Billy Kane, founder and chief executive of Finance Ireland, has been appointed to the board of Banking & Payments Federation Ireland for a two-year tenure.
Mr Kane has almost five decades of experience in financial services. He founded Finance Ireland, now the largest nonbank lender in Ireland, in 2002 which operates in commercial property lending, motor finance, asset-backed lending and agri-finance.
Prior to this, he founded Irish Permanent finance in the early 1990s and went on to become CEO of Irish Permanent and Director of Irish Life & Permanent.
Mr Kane said: “I’m honoured to join the BPFI Board and look forward to contributing my experience, particularly from the non-bank lending sector. Non-bank lenders play a critical role in the financial ecosystem — expanding choice, driving competition, and delivering over €49 billion in credit to Irish households and businesses by September 2024.
“As the industry continues to evolve, it’s essential that all parts of the financial services landscape are represented with a strong, collective voice, as we navigate evolving customer expectations, regulatory shifts, and ongoing digital transformation. I look forward to working with colleagues from across the sector as we address the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Brian Hayes, Chief Executive, BPFI, welcomed Mr Kane’s appointment. “As the representative voice for over 120 domestic and international members, it’s essential that our Board reflects the breadth of the industry we serve.”
