Irish Funds Emerging Tech & Innovation Speaker Series: The Regional Hills are Alive at the Sound of Innovation

The Trip to Tipp made its return in a new format as the latest edition of the Emerging Tech & Innovation Speaker Series, hosted by Waystone at their Cashel office, focusing on the theme of 'Spotlight on Regional Innovation.'

The event was opened by the Emerging Tech and Innovation Working Group, with Chair Paul Burke presenting the Indecon Economic Impact Report. He highlighted the profile of the funds and asset management sector, its economic footprint, and its significant contribution to the Irish economy. A key focus was the regional distribution of direct employment, with nearly 50% of the industry’s workforce located outside of Dublin.

Two strong and interactive panels followed:

• Supporting Regional Innovation: moderated by John Casey (Funds Academy / SETU), with panellist Sarah Wallace (Waystone), Pat O’Donnell (State Street) and Conall Dee (IDA Ireland).

• Used Cases of Innovation – AML / KYC: moderated by Caroline Jones (Waystone), with panellist Rory Doyle (Fenergo), Aisling Feehan (Waystone) and Brian R Kennedy (Expleo Group).

Innovation across regional offices continues to play a vital role in enhancing delivery and client service, while also supporting visibility, culture, and talent retention. Key themes included the development of Centres of Excellence and regional hubs, particularly in areas such as Cyber Security.

Speakers explored how innovative practices and emerging technologies are being leveraged to drive enterprise development across Ireland’s regions. The discussion included an overview of the support provided by the IDA to companies pursuing operational transformation through continuous innovation and digitalisation.

The panel also highlighted specific use cases where advanced technologies have been adopted to enhance business performance and fuel growth. This included an update on the Central Bank of Ireland’s Innovation Sandbox Programme, particularly the new AML and KYC processes being trialled.

Real-world scenarios were shared to illustrate efforts in combating financial crime, emphasising the importance of staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats. As one speaker noted, with bad actors rapidly adopting new technologies, the challenge can often feel like a game of 'whack-a-mole.' Looking ahead on the AML horizon, EU’s Article 75 was signposted, including its aim to facilitate innovation and enhance cross-sector and cross-border information sharing through dedicated partnerships.

Collaboration within the funds and asset management industry will remain a driving force—locally, nationally, and globally.