Exploring the Future of Private Assets: Insights from the Irish Funds UK Private Assets Seminar

The Irish Funds UK Private Assets Seminar in London earlier this month provided a fantastic opportunity for UK investment managers to engage and explore the evolving landscape of private assets. This event underscored the strategic priority of driving innovation and enhancing Ireland’s role in mobilising private capital.

Opening Remarks

The seminar began with welcome remarks from Nicholas Blake-Knox, Chairperson of the Irish Funds Council. He highlighted the vital role of the UK in the Irish funds and asset management industry, noting that 359 UK fund managers are doing business in Ireland, representing 36% of the total managers working with Irish companies. Martin Fraser, Ambassador of Ireland to Great Britain, followed with an address emphasising the deep cultural and business ties between the two nations.

Fireside Chat

A key highlight was the fireside chat featuring Jonathan Dent, Head of Funds Policy at the Central Bank of Ireland, and Dara Harrington. They discussed the development and enhancement of Ireland’s fund offering in private markets. As alternatives become increasingly important for institutional and retail investors, Ireland is focused on ensuring access to these opportunities.

Panel Discussions

The seminar featured several insightful panel discussions:

• Private Credit: Assessing Ireland’s Credentials: Moderated by Graham Roche, this panel included Charlene Kennedy, Rory McHugh, Philip Murphy, and Daniele Lacovone. They discussed Ireland’s growing role in the global private credit market, managing $169bn in private credit assets, and the impact of AIFMD2 in attracting managers.

• The Private Credit Investment Landscape: Laura Vaughan, CFA, and Oisin McClenaghan engaged in a thought-provoking conversation on key developments in private credit.

• Emerging Trends in Private Asset Investments: Led by Clodagh R., this dynamic discussion with Ronan Brennan, Paul Shea, and Markus Bannwart covered fundraising trends, investor preferences, new market opportunities, technology, and the 'retailisation' of private assets.

Key Takeaways

The continued expansion of private markets investing is expected to drive capital into the real economy, support regional development, enhance financial security for individuals, and meet the evolving needs of investors.

Conclusion

The event concluded with closing remarks from Natasha Haugh, summarising the key insights and takeaways from the afternoon.

A huge thank you to all the speakers, panellists, sponsors, attendees, and the Irish Funds team for contributing to such a successful event. Special thanks to our sponsors: BNP Paribas, Citi, Carne Group, KPMG Ireland, J.P. Morgan, CACEIS, IQ-EQ, PwC, JTC Group, State Street, Walkers, Universal-Investment, IDA Ireland, Northern Trust, and AddCompliance Group.