Irish Funds Future Leaders Event Focused on Women in Finance Charter

Irish Funds was delighted to welcome a strong turnout to its second Future Leaders event of 2026, kindly hosted by KPMG, which focused on advancing female representation across financial services and the continued impact of Ireland’s Women in Finance Charter.

The event brought together industry professionals for an evening of discussion, insight and networking, highlighting the importance of collaboration, shared learning and meaningful connections in shaping the future of Ireland’s financial services sector.

The evening opened with remarks from Sophie Moore, Dillon Eustace, who introduced the session’s focus on Ireland’s Women in Finance Charter and the “Give to Gain” theme. She highlighted the importance of continuing to drive progress in female representation across the industry.

Attendees then heard from Helen Russell of the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), who presented key findings from the latest ESRI research on female representation in financial services. Her presentation explored current data, emerging trends and the factors contributing to meaningful progress across the sector.

This was followed by a panel discussion titled “Moving the Dial”, moderated by Derbhil O'Riordan, Dillon Eustace. The discussion examined practical strategies firms are implementing to improve female representation, while also addressing ongoing challenges and the actions needed to support further progress.

The panel featured:

• Pauline Plunkett, L&G Asset Management

• Claire Power, KPMG

• Anne Keys, The Panel

• John Weedle, HSBC Ireland

Closing remarks from Jessica Feary, KPMG, reinforced the importance of supporting the next generation of industry leaders and fostering networks that will help shape the future of Ireland’s funds and asset management industry.

The evening concluded with a drinks reception, providing attendees with the opportunity to continue conversations and build new professional connections.

Irish Funds extends its sincere thanks to KPMG for hosting the event, as well as to all speakers, panellists and attendees for contributing valuable insights and energy throughout the evening.

Ireland’s Women in Finance Charter continues to play a vital role in supporting a more inclusive and representative financial services industry for current and future generations. Irish Funds is proud to champion the initiative in partnership with Banking & Payments Federation Ireland, Financial Services Ireland and Insurance Ireland.

Members interested in becoming signatories to the Women in Finance Charter are encouraged to contact womeninfinance@irishfunds.ie or connect with Jennifer Reilly for further information.