Full House at the Irish Funds Key Priorities Across Risk, Compliance and Internal Audit – 2026 Outlook Seminar

Irish Funds welcomed a full audience for its seminar, “Key Priorities across Risk, Compliance and Internal Audit – 2026 Outlook,” held at Euronext Dublin and supported by Forvis Mazars. The members-only event brought together industry leaders, regulators and innovators for an insightful discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping 2026.

The seminar opened with remarks from the Irish Funds team, setting the scene for a morning focused on regulatory developments and organisational preparedness.

A significant highlight was an address from senior representatives of the Central Bank of Ireland, who outlined the supervisory and regulatory priorities expected to take shape in 2026. Their contribution offered valuable clarity for firms planning ahead in an evolving environment.

A panel discussion featuring experts from across the funds sector followed, examining emerging risks, evolving governance expectations and the need for strong operational frameworks. The session emphasised collaboration across functions and the importance of maintaining robust oversight as the industry grows.

The event concluded with an Irish Funds Executive Interview, providing a strategic perspective on industry trends, regulatory expectations and the broader outlook for 2026.

Key Takeaways

Key themes emerging throughout the seminar included:

• Demand for Deep and Diverse Expertise
  As the sector expands, organisations increasingly rely on broad skill sets and collaborative industry platforms to navigate complex regulation.

• Non-Negotiable Risk Frameworks
  Strong governance structures and clear escalation processes remain fundamental to effective oversight and timely decision-making.

• Board Composition as a Strategic Lever
  Boards with complementary skills and strong independent oversight contribute significantly to organisational resilience.

• Greater Collaboration Across Second and Third Lines
  Close coordination between risk, compliance and internal audit enhances both risk management and assurance outcomes.

• Growing Role of Artificial Intelligence
  Early adopters are already seeing improvements in monitoring and horizon scanning, with significant potential for wider application in the years ahead.

Irish Funds extends sincere thanks to all contributors and attendees, and to Forvis Mazars for their generous support in delivering the event.