Dublin, Wednesday, 31st January 2018 – An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD, today opened the European Financial Forum at Dublin Castle marking the third year of the Forum bringing together international and Irish financial industry leaders from banking, finance, insurance, regulation, fintech and asset management to discuss the pressing issues surrounding European finance.
Keynote speakers joining the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe TD, includes Valdis Dombrovskis the current European Commissioner for the Euro and Social Dialogue as well as Vice-President of the European Commission, along with the Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, Professor Philip Lane; President of Morgan Stanley, Colm Kelleher; Global Head of BlackRock Infrastructure Investment Group, Jim Barry; and Global Strategic Advisor and Managing Director of PIMCO New York, Richard Clarida.
The event which is presented by the Financial Times in partnership with IDA Ireland provides an opportunity for IDA Ireland to engage with potential and existing clients in the International Financial Services sector.
The Forum provides an opportunity for leading international and Irish decision-makers to share insights, ideas and expertise on key topics such as Brexit, the future of financial services in Europe, regulation and monetary policies in a complex new world, where digital disruption is the ‘new normal.'
An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD said “Ireland is one of the most globalised and open economies in the world. So, more than most, we need to ensure we are up-to-date with emerging economic, social and technological developments. This, the third annual European Financial Forum, provides us with a valuable opportunity to explore emerging trends in the European and Irish financial systems.
“The Government has a vision for an Ireland that is ambitious and outward looking, providing opportunities for all our citizens. This includes keeping our economy on a sound footing; investing significantly in infrastructure; raising living standards in a sustainable way; achieving full employment and taking our place among the nations of the world. Ireland is now the EU’s fourth largest exporter of financial services and a number of leading financial services companies have already chosen Ireland as their preferred location for Brexit-related activities. Today we will explore how we can grow this further in the years ahead.”
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe TD Said “The diversity of speakers at the EFF provide valuable insights into the key challenges and opportunities facing international financial services – I am confident that Ireland is well-placed to meet these challenges and benefit from these opportunities to build upon our achievements to date”.
Minister of State for Financial Services and Insurance Michael D’Arcy TD said "The EFF showcases the flexible and competitive talent pool and cutting-edge offering that Ireland provides for firms seeking to develop and grow their business. The Government's 2018 Action Plan for international financial services, which I launched at the Forum, ensures that we can capitalise on emerging areas such as FinTech and Sustainable Finance while maintaining our competiveness in specialised sectors such as Aviation Financing and Funds Management for which Ireland continues to be a key European location of choice”.
Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys TD said, “I look forward to attending this third renewal of the European Financial Forum, an event, which like Ireland’s International Financial Services Sector continues to grow from strength to strength. The Forum provides an excellent focal point for the Industry and assists Ireland to showcase its highly attractive offering to the global Financial Services Industry.”
Martin Shanahan, Chief Executive of IDA Ireland said “The Financial Services ecosystem in Ireland has developed an enviable global reputation as a recognised location for a wide range of international Banking activities. With more than 80 leading global banks, including 20 of the world’s top 25 Financial Service Companies based here. The European Financial Forum is a key platform for industry leaders to discuss and debate how they see the industry transforming and how they adapt to these challenges.”
Information the speakers and theme of the Forum are available at: FT European Financial Forum
31/01/2018
Ireland
