Careers - Service Providers
Fund administrators, transfer agents and trustees / depositaries / custodians are all service providers in the funds and asset management industry.
Fund Administration Services
Fund administrators are authorised and supervised by the Central Bank of Ireland to handle the day-to-day operations of a fund. They are a ‘back office’ function and are responsible for making sure everything is done to enable the fund to run efficiently in all aspects, except the actual investment of assets. Fund administrators typically handle or coordinate with other service providers for auditing, company secretarial services, depositary services, listing on the stock exchange and transfer agents. Ireland is a recognised leader in administration for investment funds. This reputation extends to both Irish-domiciled funds and funds based in jurisdictions around the world. There are more than 40 administration companies operating in Ireland.
Transfer Agency Services
Transfer agents play a crucial role in investor servicing. The transfer agent is usually the primary point of contact for investors wishing to invest in a fund in Ireland. In addition to providing high levels of service, transfer agency staff need to be proficient in the requirements of the funds and in the regulatory requirements applicable to the provision of transfer agency services in Ireland. Ireland is well-known for its experienced transfer agents. This reputation is firmly established for both the retail and alternative investment sides of the funds industry.
Trustee / Custodian / Depositary Services
The role of a trustee, custodian and depositary is primarily safeguarding the assets and protecting the interests of investors. Legal and regulatory obligations vary from UCITS to AIFs. For example, each Irish regulated Collective Investment Scheme must appoint a depositary located in Ireland. The depositary role has evolved and been harmonised further at EU level since AIFMD, and UCITS V updated the duties of a UCITS depositary to bring these in line with AIFMD.