Ireland's new savings plan excludes crypto assets, aiming to leverage $203 billion in deposits

Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Simon Harris announced the framework for the country's new savings and investment plan via an Instagram video on Sunday, explicitly excluding crypto assets. Savers can hold stocks, bonds, funds, exchange-traded funds, and insurance products, while cryptocurrencies, derivatives, and interest-bearing cash are not permitted. The plan aims to guide approximately $203 billion (€175 billion) in deposits held by Irish households in bank accounts into the investment sector.

Every Irish tax resident aged 18 and over can open an account, with contributions within the tax-free allowance being completely tax-exempt, while amounts exceeding this will be taxed at a low fixed rate annually. There are no minimum contribution amounts or lock-in period restrictions, but there is an annual contribution limit. Specific thresholds and tax rates will be announced on the budget day of October 6, with accounts expected to open next year. Research from the Central Bank of Ireland shows that Irish households allocate only 2.3% of their financial assets to direct investments such as listed stocks and bonds, significantly lower than the EU average of 7.5%.

Harris also confirmed that the new accounts will not be subject to the "deemed disposal" rule—this rule requires certain funds to be taxed at a rate of 38% every eight years. The government will review this regulation more broadly in the coming weeks. A survey by the Central Bank of Ireland found that about 10% of adults hold crypto assets, primarily young men, with an average holding of approximately €2,266. Prior to the exclusion of crypto assets, Ireland launched its first national anti-money laundering strategy on August 13, enhancing scrutiny of private wallet transfers and due diligence requirements for overseas crypto businesses.