I OVERVIEW
The corporate lending market in Ireland continues to be
particularly active in the real estate (investment and
development), pharma and technological sectors – all of these
being significant drivers of the Irish economy. Much of the lending
in terms of volume tends to be to the small to medium-sized
enterprise (SME) sector.
Currently market conditions are positive, albeit that the
impending departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union
(Brexit) has created a great deal of uncertainty in the economy. As
with a number of other EU Member States, there is an oversupply of
credit to meet available demand. In addition to banks, there are a
number of venture capital and private equity credit providers.
There are also a number of bespoke lenders providing SME finance in
the property development sector. The recently enhanced competition
in the Irish lending market has contributed to a
'covenant-lite' environment and somewhat increased
bargaining power
