Irish Funds Conference Online Magazine 2025

In conjunction with the Irish Funds Annual Global Funds Conference on Thursday, 21 May we have published an Annual Conference Online Magazine 2025 exploring key developments and trends shaping the funds and asset management industry in Ireland. Get insights on topics such as the private funds landscape, the updated ELTIF 2.0 framework, the continued growth of ETFs and the transition to the T+1 settlement cycle.

Articles are for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide legal, tax, accounting, investment, financial or other professional advice on any matter, and are not to be used as such.

Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Retail Investor Participation in Ireland through the SIU

Liam O'Mahony and Patrick Farrell / PwC

Liam O'Mahony and Patrick Farrell (PwC) discuss the Savings and Investments Union (SIU) and its strategies to boost retail investor participation in Ireland. They address barriers such as financial literacy, technological adoption, and regulatory challenges, highlighting the potential benefits of increased investment in capital markets for both individual investors and the broader economy.

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Ireland's Private Funds Landscape: A New Era of Growth and Opportunity

Claire Winrow and Michael Dyulgerov / Walkers

Claire Winrow and Michael Dyulgerov (Walkers) delve into the dynamic rise of private assets—spanning private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate—which have surged from US$9.7 trillion in 2012 to an estimated US$24.4 trillion by the end of 2023. This explosive growth reflects a global shift in investor appetite, driven by the pursuit of higher returns and the increasing accessibility of private markets through innovations like semi-liquid funds.

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ELTIF 2.0 – A Widening Investment Spectrum for Retail and Institutional Investors

Keith Milne / Universal Investment Ireland

Since the introduction of the revised ELTIF 2.0 framework in early 2024, the European investment landscape has seen a notable shift. Keith Milne highlights that the growing number of ELTIF registrations — including 13 now domiciled in Ireland — signals the regulation’s effectiveness in broadening access to long-term investment opportunities for both retail and institutional investors. This momentum also reinforces Ireland’s rising stature as a key hub for fund domiciliation in Europe.

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The Imminent Roll-out of a T+1 Settlement Regime in the EU

Kamel Torki and Eric Derobert / CACEIS

Kamel Torki and Eric Derobert (CACEIS) discuss how the EU and the UK have recently set deadlines for adopting a T+1 settlement cycle to align with other global financial markets. This shift promises to enhance market efficiency, reduce systemic risk, and bolster the EU's competitiveness on the global stage.

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Rolling out the Green Carpet: Reflections on a year in the Irish Funds industry

Lloyd Collier / JTC Group

In this Q&A, Lloyd Collier reflects on the past year in Ireland, highlighting the country's unique combination of talent, supportive community, and innovative fund structures like the ICAV and ILP. He underscores Ireland’s growing appeal as a global financial hub, driven by its collaborative culture, strong regulatory framework, and promising future for industry growth and talent development.

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25 Years of ETFs in Europe: Ireland's Leadership and Vision for the Future

Ken Shaw / State Street

Europe’s ETF market is undergoing a new wave of transformation. Ken Shaw (State Street) explains how the region is evolving, and what this means for the future of the industry in Ireland.

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Transforming Reporting in Asset Management: Digital reporting

James Dunne / KPMG

James Dunne (KPMG) highlights the importance of modernising fund reporting processes in the AM industry and showcases the innovative solutions available. By addressing the challenges and leveraging advanced technology, AM firms can achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in their reporting practices.

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Positioning for Growth: Why Private Asset Managers are Turning to Ireland

Paul Griffith / IQ-EQ

Paul Griffith (IQ-EQ) discusses how Ireland is establishing itself as a leading European centre for private asset funds, supported by investor-ready fund structures, a stable regulatory environment, and a highly experienced and effective financial ecosystem. In Ireland, private asset managers have a compelling alternative for achieving growth in the EU.

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Passive is Massive

Patrick O'Brien / Carne

As the European ETF market turns 25 this year, Patrick O’Brien (Carne), uncovers the drivers behind the ETF growth story in Europe and how passive went massive.

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Behind the Pitch: Lessons Learned for Asset Managers in Private Market Success

Karine Litou / BNP Paribas

Karine Litou (BNP Paribas) delves into private markets which have been one of the asset management industry’s big success stories over the past two decades. And while the ultra-low interest rate environment that fuelled much of the growth may be over, the incentives for generalist asset managers to diversify into or expand their presence in private markets are only getting stronger.

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The Active ETF State of Play: A Worldview of the Growing Trend

J.P. Morgan /

Explore the evolution and current landscape of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), and the rise of actively managed ETFs. Initially introduced in North America in the early 1990s as passive, index-tracking vehicles, ETFs have evolved through several phases. By 2025, the ETF market has reached a new stage, offering complex portfolios with sophisticated instruments.

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All Aboard the Train Bound for T+1 - Next Stop October 2027

Matthew Cherrill, Amanda Hale and Marcello Topa / Citi

On 11 October 2027, the financial markets of the European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK), and Switzerland and Liechtenstein, will, or are considering moving to a T+1 settlement cycle, bringing them into line with other financial centres that have already commenced or completed the move. Matthew Cherrill, Amanda Hale and Marcello Topa (Citi) considers each of these proposals in more detail in terms of background leading up to the proposals, suggested approaches, along with actions still to be taken.

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