The Funds Academy (a HCI Pillar 3 joint initiative by Munster Technological University (MTU) and South East Technological University (SETU) hosted their second annual conference around the Future of Funds on Wednesday 24th April in the picturesque surroundings of Hotel Minella in Clonmel, Tipperary. The packed agenda focused on providing a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, with the aim of shaping the future of the industry.
The event organised by the Funds Academy in partnership with its executive Masters in Investment Fund Administration students from MTU and SETU saw a gathering of funds professionals, thought leaders, and innovators from across the Southwest and Southeast of Ireland. Panel sessions and presentations explored the evolving landscape of fund management, offering strategic guidance and actionable insights to an attentive audience.
Expert-led panel discussions explored a wide range of topics, including Irish Funds Leadership: Adapting for the Future, The S and G of the Irish Funds Industry: Diversifying Our Talent Pipeline, and a focus on regulatory changes in the industry and the impact of these across the sector. Attendees gained valuable insights from diverse perspectives and practical experience including senior leaders from Waystone, State Street, KPMG, BNY Mellon, MTU, Grant Thornton, and Irish Funds, and panels were moderated by current executive Masters in Investment Fund Administration students.
A comprehensive and enlightening update was delivered by Brian Corr from the Department of Finance on their work achieved to date on the review of Ireland’s funds sector, Funds Sector 2030: A Framework for Open, Resilient & Developing Markets.
Attendees utilised the valuable opportunities at the networking breaks to participate in lively discussions and shared learning between current students, peers, business leaders, experienced academics, industry experts, and potential partners.
An uplifting finish was provided by Gus Kearney, founder, and chairman of SEPAM group an expert, global engineering, and project management firm, who told his compelling story of his time in business and telling the story of his own experience of starting, struggling, striving and thriving in another transforming industry, advising the crowd to “Stay steady and committed, and don’t be phased by the ups and downs”.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of the ‘It’s Fundamental Conference: Shaping the Future of Funds’,” said John Casey, SETU project lead of the Funds Academy. “The enthusiasm and engagement from attendees reaffirm the importance of events like these in driving innovation and shaping the future of the funds industry.”
For those who missed out on the event, highlights and insights will be shared on the Funds Academy website and social media channels in the coming days. Get in touch for opportunities to collaborate or attend future events!
About the Funds Academy
The Academy was established by Munster Technological University (MTU) and South East Technological University (SETU) to promote executive education and development within the investment fund industry. We deliver an executive Masters in Investment Fund Administration, Certificate in Regulated Investment Funds for new entrants to the fund’s industry, and have recently added micro-credentials to our suite of educational offerings to facilitate a flexible approach to upskilling in the world of investment fund education.
To help those deciding on their career, we promote the investment fund administration sector as a career option for undergraduates. We aspire to impact the national discourse on investment fund education and to develop expertise in executive education and development in the investment fund sector.
For more information please visit the www.fundsacademy.ie
