Irish Funds Joins Industry Discussion on the Future of Financial Services in Cork

Irish Funds was pleased to contribute to an engaging and timely discussion at Funds Academy’s “The 2026 Financial Services Landscape Unpacked”, co-hosted by Funds Academy and Matheson in Cork.

The event brought together industry leaders to examine the forces reshaping the future of financial services and the evolving landscape for Ireland’s funds and asset management industry.

Brian McCabe, Director of Data & Insights at Irish Funds, shared perspectives drawn from member engagement and industry research, highlighting how firms are balancing immediate operational priorities with long-term transformation and innovation.

Discussions throughout the morning explored several key themes, including:

• The growing role of AI and emerging technologies across financial services business models

• Balancing transformation initiatives with operational resilience

• The relationship between innovation, regulation, talent and international competitiveness

• Enhancing existing operating models while preparing for future opportunities

• Strengthening Ireland’s position as a leading international funds centre

These themes continued into a lively panel discussion on the Financial Services Landscape in 2026, expertly moderated by Grainne Callanan. The panel featured contributions from Shay Lydon, Chair of the Capability & Innovation Steering Group at Irish Funds, alongside Karen Reynolds, Raphael Clancy and Sara Ross, with opening and closing remarks delivered by Críona Fitzgerald.

Irish Funds extends its thanks to Funds Academy and Matheson for convening an insightful and forward-looking discussion.