MTU hosts thought leaders
An event highlighting the growing importance of collaboration between academia and industry was held in Cork recently.
Last week, MTU Bishopstown Campus hosted the Irish Funds Emerging Tech & Innovation Speaker Series, titled Fostering Fintech Innovation in Funds and Financial Services.
The event brought together thought leaders from Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) Engagement Hub, and many more.
Supported by MTU Enterprise Hub and Cork Chamber, the event explored how technological advancements are reshaping the funds and financial services landscape, the challenges encountered, and the many emerging opportunities.
In 2023, then Minister for Finance Michael McGrath TD announced a Review of the Funds Sector, resulting in the Funds Sector 2030: A Framework for Open, Resilient and Developing Markets Final Report. 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.
Aisling O'Mahony, Funds Academy, MTU said: “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 of Irish Funds added: “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.”
Speakers at the event included: Karl Aherne, Managing Director, Innovation and Ventures, Fexco; Fiona Charles, Head of PremFina Ireland; John Redmond, Product Owner, Citco Document Intelligence, Citco; David Tighe, Innovation Strategy Manager, CBI Innovation Hub, Central Bank of Ireland; Patrick Doyle, South West Regional Manager, IDA Ireland and Bernie Neville, Senior Development Advisor, Enterprise Ireland.
The Funds Academy was established by MTU and South East Technological University (SETU) in March 2021, with the Higher Education Authority's HCI Pillar 3 funding, to promote executive education and development within the fund industry. For more information about the Funds Academy, visit fundsacademy.ie.
The Irish Funds FinTech Speaker Series is an engaging platform that brings together experts, innovators, and thought leaders in the financial technology industry. Irish Funds is the representative body for the international investment fund and asset management community in Ireland.