Irish Funds CEO Pat Lardner Speaks to the Business Post on EU Presidency

A major opportunity is on the horizon for Ireland’s funds and asset management sector, as the country prepares for its upcoming EU Presidency, a moment widely seen as both a showcase and a test of Ireland’s global standing.

According to Pat Lardner, CEO of Irish Funds, the Presidency represents a “one in a 13-year opportunity” to highlight Ireland’s strengths as a leading international funds hub. Speaking to the Business Post, he emphasised that while the platform is significant, so too are the challenges facing the industry.

Ireland’s funds and asset management sector remains one of the country’s standout economic success stories, currently servicing more than €5 trillion in assets for investors across over 90 countries. The industry continues to play a vital role in supporting employment and contributing to the broader domestic economy.

But past performance is not a guarantee of future competitiveness. Assets under management are a backward-looking indicator, and the focus now must be on ensuring Ireland remains agile, competitive, and future-ready.

That means continuing to evolve: broadening the range of products we support, strengthening Ireland’s role in areas like retail participation, and supporting long-term investment growth.

The EU Presidency offers Ireland a unique platform to engage with European stakeholders, demonstrate the strength of its modern financial ecosystem, and align with wider EU ambitions. It is also an opportunity to shape policy direction while reinforcing Ireland’s position as a forward-looking, competitive financial centre.

Read the Business Post article.