Event Highlights - Irish Funds Emerging Tech & Innovation Speaker Series: How Technology is Evolving Fund Oversight

Irish Funds was delighted to hold its third Emerging Technology & Innovation (ET&I) Speaker Series of the year, bringing together industry leaders and FinTech innovators to examine how technology is transforming fund oversight and governance across the asset management sector.

Delivered in partnership with Resolve, the event provided members with practical insights into the technologies and operational frameworks reshaping oversight functions in investment funds.

The session focused on real-world applications of technology in fund governance, examining how firms are adopting new tools and approaches to enhance oversight, streamline processes and support more informed decision-making.

A panel of industry experts shared insights and experiences from across the sector, including:

• Terri Dempsey, State Street Ireland

• Brian Walsh, Resolve

• Alan Meaney, Fund Recs

• Justyna McNeive, Mercer

• Antonia Mahony, Carne

Discussion centred on several key themes shaping the future of fund oversight. Speakers highlighted the industry's move from traditional periodic reporting towards real-time, exception-based monitoring, noting that successful implementation depends on robust and clearly defined control frameworks.

The panel also explored the growing role of artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) in fund governance. While these technologies are beginning to deliver tangible benefits, particularly in areas such as due diligence and the management of unstructured data, participants emphasised the importance of aligning implementation strategies with evolving regulatory expectations.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was that technology is not replacing oversight functions but rather enhancing them. By providing greater access to data and insights, technological innovation is helping firms develop more proactive, efficient and data-driven governance models.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to such an engaging discussion, and to the Irish Funds Emerging Tech & Innovation Working Group for continuing to create space for meaningful, forward-looking conversations in our sector.