The following is a summary of the process involved in becoming an Equity Sponsor or an Investment Fund Sponsor on the Irish Stock Exchange.

• Eligibility and ongoing responsibilities of an Equity Sponsor are outlined in the Equity Sponsor Rules. Eligibility and ongoing responsibilities of an Investment Fund Sponsor are outlined in the Investment Funds Sponsor Rules. Please note these authorisations are different and therefore a separate application must be submitted if a firm wishes to be an Equity Sponsor or an Investment Sponsor.
• Complete a Sponsor Application form for the firm and a Sponsor Executive Application form for each staff member to be registered as a "qualified executive" with the Irish Stock Exchange.
• Submit the completed forms to the Regulation Department of the ISE.
• The application is reviewed by the Regulation Department. The Regulation Department will liaise with the applicant on any queries it may have on the information submitted.
• Once the Regulation Department is satisfied that it has received sufficient information, the application forms and the relevant fee are submitted to the Primary Market Advisor Committee for consideration and approval.
• The applicant is notified of the decision of the Primary Market Advisor Committee.
• If approved, the applicant is added the register of Equity Sponsor or the register of Investment Fund Sponsors as appropriate and must comply with the relevant continuing obligations and notification requirements.
• An Equity Sponsor is eligible to act as an equity sponsor to companies listed on the Main Securities Market. An Investment Fund Sponsor is eligible to act as a sponsor to investment funds listed on the ISE.