Irish Funds ETF Event in the European Parliament: Ireland’s Leadership in European ETFs and Supporting the EU Savings and Investment Union

The Irish Funds ETF Lunch, held yesterday, 4 November, in the European Parliament and kindly hosted by Regina Doherty MEP, marked a dynamic and forward-looking exchange of ideas between policymakers and industry leaders.

The event focused on the continued growth of Europe’s exchange-traded fund (ETF) market, Ireland’s strategic leadership in the sector, and the role of ETFs in advancing the Savings and Investments Union (SIU).

Irish Funds was delighted to welcome Kinga Kollár MEP and Michael Hadjipantela MEP from the Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) Committee, alongside Hélène Bussières and Mairéad McGuinness from the European Commission’s Asset Management Unit. The session also saw participation from financial attachés representing 12 EU Member States and senior executives from across the asset management industry.

Key Discussion Highlights

The discussion, led by Brian Higgins, Ciarán Fitzpatrick, and Henry Glynn, explored:

• The continued growth and evolution of the EU ETF market

• Ireland’s leadership position within the sector

• The role of ETFs in strengthening the Savings and Investments Union

Hélène Bussières gave some valuable insights into the European Commission’s upcoming initiatives, including priorities under the Market Integration Package and the planned 2026 consultation on UCITS eligible assets. Her contributions provided participants with a clear view of the policy landscape shaping the future of ETFs.

Participants also engaged in a lively exchange on key topics including:

• Innovation and accessibility in the ETF market

• Removing remaining cross-border barriers within the EU

• The benefits of a consolidated tape for transparency

• The implications of T+1 settlement and other regulatory developments

Ireland’s Leadership in the European ETF Landscape

With 74% of Europe’s ETF assets domiciled in Ireland, the country continues to serve as a cornerstone of the European ETF market. Irish Funds remains committed to providing thought leadership and working collaboratively with EU policymakers to support the sustainable growth of this vital investment vehicle.

The ETF Lunch is part of Irish Funds’ broader engagement with EU institutions and stakeholders, reinforcing its role in shaping the future of European capital markets and contributing to the goals of the Savings and Investments Union.