On the Road: Irish Funds Emerging Tech & Innovation Speaker Series

Irish Funds was in Cork last week for our Emerging Tech & Innovation Speaker Series, held at Munster Technological University (MTU) in collaboration with Funds Academy.ie and supported by Cork Chamber and Connecting Cork. This seminar, titled "Fostering Fintech Innovation in Funds and Financial Services," served as a pivotal forum for thought leaders and industry pioneers to explore the transformative impact of fintech on the future of Ireland's financial services, fund, and asset management sectors.

Highlights and Insights

1. Collaboration is Key: The event underscored the importance of collaboration within Ireland's vibrant financial services and tech ecosystem. Leveraging this dynamic environment is crucial for fostering innovation.

2. Extensive Support Mechanisms: The Central Bank of Ireland's Innovation Hub, along with the programmes and funding from IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, offer extensive and accessible support for fintech innovation.

Moderators & Speakers

• Shane Mulcahy, Senior Manager Strategy and Consulting, Accenture

• Frank Carley , Senior Vice President, FSR/RR Technology Solutions at Citco Fund Services

• Aisling O'Mahony, Project Manager, Funds Academy (MTU)

• Karl Aherne, Managing Director, Innovation and Ventures, Fexco

• Fiona Charles, Head of PremFina Ireland

• John Redmond, Product Owner, Citco Document Intelligence, The Citco Group Limited

• David Tighe, Innovation Strategy Manager, Innovation Hub, Central Bank of Ireland

• Patrick Doyle, South West Regional Manager, IDA Ireland

• Bernie Neville, Senior Development Advisor, Enterprise Ireland

Their perspectives and experiences were invaluable in fostering discussions on the role of fintech innovation within the Munster region, the support mechanisms available for growth in this sector, and the disruptive technologies reshaping financial services.

Regionalisation

This event underscored our dedication to regional initiatives, showcasing the broader Munster region as a hub for fintech innovation and growth. It also emphasised the importance of collaboration in driving regional development and highlighted the significant role the funds and asset management industry plays across the country

Community Engagement - Coffee and Walk

Our Irish Funds member engagement working group was also delighted to take the opportunity to host our South West Coffee and Walk on such a sunny afternoon. Thanks to Aislinn O'Keeffe for organising and our fellow colleagues Ed Flannery, Al Devine, John Casey and all the participants on the day.

Thanks

A note of thanks to our hosts and supporters; Funds Academy, Technology Enhanced Learning at MTU, MTU Innovation and Enterprise/MTU Student Hub for Entrepreneurial Development, Connecting Cork, and Tech Industry Alliance.

Stay tuned for more updates on our upcoming events and initiatives!