Explainers - Answering the questions most asked of us Read our explainers about consumer issues, the economy and the role of the Central Bank. Consumers Information on issues affecting consumers How can I avoid being under-insured on my home? What would a digital euro look like? What do I need to know about “digital-only” banking providers? What is smishing and how can I avoid it? How can I protect myself from financial scams? What is "IBAN discrimination" and what can I do about it? What is "passporting" and what do I need to know about it? What are cryptocurrencies like bitcoin? How do I complain about a financial services firm? What is the Central Credit Register? What is the Tracker Mortgage Examination? How has the Central Bank made mortgage switching easier? What are the Mortgage Measures? What should I do if I am struggling to pay my mortgage? What are ghost brokers? What is fintech and how is it changing financial products? What is a securities prospectus and what can I learn from it? Why must I prove my identity when obtaining a financial services product? Why is it important to deal with an authorised financial services provider? What compensation schemes protect consumers of authorised firms? How can I report wrongdoing in a regulated financial firm? How does the Central Bank protect people who high cost credit providers? What does buying goods and services on credit mean for me? The economy The economy explained in plain language How does monetary policy work? How does Quantitative Easing work? What does overheating in the economy mean? What is shadow banking? What is a special purpose entity? Our role More about the role of the Central Bank What does the Central Bank of Ireland do? What does the phrase “regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland” mean? How does the Central Bank of Ireland fund itself? What is the Central Bank of Ireland's role in Europe? How does the Central Bank of Ireland protect consumers? How does the Central Bank of Ireland supervise firms and investigate potential wrongdoing? What happens if a bank, investment firm or credit union fails? What enforcement powers does the Central Bank have? Does the Central Bank have any control over motor insurance prices? How does the Central Bank help to protect the banking system from economic ups and downs? What is financial regulation and why does it matter? How does the Central Bank supervise financial services providers? How can I be confident that my financial services provider is trustworthy?