Insightful Discussions at the Irish Funds Designated Persons Forum

Irish Funds welcomed members of the Designated Persons community to The Dean Townhouse for a highly engaging and collaborative forum. The event brought together professionals from across the funds sector for a day of insightful presentations, peer exchange and discussion on key regulatory and supervisory developments shaping the industry.

Opening the forum, Sarahann Duff, Chief Risk Officer at Federated Hermes, set a dynamic and forward-looking tone, highlighting the importance of collaboration and adaptability in an evolving regulatory landscape.

A regulatory update session followed, delivered by Geraldine Brehony and Daniela Siquerolo of Irish Funds. Their presentation provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of key developments, including progress on the implementation of AIFMD II, updates on the Market Integration and Supervision Package (MISP), and broader European Union policy and advocacy priorities impacting the funds sector.

Des Bodley of the Central Bank of Ireland then outlined the regulator’s 2026 supervisory outlook. His address focused on emerging risks and the Central Bank’s key priorities for the coming year, including areas such as delegation, leverage, and the funds authorisation process.

The afternoon session shifted to interactive engagement, with Designated Persons participating in round-table discussions to share insights and experiences across DP functions. These discussions generated valuable perspectives, which were later summarised and shared with the wider group.

The forum concluded with a networking reception, providing attendees with an opportunity to further connect and exchange views on current and emerging challenges within the industry.

Irish Funds extended its thanks to all speakers and participants for contributing to a successful and collaborative event, underscoring the continued importance of engagement within the DP community.