Industry Insights 2026

Industry Insights 2026

Welcome to our thought leadership updates. We value participation by our member firms and if you have any feedback or are interested in contributing an article or idea, please contact us at newsletter@irishfunds.ie.

These pieces are for informational purposes only and it is recommended that professional advice is sought if conducting business in Ireland.

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Industry Insights: Ireland’s Evolution to an Outcomes-Focused Supervision of Sustainable Finance for Funds

Emmet Quish & Joe Mitchell / Walkers
In this member thought leadership piece, Emmet Quish and Joe Mitchell of Walkers, discuss how in 2026, Ireland's funds sector is evolving towards greater risk-based supervision for sustainable finance, shifting from broad principles to detailed enforcement.
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Industry Insights: Ireland and the Emerging ETF Market

Keith Milne & Barry Hurley / Universal Investment
In this article, Keith Milne and Barry Hurley of Universal Investment examine the continued rise of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), now the fastest-growing segment of the global asset management industry. Across Europe, adoption has accelerated significantly, driven by strong investor inflows, innovation in product design, and the rapid expansion of digital distribution channels. Within this evolving landscape, Ireland has emerged as the leading European hub, supporting the majority of ETF infrastructure across the continent.
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Industry Insights: Ireland: A Premier Hub for Private Equity Firms

Karl Cowman / IQ-EQ
In this article, Karl Cowman of IQ-EQ explores why Ireland has emerged as one of Europe’s most compelling jurisdictions for private equity managers. From tax-efficient and flexible fund structures to seamless EU market access, strong regulation, and a deep professional talent pool, Ireland offers a powerful platform for international fundraising and growth. For PE firms seeking scale, stability and strategic advantage in Europe, Ireland stands out as a clear choice.
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Industry Insights: The Quantum Advantage in Portfolio Optimisation

Ciaran Fennessy / Citi
In this member thought-leadership piece, Ciaran Fennessy of Citi examines how quantum computing is becoming increasingly relevant to modern portfolio construction, as the technology moves from theory toward practical application for asset managers.
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Industry Insights: Private Markets Need Better Plumbing

Dan Herlihy / Fund Recs
In this article, Fund Recs examines the rise of private assets from an operational perspective, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for service providers, and exploring how automated reconciliation and oversight technology is increasingly required to deliver scalability and regulatory comfort.