Irish Funds Emerging Tech and Innovation Speaker Series – Unlocking AI's Potential in the Irish Funds Sector

The inaugural session of the Irish Funds Emerging Tech & Innovation Speaker Series 2025, held at the Carne Group offices in Dublin, shared insights in exploring the transformative role of AI in the Irish Funds sector. The event brought together industry leaders, technology experts, and key stakeholders to discuss the critical elements necessary for successful AI implementation.

The evening commenced with a compelling keynote address by Rebecca Keenan, an esteemed and award-winning technology leader from Expleo Group. Her insights set the stage for a dynamic and practical discussion, expertly moderated by Siobhan Noble of Carne and introduced by Des Fullam from the Irish Funds Council.

The discussion focused on several pivotal considerations in implementing use cases:

1. Data Integrity: Emphasised as the backbone of successful AI implementation, ensuring that data is accurate, consistent, and reliable.

2. Leadership Buy-In: Highlighted the importance of securing commitment and support from organisational leaders to drive AI initiatives forward. The cost of implementation will be high, so demonstrating return on investment is crucial for leadership buy in.

3. Change Management: Addressed the need for effective strategies to manage the transition and adoption of AI technologies within organisations.

4. Technology Upskilling: Stressed the necessity of continuous learning and development to keep pace with technological advancements.

A key takeaway from the event was the value of multidisciplinary teams. The collaboration between business and technology professionals is essential to unlocking the true potential of AI. This approach ensures that AI solutions are not only technically sound but also aligned with business objectives and operational realities.

The panel discussion featured insights from industry experts, including Neil D'Rosario of Northern Trust, Marie Taylor-Ghent of PwC, and Carlo Salizzo of Matheson LLP. Their contributions, along with the support of the IF Emerging Tech and Innovation working group, including Chair Paul Burke FCCA of Waystone and Irish Funds lead Ruth Fairclough, underscored the collective effort required to drive innovation in the sector.

As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with AI, it is crucial to embrace these insights and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. The Irish Funds Emerging Tech & Innovation Speaker Series serves as a platform to share knowledge, inspire innovation, and shape the future of the Irish Funds sector.