sanctions
PCF-52 has made financial crime leadership a distinct board-accountable function. AMLA is adding further pressure, with firms strengthening AML, sanctions and financial crime teams across Ireland and Europe.
| Role / Title | PCF | Base Salary | Typical Bonus | Key Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLRO / Head of AML (SME/Boutique) | PCF-52 | €90,000–€120,000 | 10–20% | Often a first PCF-52 appointment or a lower risk firm with a focused AML remit. |
| MLRO / Head of AML (Mid-Tier) | PCF-52 | €100,000–€150,000 | 15–25% | The typical range for prior approval, CBI engagement and wider AML accountability. |
| MLRO / Head of AML (Large / Global Firm) | PCF-52 | €140,000–€180,000 | 20–35% | Usually higher risk firms, cross-border scope or candidates with deep PCF-52 experience. |
| Global Head of Financial Crime | PCF-52 | €170,000–€250,000 | 25–45% | Senior global remit across AML, sanctions, fraud and financial crime governance. |
| Head of Sanctions | — | €100,000–€140,000 | 15–25% | Demand is strongest where sanctions risk, payments exposure or trade finance complexity is high. |
| Head of Financial Crime Compliance | PCF-52 | €100,000–€180,000 | 15–35% | Salary moves with risk profile, team size and breadth across AML, sanctions and fraud. |
| Director – AML Investigations & Advisory | — | €95,000–€125,000 | 10–20% | Usually covers investigations, advisory work, SARs, EDD and senior stakeholder support. |
| VP / Senior Manager – KYC & CDD | — | €75,000–€100,000 | 10–15% | Typically sits below Head level, focused on KYC standards, policy and governance. |
| Head of Fraud (Strategy & Prevention) | — | €105,000–€145,000 | 15–25% | High demand where digital payments, fraud prevention and customer risk intersect. |
Risk Management
Risk leadership remains highly competitive in Ireland, particularly for CROs with PCF-14 approval and sector-specific experience. DORA has also increased demand for senior technology risk and operational resilience talent.
| Role / Title | PCF | Base Salary | Typical Bonus | Key Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Risk Officer (SME / Boutique Firm) | PCF-14 | €100,000–€140,000 | 15–25% | Often a first PCF-14 appointment or a lower risk firm with a broad but local remit. |
| Chief Risk Officer (Mid-Tier) | PCF-14 | €130,000–€180,000 | 20–35% | The typical range for prior approval, board risk reporting and direct CBI engagement. |
| Chief Risk Officer (Large / Global) | PCF-14 | €175,000–€250,000 | 30–50% | Usually higher risk firms, wider scope or candidates with deep CRO experience. |
| Deputy CRO / Head of Enterprise Risk | — | €90,000–€150,000 | 15–25% | Supports the CRO across enterprise risk, governance and senior stakeholder reporting. |
| Head of Market Risk | — | €100,000–€145,000 | 20–35% | Demand is strongest in banks and asset managers with complex trading or investment exposure. |
| Head of Credit Risk | — | €100,000–€145,000 | 15–30% | Salary depends on portfolio complexity, lending model and senior credit authority. |
| Head of Operational Risk | — | €100,000–€160,000 | 15–25% | Increasingly linked to resilience, incident management and DORA readiness. |
| Head of Technology & Cyber Risk | — | €115,000–€180,000 | 15–25% | DORA has increased demand for senior technology, cyber and ICT risk experience. |
| Head of Model Risk / Validation | — | €120,000–€165,000 | 20–35% | Premiums apply for strong quantitative experience and senior model validation exposure. |
| VP / Senior Manager – Liquidity & Treasury Risk | — | €95,000–€130,000 | 15–25% | Banking-specific role, usually covering ALM, ILAAP and stressed liquidity. |
| Director – Risk Framework & Governance | — | €95,000–€150,000 | 10–20% | Focused on risk appetite, governance, frameworks and board-level risk reporting. |
Internal Audit
Senior internal audit hiring is strongest where the remit covers risk, compliance or financial crime. Demand is highest for third-line leaders who can report into audit committees and challenge regulated functions credibly.
| Role / Title | PCF | Base Salary | Typical Bonus | Key Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of Internal Audit | PCF-13 | €120,000–€190,000 | 15–25% | Salary depends on firm risk profile, audit committee exposure and breadth of third-line remit. |
| Deputy Head / Director of Internal Audit | — | €90,000–€140,000 | 10–20% | Usually supports the Head of Audit across planning, delivery and senior stakeholder reporting. |
| Senior Audit Manager – Risk & Compliance | — | €80,000–€120,000 | 10–15% | Specialist coverage across regulatory, financial crime, risk or governance audits. |
PCF Executive Search — Our Approach
Broadgate Ireland has a dedicated PCF executive search practice covering pre-approval controlled functions across Compliance, Risk, AML/CFT, Internal Audit, Designated Persons and Chair/INED roles.
Pre-Market Candidate Mapping
We maintain a proprietary network of CBI-approved individuals across relevant PCF categories, including those not actively searching.
F&P Preparation & Timeline Management
We support candidates and hiring firms in structuring Fitness & Probity submissions to minimise approval delays and reduce time-to-hire.
Confidential Search Capability
We run fully confidential PCF appointment processes, protecting discretion at every stage where current role-holders are in situ.
Cross-Border Network
Our UK and European networks help surface senior PCF talent that purely domestic firms may not access.
Succession & Interim Solutions
Where firms face PCF gaps through resignation, regulatory action or restructuring, we provide both permanent search and approved interim solutions.
INED & Chair Appointments — Fee Guide
INED and Chair fees vary by firm risk profile, time commitment, committee responsibilities and the experience of the board member. SEAR has also increased the accountability attached to these appointments.
Fees are shown as annual retainers. Committee Chair roles usually carry an additional fee.
| Role | PCF | Annual Fee Range | Committee Chair Add-On | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INED — SME / Boutique Regulated Firm | PCF-2B | €25,000–€50,000 | €5,000–€15,000 | Usually lower risk firms, lighter time commitment and fewer committee responsibilities. |
| INED — Mid-Tier Firm | PCF-2B | €50,000–€90,000 | €10,000–€25,000 | Typically reflects higher board involvement, committee work and regulatory engagement. |
| INED — Large / Global Regulated Firm | PCF-2B | €90,000–€180,000 | €15,000–€40,000 | Usually higher risk firms, wider accountability and multiple committee responsibilities. |
| Chair of the Board — SME | PCF-1 | €40,000–€80,000 | N/A | Lower risk Chair role with board leadership and SEAR accountability. |
| Chair of the Board — Mid-Tier | PCF-1 | €80,000–€150,000 | N/A | Usually requires deeper CBI engagement, board leadership and higher time commitment. |
| Chair of the Board — Large / Global | PCF-1 | €150,000–€350,000+ | N/A | Reflects high risk profile, major board accountability and experienced Chair leadership. |
| Chair of Risk Committee | PCF-3 | Fee +€15,000–€40,000 | — | Premium applies where risk expertise and committee leadership are required. |
| Chair of Audit Committee | PCF-3 | Fee +€15,000–€40,000 | — | Premium applies for audit committee leadership and strong finance or audit experience. |
| Chair of Remuneration Committee | PCF-3 | Fee +€10,000–€25,000 | — | Additional fee reflects committee scope, accountability and remuneration governance duties. |
| Organisational Effectiveness Director | PCF-2B | €30,000–€70,000 | N/A | Funds and ManCo role focused on board effectiveness, governance and oversight. |
Portfolio INED / Plural Non-Executive Careers
Portfolio INEDs usually hold multiple board mandates, with fees agreed per appointment. Compensation depends on firm risk profile, time commitment, committee responsibilities and the individual’s board experience.
Interim & Contract Day Rates
Interim demand is strongest where firms need senior cover, regulatory remediation support or help bridging PCF approval timelines. Rates vary by risk profile, scope, urgency and prior PCF experience.
| Role / Title | PCF | Day Rate | Typical Bonus | Key Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interim Chief Compliance Officer / Head of Compliance | PCF-12 | €900–€1,500/day | — | Highest rates apply for prior approval, urgent cover or regulatory remediation work. |
| Interim MLRO / Head of AML | PCF-52 | €800–€1,400/day | — | Rates increase with prior PCF-52 approval, AMLA readiness and higher risk sectors. |
| Interim Chief Risk Officer / Head of Risk | PCF-14 | €950–€1,600/day | — | Usually linked to CRO cover, risk remediation, ICAAP, ORSA or integration work. |
| Senior Compliance Consultant / Manager | — | €600–€950/day | — | Commonly used for regulatory change, policy work and DORA, SFDR or MiCAR projects. |
| Senior Financial Crime Consultant | — | €650–€1,000/day | — | Often supports AML remediation, sanctions reviews and financial crime control uplift. |
| Senior Risk Consultant | — | €600–€950/day | — | Typically focused on frameworks, RCSA, model risk or risk governance projects. |
Compensation by Sector
Base salary levels for equivalent roles can vary materially across different segments of the Irish financial services market. The following provides a relative guide to where each sector sits on the compensation spectrum, based on Broadgate's placement data.
| Function | Global Bank / IB | Asset Mgmt / ManCo | Insurance | Payments / Fintech | Challenger Bank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of Compliance / CCO | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
| MLRO / Head of AML | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Chief Risk Officer | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
| INED / Chair | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ |
| Interim / Contract Rates | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
★★★★★ = Top of market | ★★★★ = Above market | ★★★ = Mid-market | ★★ = Below average for this function
About Broadgate Ireland
Broadgate is a specialist financial services recruitment firm and part of Trinnovo Group — a B Corp certified business built around people, purpose and performance. Our Ireland practice focuses exclusively on Risk, Compliance and Financial Crime across the full spectrum of Central Bank of Ireland regulated entities.
We work with clients across the full hiring lifecycle — from contingency search for functional hires through to fully retained executive search for PCF appointments, board-level mandates and INED/Chair placements.
Permanent Search
Senior and executive permanent appointments across Compliance, Risk, Financial Crime and Internal Audit. Contingency and retained models available.
PCF Executive Search
Specialist retained search for Pre-Approval Controlled Function appointments. Confidential process, F&P support and CBI timeline management.
INED & Chair Mandates
Board-level appointments for Independent Non-Executive Directors, Committee Chairs and Board Chairs. Portfolio and full-time mandates.
Case Study: PCF-52 Placement — Global Payments Firm, Dublin
Broadgate was engaged on a confidential retained search for a Head of AML / MLRO for a global payments business scaling its Irish regulated entity. The outgoing MLRO was departing with 90 days' notice. We mapped the market, identified six pre-approved PCF-52 candidates with payments sector experience, and managed the full interview and offer process.
The preferred candidate was placed within 47 days of mandate award, with Fitness & Probity submission completed on Day 1 of employment. Central Bank approval was received ahead of the outgoing MLRO's notice period conclusion.
Additional Ireland Case Studies
• CRO placement at a major Dublin-based insurer
• INED appointment for a ManCo board
• Head of Compliance hire for a challenger bank
• CAMLO search for a global trade finance institution
Contact us for full case study packs.
Get In Touch
Dublin, Ireland
Part of Trinnovo Group — Certified B Corporation
Disclaimer: Salary ranges and fee figures contained in this guide are indicative only and are based on Broadgate's market intelligence, placement data and publicly available benchmarks as at 2025. Actual compensation will vary based on firm size, complexity, candidate experience and negotiation. This guide does not constitute financial, legal or regulatory advice. PCF designations and CBI requirements are subject to change; always consult the Central Bank of Ireland's published guidance.
© 2025 Broadgate. All rights reserved. Part of Trinnovo Group.
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