Brent crude · $102.14
Down roughly 2% during the week, but still a material transport and input-cost risk.
Friday CFO Pulse
18 September 2026 · Ireland & Europe
Rates rise.
Business models move.
The week’s market signals, finance decisions, development opportunities and practical advantages—curated for CFOs.
1 · Market Intelligence
ECB deposit rate · 2.50%
A 25bp increase adds €25k annually on €10m of fully floating debt.
EUR/USD · 1.1481
Recheck USD pricing assumptions and hedge cover.
AI skills reshape Irish hiring
AI skills appeared in 14.9% of Irish job advertisements. Revisit workforce, productivity and training assumptions together.
ECB raises rates
Reforecast interest expense, covenant headroom and refinancing dates.
Energy volatility reaches margins
Check hedge expiry, covered consumption and customer pass-through before renewal.
Five Budget 2026 changes worth reopening
The R&D credit, Entrepreneur Relief, KEEP, Foreign Earnings Deduction and hospitality VAT changes warranted another look before year-end.
2 · CFO Network & Development
Why Dante put bankers in hell and James Joyce didn’t
The FT’s lively discussion with David McWilliams about money as moral hazard and social technology.
Psycho-Cybernetics
Maxwell Maltz on self-image, mental rehearsal and goal-directed behaviour.
IT.ie · Glenveagh · Track Technologies
Three Irish businesses noteworthy for scaling, margin resilience and a new technology venture.
Fiserv · Actavo Modular · Electro Automation
VP Finance, EMEA Business CFO; Finance Director; and Group Finance Director/CFO roles were open when this issue was published.
3 · The Friday Advantage
Up to 20% off
Chartered Accountants Ireland members: 20% off Charles Tyrwhitt. The Fold: tiered Workwear Foundations offer up to 20%.
Historical offer: confirm availability and terms with the retailer before purchasing.