Irish Master Trust Report 2026

Ireland’s master trust market has scaled quickly. More than half of Irish defined contribution assets now sit in master trusts, with assets exceeding €40bn and 725,000 members covered by October 2025. As the market matures, regulatory expectations are rising and sustainability is coming under sharper scrutiny.

Our new Irish Master Trust Report takes a long-term view . It looks beyond current propositions to examine the regulatory, commercial, and technological forces shaping the market, from consolidation and authorisation to investment in data, digital capability, and AI.

For employers, choosing a master trust is now a strategic business decision. Cost and today’s proposition still matter, but they’re only part of the picture. Employers need to assess whether their provider has the scale, investment appetite, governance, and capability to keep improving member outcomes over time.

A master trust shouldn’t be treated as a ‘set and forget’ solution. Employers still need active oversight of value, service quality, innovation, and member experience, making sure the arrangement continues to support their people strategy and broader organisational goals.