35 Years and Counting: What Irish Mortgage Corporation’s Evolution Means for You

Irish Mortgage Corporation at 35: New Faces, Same Values—and a Bigger Role in Your Financial Life

It’s not every day that a mortgage firm turns 35 and still feels like it’s just getting started. But that’s the story at Irish Mortgage Corporation (IMC). Founded in 1990, in the wake of a mortgage market dominated by high fees and limited choice, IMC helped change how Irish people get home loans. Now, three and a half decades later, it’s evolving again—with a fresh leadership team and a broader mission.

From One-Size-Fits-All to Bespoke Advice

Back in the late 80s, getting a mortgage in Ireland was a narrow path, often lined with red tape. IMC’s founder, Derek Maguire, saw what was happening in the UK—where mortgage brokers gave customers more power, choice and transparency—and thought Irish borrowers deserved the same.

So, from modest offices on Baggot Street, IMC set up shop. The idea was simple: give people real advice, from someone who works for them, not the lender. It caught on.

Fast forward to 2025, and IMC is still doing just that—only now it’s bigger, more resilient and thinking even further ahead.

A Leadership Shift, with an Eye on the Future

To mark its 35th year, IMC has announced a significant leadership handover. Derek Maguire becomes Chairman, stepping back from daily operations but staying close to the heart of the firm. Taking the reins are Fiona Deering and Liam O’Connor as Joint Managing Directors—two long-standing leaders who’ve helped steer the company through highs, lows and everything in between.

Their mission? Build on IMC’s core promise—impartial mortgage advice—with a much broader offering. As Liam puts it: “Clients today want more than a mortgage—they want a full picture of their finances, with advice that helps them long after they get the keys.”

More Than Mortgages

That’s why IMC is expanding its support to include everything from mortgage protection and life cover, to long-term financial planning. This is where IMC’s MoneyCoach division comes in, offering expert guidance on pensions, investments and savings—so your home isn’t the only part of your future that’s secure.

And while the services are evolving, the price hasn’t: IMC’s advice is still free and completely impartial.

Smarter Tools, Personal Touch

Fiona Deering points out that it’s not just the mortgage market that’s changing—customers are too. “Technology and expectations have moved on. People want fast answers, but also real conversations. So, we’re combining both—modern tools with personal service.”

It’s a smart move. Whether you’re buying for the first time, switching, or downsizing, it’s reassuring to know someone’s in your corner who understands both the numbers and the nerves.

Staying True to Core Values

Even as it grows, IMC hasn’t lost its focus. The same values that shaped it in 1990—trust, impartial, and putting the client first—are still its north star. That’s not just marketing talk. During the financial crash and the pandemic, IMC kept its core team together and stayed in touch with its clients. When the market bounced back, it was ready.

Now, with a strong leadership duo in place and a sharper, broader service offering, it’s better placed than ever to guide Irish borrowers—not just to a mortgage, but through life’s big financial steps.

This was first published in The Irish Broker Magazine in June 2025: https://imc-mc.com/dox/irish-broker-imc.pdf