Making predictions about the future trajectory of M&A markets is always fraught with difficulty. Globally, deal advisers report a healthy pipeline of potential transactions to come, but there can be no guarantee that dealmakers will not turn the tap off once again.

On 28 January 2026, the Central Bank of Ireland (Central Bank) opened a public consultation (CP166) on draft supplemental guidance (Draft Guidance) relating to prohibition notices issued under the fitness and probity regime (Consultation).

On 24 March 2026, the revised and modernised Consumer Protection Code (Code) came into force.

Ministerial Regulations (the Regulations) have introduced minimum contribution standards for pension schemes being used to exempt employees from enrolment in My Future Fund (MFF).

Of general interest to all members.

Eligible Members (FCGs and ACGs) are invited to vote in the 2026 election to the Board of The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland.

In this Comment piece, the Institute's Head of Policy Kayla Schembri argues that modern slavery has moved from a transparency exercise to a board-level accountability test – and many organisations still haven’t caught up.

In this comment piece, Kako Mavalla, Founder of the Black Excellence in Governance Awards (BEGA), explores why recent legislative changes and emerging data mark a positive step towards reducing the ethnicity pay gap, while emphasising that this is only part of the solution. He also highlights the critical role governance professionals play in driving meaningful, lasting progress.

The Institute says the Ockenden review carries lessons far beyond one NHS trust, highlighting failures in board oversight, assurance, culture, candour and accountability. CEO Linda Ford says the test now is whether those charged with governance turn the review’s findings into lasting, board-owned change.