Minister O’Keeffe announces 26 jobs in global financial services firm

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O’Keeffe TD, today [Tuesday] announced 26 jobs in a global financial services firm which is to set up its European headquarters in Dublin.

FCStone Group, the US-based integrated commodity risk management company and a wholly owned subsidiary of International Assets Holding Corporation, will create the new high-end positions in the areas of client focus and support services.

The firm will target small businesses and multinationals in the food commodities production sector including fast-food restaurants, major food processors, manufacturing companies and co-operatives.

The front-office risk management services are unique in Europe.

The investment, which is supported by the Government through IDA Ireland, is a significant win for Ireland.

Announcing the jobs, Minister O’Keeffe said: ‘FCStone’s initial investment in Ireland is a win without parallel in our rapidly growing financial services sector.

‘The decision by a company of FCStone’s calibre to establish its European hub here shows Ireland can beat competitors for high-quality investments and generate good jobs for our highly educated workers.

‘The risk management activities that will be undertaken in Dublin are an important part of the financial services sector and the Government’s focus is on attracting more “smart” jobs like these.’

The chief executive of FCStone, Pete Anderson, said: ‘FCStone is delighted to be opening this European operation here in Dublin and we look forward to establishing a new and valuable activity in investment management in Ireland.

‘FCStone is also considering the viability of future research and development operations in Ireland given the country’s strong reputation in this area.

‘It is with eager anticipation that we look towards forging strong and deep economic relations with Ireland in the future,’

The chief executive of IDA Ireland, Barry O’Leary, said: ‘This investment demonstrates the strength of Ireland’s reputation as a leading location for the international financial services sector.

‘This is a unique investment for Ireland’s investment management portfolio and IDA Ireland looks forward to supporting FCStone as it grows its operations here with the potential to add research and development capabilities in the future.’

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About International Assets Holding Corporation

FCStone is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Assets Holding Corporation (INTL). INTL provides execution and advisory services in commodities, currencies and international securities. INTL’s businesses, which include the commodities advisory and transaction execution firm FCStone Group, serve more than 10,000 commercial customers in over 100 countries through a network of offices in 11 countries around the world. Further information on INTL is available at www.intlassets.com.

For further information please contact:

Bernard Mallee, Press Adviser to Minister Batt O'Keeffe, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, on Tel: +353 1 631 3944, Mobile: +353 87 9173022, Email: bernard.mallee@deti.ie