Irish Funds, the industry body, launched its annual conference today with a dual cannon salute for Ireland’s status as a Brexit alternative and for its links with China.
Enda Kenny, Ireland’s Taoiseach, spoke of “Brexit uncertainties” in a keynote speech and the conference simultaneously welcomed the first ever delegation of Chinese asset managers to the country.
“With the challenges and uncertainties surrounding Brexit, Ireland’s experience providing solutions to asset managers for over 25 years on a global stage is key to our continued growth,” Taoiseach Kenny said.
The Taoiseach promoted a guidebook for Chinese asset managers as the conference welcomed firms such as Haitong Securities, China Asset Management, China Southern Asset Management and GF Asset Management.
“The continuing development of closer ties with partners around the world is evidenced by the launch of the new guidebook and the Chinese industry delegation present today,” the Taoiseach said.
Hong Lei, chairman at the Asset Management Association of China, said the guidebook – called ‘Ireland: A Guidebook for Chinese Asset Managers’ – had valuable information for Chinese firms that were considering putting European funds in Ireland.
“We look forward to further developing our relationship with the Irish funds industry,” the chairman said.
Pat Lardner, chief executive at Irish Funds, said Ireland held about 5% of worldwide investment funds and provided a full range of services that enable full market access to the EU.
Irish Funds said it had reached a number of important growth milestones during the past year such as administering €4.1 trillion in assets on behalf of 887 global investment managers.
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