Beyond the Savings Account: New, Accessible Investment Option, ELTIF 2.0 Comes to Ireland

For many people in Ireland, finding ways to make savings work harder than they do in a low-interest bank account or traditional pension fund has been difficult.

That’s now beginning to change. A new European investment framework, ELTIF 2.0, is opening doors to a broader range of long-term, growth-focused investments that were previously available only to institutions or very wealthy investors.

Ireland Embraces the New Framework

Ireland is positioning itself at the centre of this change. The Central Bank of Ireland has introduced a fast-track, 24-hour approval process for certain ELTIFs, and the number of ELTIFs authorised for sale to Irish investors is growing. This demonstrates a clear commitment to offering people in Ireland more diverse, well-regulated ways to invest for the future.

ELTIFs Explained

ELTIF stands for European Long-Term Investment Fund. These regulated funds are designed to channel money into tangible, long-term projects and assets like renewable energy, infrastructure, commercial real estate, and private businesses.

The updated “ELTIF 2.0” rules, which came into full effect in 2024, were created to make these funds simpler, safer, and more accessible to everyday investors.

Why ELTIF 2.0 Is a Game-Changer for Irish Investors

The new framework introduces several important improvements:

Lower Barriers to Entry: The previous €10,000 minimum investment has been removed, allowing investors to start investing at €1500

Built-In Protections: ELTIFs follow strict EU-mandated diversification and borrowing rules, with strong regulatory oversight, helping to manage risk.

Access to Private Markets: ELTIFs offer access to investments such as commercial property and infrastructure. While these investments are typically longer-term, they can provide a source of potential returns that is distinct from the daily volatility of the stock market

Is an ELTIF Right for You?

ELTIF 2.0 offers a new opportunity for Irish savers who:

Want their money to earn more than it does in a bank account.

Are seeking to diversify their investments beyond the traditional stock market.

Can commit their funds for the medium to long term (e.g.,3 or 5+ years).

With a supportive regulatory environment in Ireland, investors now have a regulated and transparent way to access a new class of long-term investments.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to invest in any fund or financial product.