Joseph Pinto, the CEO of M&G Investments, and Mike Tumilty the global COO of Aegon Asset Management, will share their insights into how the funds industry is upgrading its ‘tech stack’ to become fit for purpose in the 21st century.
The two leaders are among other senior asset management personalities involved in transformational change who pack the agenda for FundsTech Forum 2025, which is taking place in London on 29th April.
Organised by Funds Europe, this second annual event will address key technological advancements and operational strategies shaping the future of fund management.
Exploring the transformative power of tokenisation
A highlight of the forum is the panel called “The Transformative Power of Tokenisation” featuring Robert Crossley, head of digital assets and business advisory services at Franklin Templeton. Franklin Templeton has been at the forefront of integrating blockchain technology into fund management, exemplified by the firm’s 2021 launch of the Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund. The firm also recently launched the first Luxembourg-domiciled fund that is tokenised and regulated by the EU’s Ucits regulation.
The initiative demonstrated operational efficiencies through blockchain integration, including enhanced security and expedited transaction processing. Crossley will be joined by industry experts such as Bill Gourlay, managing director at Independent Consultants Network, and Olivier Fines, head of advocacy and capital markets policy research at CFA Institute, to discuss the current state and future prospects of tokenisation in asset management.
AI: Your Next Best Colleague?
Will AI emerge as your most supportive colleague, or will it replace you? Artificial Intelligence continues to offer revolutionary potential in asset management, and the Forum’s panel “AI as Your Next Best Colleague?” will delve into this evolution.
Siobhan Clarke, chief investment operations officer at Royal London Asset Management, and Ben Bobroff, global head of digital solutions consulting at Northern Trust, will explore practical applications of AI, from automation to predictive analytics. The discussion will address the cultural and operational shifts necessary for effective AI adoption and consider the trustworthiness of AI for processes beyond merely summarising meeting notes.
Navigating Regulation in a Web3 World
As digital innovation accelerates, regulatory frameworks must adapt accordingly. John Allan, head of innovation and operations unit at The Investment Association, will participate in the session “Navigating Regulation in a Web3 World”. This panel will examine how evolving regulations impact digital innovation in asset management, discussing initiatives like regulatory sandboxes and their real-world implications.
Allan’s extensive experience in policy development related to technological change, including distributed ledger technology and AI, positions him to provide valuable insights into the intersection of regulation and innovation.
Bridging the Gap Between COOs and CTOs
Effective collaboration between chief operating officers and chief technology officers is crucial for successful digital transformation. The panel “Bridging the Gap – How Best to Foster Alignment Between the Business” will feature veteran COO Davina Goodall-Smith in a discussion with CTOs about the transition from legacy systems to modern, data-driven architecture. The discussion will focus on strategies for building board-level buy-in, creating shared accountability, and leading organisation-wide change to align technology and operational strategies
effectively.
Keynote Interview with Joseph Pinto
A centrepiece of the forum is the keynote interview with Joseph Pinto. With three decades of experience in asset management and financial services, Pinto will share his perspectives on digital transformation, operational efficiencies, and the broader technological changes influencing the asset management landscape. His insights will provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future direction
of the industry.
The FundsTech Forum 2025 offers a unique opportunity for professionals in asset management and asset servicing to engage with industry leaders, gain insights into technological advancements, and explore strategies for navigating the evolving financial landscape.
