Munster Technological University (MTU) hosted the Irish Funds Emerging Tech & Innovation Speaker Series at its Bishopstown Campus earlier this week.

The event titled Foster Fintech Innovation in Funds and Financial Services featured thought leaders from Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, the Central Bank of Ireland Engagement Hub, and more.

The event, also supported by MTU Enterprise Hub and Cork Chamber, explored how technological advancements are reshaping the funds and financial services landscape, the challenges encountered, and the many emerging opportunities.

Now in its second year, the event highlights the growing importance of collaboration between academia and industry, reflecting the government’s emphasis on maintaining Ireland’s leading position in asset management and fund servicing.

In 2023, then Minister for Finance Michael McGrath announced a Review of the Funds Sector, resulting in the Funds Sector 2030 framework.

Among its recommendations were calls to leverage industry expertise to drive technological innovation and to ensure policymakers and regulators have a clear understanding of emerging fintech applications within the sector.

The speakers included Karl Aherne, managing director of innovation and ventures at Fexco; Fiona Charles, head of PremaFina Ireland; John Redmond, product owner, Citco Document Intelligence, Citco; David Tighe, innovation strategy manager, of the CBI Innovation Hub; Patrick Doyle, south west regional manager, IDA Ireland; and Bernie Neville, senior development advisor, Enterprise Ireland.

Commenting on the event, Aisling O Mahony, Funds Academy, MTU said: “We are absolutely delighted to have collaborated with Irish Funds to bring this event to Cork for the second year in a row.

"The financial services, funds and fintech sector in this region is thriving as the industry undergoes digital transformation at both a national and regional level.

"We are delighted to act as a conduit to bring the funds sector and academia together through our Funds Academy project, events and bespoke programme offerings."

Frank Carley, Irish Funds added: “We were delighted with the success of today’s Irish Funds Emerging Tech & Innovation Speaker Series event held in MTU in collaboration with the Funds Academy.

"This is the second consecutive year hosting one of the Irish Funds Speaker Series events in MTU and the large attendance on the day further highlights the value of showcasing regional events.

"Today’s event provided a spotlight on the theme of innovation across the Financial Services, Funds and Fintech sector.

"We greatly appreciate the expert analysis and insights provided on the day by both our industry and stakeholder panels.”

The Funds Academy was established by MTU and South East Technological University in March 2021, with Higher Education Authority's HCI Pillar 3 funding, to promote executive education and development within the fund industry.

Photo: Pictured are David Tighe (Innovation Strategy Manager, CBI Innovation Hub, Central Bank of Ireland), Bernie Neville (Senior Development Advisor, Enterprise Ireland), John Redmond (Product Owner, Citco Document Intelligence, Citco), Patrick Doyle (South West Regional Manager, IDA Ireland), Karl Aherne (Managing Director, Innovation and Ventures, Fexco), and Fiona Charles (Head of PremFina Ireland). (Pic: Joleen Cronin)