There are approximately 33,000 people employed in banking in the State.

The Institute of Bankers of Ireland is the educational and professional body for the financial services sector. It provides education programmes for people in banking. Most of these courses are part-time and for those already working in the industry, but full-time courses are available, for information see: www.institute-of-bankers.com

The Irish Bankers' Federation is the representative body for the financial services sector: website: www.ibis.ie

Along with education programmes, most banks offer well-developed social and sporting clubs.