Ireland hosts international investment funds industry leaders as global fund assets reach over €70 trillion

• Ireland is the 3rd largest location globally for regulated investment funds and 2nd largest in EU

• Key role of industry for economic growth, savings for retirement, and green and digital transitions were at the fore

Dublin, 9 October 2024 – The 37th Annual Conference of the International Investment Funds Association (IIFA) was held in Dublin this week.  Representatives from 25 associations, representing 97% of global investment fund assets, attended the event which included contributions from regulators, policy makers and industry leaders.

Leaders from investment fund associations across the world gathered in Dublin, Ireland this week to reflect on the increasing role and importance of investment funds and to discuss the shared opportunities and challenges facing the industry globally.

Global investment fund assets now total €70.6 trillion.  The funds and asset management industry plays a key role in helping citizens to make financial provision for their futures as well as channelling investment capital into economies to address changing demographics and the transitions linked to climate and an increasingly digitalised world.

The delegates, gathering under the theme “Green Horizons / Global Connections” explored emerging regional developments in the policy and regulation governing the industry.  Contributions from experts in the fields of sustainability and artificial intelligence as well as discussions on the role of industry in supporting financial literacy and inclusion were amongst the topics explored by delegates.

Ireland’s minister for Finance, Jack Chambers, addressed the gathering on the evolution of Ireland’s fund sector to support global investing. Delegates also heard from Derville Rowland, Deputy Governor – Consumer and Investor Protection, Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), Verena Ross, Chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and John Berrigan, Director-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union, European Commission.

Pat Lardner, Chief Executive of Irish Funds, the hosts of this year’s conference said: “As proud members of the IIFA and the global investment fund community it is a great honour to host this year’s conference. Ireland plays a key role in the global funds and asset management industry. Our nation has long been a bridge between continents, fostering connections and collaborations that drive progress. We are delighted to continue this tradition by hosting such a diverse and talented group.”

Chris Cummings, IIFA Chair and Chief Executive of the UK’s Investment Association said; “In a time of considerable global change, this opportunity to bring our members together is extremely valuable. Collaboration and the ability to share knowledge is key to ensuring we continue to serve investors, especially in the dynamic world we live in today.”

About IIFA

The International Investment Funds Association (IIFA) is a global organization whose members are national and regional associations representing the investment funds (mutual funds) industry. In addition, certain IIFA members represent the broader fund ecosystem, such as distributors and asset managers. The current membership comprises 38 national associations and 2 regional associations which, collectively, have funds under management of EUR €70.6 trillion as of June 2024. 

For further information about IIFA, please visit https://iifa.ca/

About Irish Funds

The Irish Funds Industry Association (Irish Funds) is the voice of the funds and asset management industry in Ireland. Founded in 1991, Irish Funds works with its 150+ member firms to ensure that Ireland is the premier location to support global investing through its reputation for trust, capability and innovation.  Irish Funds’ members encompass every aspect of the chain of services that provide solutions to investors, including asset managers, custodians, fund administrators, professional advisors and providers of infrastructure and technology. With offices in Dublin and Brussels, Irish Funds is also an active member of both the European Fund and Asset Management Association and the International Investment Funds Association.

For further information about Irish Funds, please visit www.irishfunds.ie