To date, the year 2026 can be described as one full of uncertainty, principally overshadowed by the geopolitical backdrop resulting in higher oil prices, inflation and an interest rate curve that indicates higher rates in the months ahead.
The combination of these factors has resulted in a natural cautiousness amongst the business community, whether you are an institutional investor or a sole operator looking to manage your business in these uncertain times.
Whilst the backdrop can be described as uncertain, the team within LeBruin have continued to provide funding solutions and support to our clients throughout 2026.
Interest Rates
From a borrower’s perspective, the direction of interest rates is crucial in terms of viability, cashflow and loan covenant adherence. Right now, markets are relatively sanguine about the possibility of interest rate increases, with markets implying no more than a one percentage point increase in the medium term.
If this complacency seems puzzling in the face of rising inflation expectations, it is because markets believe that any increase in inflation will be short-lived and Central Banks will not be forced to act.
If a borrower has a different view, or can’t afford to be wrong, then fixing the interest rate on the loan should be considered. If fixing interest rates is of interest, we can offer this on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to discuss fixing your rate, please contact Cathal FitzGerald: cathalfitzgerald@lebruinprivate.com.
LeBruin Activity
Recently our team has raised:
- €10m from a German-based infrastructure fund to finance the growing working capital needs of a leading Irish-based renewable energy service platform.
- €16m to fund the acquisition and working capital requirement for an MBI of an Irish-based manufacturing company.
- €3.4m to fund the construction of industrial warehouses in the Munster region.
- €8.9m to refinance a long-established family hotel business in the Dublin region.
We continue to use our extensive funding relationships in Ireland and the UK as we work with our clients to source appropriate funding solutions across several sectors, including:
- Equity raise for a proven residential developer in Dublin.
- Forward fund requirement for a PBSA project in the Munster region.
- Development loan facilities for the acquisition and conversion of an office to residential use in Dublin.
Origin Capital Activity
Our CRE lending company Origin Capital, established in 2015, announced in early 2026 a strategic institutional relationship with Kvika banki hf. This relationship allows us to provide structured senior debt in the €2m to €15m range to Irish borrowers backed by Kvika’s institutional capital base.
With over €40m already deployed and a strong pipeline of transactions, recently completed deals include:
- €2.25m two-year loan facility, secured on a residential portfolio in Dublin.
- €9.5m two-year loan facility, secured on a mixed-use portfolio in Dublin and Limerick.
- €6m three-year loan facility, secured on a residential investment in Dublin.
We are looking forward to growing the loan book and supporting borrowers in the months ahead. If you are seeking CRE funding, please contact Ross Metcalfe: rossmetcalfe@origincapital.ie.
Arigna Fuels
Cathal FitzGerald, LeBruin Co-Founder and Chairman of Arigna, continues to work with Arigna management on the development of Biochar with a number of partners in Ireland and the USA. Biochar is recognised as a key tool in fighting climate change. If you are interested in learning more about Biochar, please contact Cathal FitzGerald: cathalfitzgerald@lebruinprivate.com.
Contact Us
If the team in LeBruin can be of assistance in relation to your funding requirements in the months ahead, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at tombrowne@lebruinprivate.com.