How much could you earn working in compliance for a bank in Ireland?

In the wake of the crash, compliance is undeniably hot in Ireland.  The Central Bank has increased the burden of regulation and more people are needed to implement it.

Eimear Walsh of The Brightwater Group, says: “A lot of companies are building compliance teams. They are adding qualified staff because the work load has increased and regulations are much tighter. There is a lot of demand for qualified compliance professionals and as a result the salaries are creeping up”. Eoin Blake, of Lincoln Search and Selection agrees “There is a skills shortage, and not enough qualified candidates. Therefore people have to pay more.”

So what can you earn working in compliance for a bank in Ireland? We've looked at the recent salary surveys for three recruitment firms in Ireland. This is what they say.

Lincoln Financial's verdict on compliance pay in Ireland

Lincoln Financial's survey is the most generous, on the whole. Based in Dublin, it suggests a head of compliance is able to command a salary of €100K - €135K. A compliance manager can command up to €85K (4 – 7 years experience) and a compliance officer can command up to €60K (1 – 4 years experience).

Hudson's verdict on compliance salaries in Ireland 

Hudson’s figures are generally lower than Lincoln’s. They say heads of compliance can earn up to €120K (not shown on the table, but quoted by Elaine Liston of Hudson), Compliance managers can earn between €60K and €80K, and compliance officers between €35K and €50K. The last two are for 3 -5 years' experience, and all for jobs based in Dublin.

Brightwater's verdict on compliance salaries in Ireland 

Brightwater puts heads of compliance in a similar pay bracket to Hudson – up to €120k. Its other figures aren't directly comparable, but it seems to put junior compliance officers in a similar salary bracket to Hudson, and a lower salary bracket than Lincoln.