Wharton FinTech Podcast · 2026-04-30 · 19 min
In this episode of the Wharton FinTech Podcast, Abhi Chadha speaks with Mairead Fanning, a senior leader at IDA Ireland, about Ireland’s rise as a global hub for fintech, AI, and digital financial services. Mairead discusses IDA’s mission and the role it plays in attracting and supporting foreign direct investment, what has historically driven Ireland’s success, and how the country differentiates itself today as companies compare locations across Europe. The conversation explores why fintech has become a strategic priority for Ireland, what global fintechs look for when deciding where to base operations, and how initiatives like Silicon Island are shaping the country’s AI ecosystem. Mairead also shares insights on Europe’s growing appeal, Ireland’s role in crypto and digital assets under MiCA, the fintech sub-sectors showing the most momentum, and how IDA defines a successful outcome for companies building in Ireland, before reflecting on her first year in her current role.
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