Funds Congress Agenda 2025
Attention: This event is by invitation only; attendees must have registered in order to attend Funds Congress.
Get ready for a day full of thought-provoking discussions and expert insights as we explore the future of asset management at Funds Congress, focusing on the key themes that will shape the year ahead.
Hear from CEOs, CIOs, regulators, politicians and other key decision-makers. Network with peers and learn what others are doing to prepare.
8:15 am Registration Opens
8:15 am | Registration Opens
Arrive early to network with fellow industry professionals and enjoy light refreshments while preparing for an insightful day of expert discussions.
9:00 am | Welcome
Renowned broadcaster Kirsty Wark will moderate the day, setting the tone for a dynamic exploration of asset management.
9:00 am State of the Industry
9:00 am | Welcome & Host Perspectives
Kick off the conference with perspectives from the hosts featuring industry leaders from Carne, Dechert, and PwC. Our speakers will set the stage by sharing their insights on the current industry, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities that will shape discussions throughout the event.
Moderator:
9:20 am | Keynote: Investing Optimally in a Noisy Political Year
President Trump’s return to the White House brings a lot of policy uncertainty, on top of the tectonic shifts already underway from other forces such as the proliferation of new technologies. In this keynote, Karen will describe the likely path ahead and highlight key investment ideas to avoid the pitfalls and make the most of the year ahead.
9:40 am | Panel: Shaping the Future: CEO Insights on Trends Transforming Asset Management in 2025 and Beyond
Join leading asset management CEOs as they explore the pivotal trends and innovations poised to transform the industry in 2025 and beyond. This panel will offer valuable insights into strategic priorities, market dynamics, and technological advancements, providing actionable takeaways for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.
10:25 am | Keynote: UK and Geopolitical Outlook
What should we expect from UK politics in 2025, and how will the UK be impacted by geopolitical events?
10:45 am | Coffee Break
11:15 am Global Regulatory Outlook
11:15 am | Panel: Regulatory Horizon: Key Themes for 2025
Representatives from regulators including ESMA, the FCA, the CBI and the CSSF discuss the most significant regulatory themes relating to the asset management industry in 2025 and beyond. This panel will provide critical insights into upcoming compliance challenges and opportunities, equipping industry professionals with the knowledge to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.
Moderator:
Panel:
12:00 pm | Fireside Chat: Navigating Life’s Twists and Turns
12:45 pm | Lunch Break
1:45 pm Super Evolution of the Industry
1:45 pm | Fireside Chat: Growth Agenda
2:05 pm | Panel: Business Model Reinvention: Thriving in the Age of Technological Disruption and Market Evolution
With disruptive technologies reshaping the asset management industry and competitive pressures intensifying, firms must rethink their value propositions, operating models, and approach to innovation to stay ahead.
This panel will explore:
- Creating value in a disrupted market
- Harnessing the power of disruptive technologies including Gen AI
- Responding to shifts in customer engagement
- Adapting to changing ecosystems and operating models
Gain actionable insights and strategies to help your firm adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape
2:45 pm | Panel: Product: Industry Perspectives on the Trends and Opportunities in the Year Ahead
Asset owners, advisors, and managers come together to share their insights on the industry trends, challenges and opportunities they are focused on in 2025. What do asset owners want? What advice are asset advisors giving? How are asset managers meeting this demand? Topics covered will include the democratisation of assets, product development, distribution, technology and AI.
3:25 pm | Coffee Break
3:55 pm | Panel: Structured Credit in Fund Raising and Rated Debt Financing
This panel will delve into the growing trend of rated note fund structures for optimised capital raising from insurance companies, as well as structures which can be utilised to lever investments in funds through issuance of rated credit instruments to insurers and other non-bank lenders. The discussion will cover rating considerations, features of these structures and other key regulatory matters.
Moderator:
4:35 pm | Sarah Smith and Justin Webb from Americast Unpack the New U.S. Administration’s Political Agenda Followed by Q&A
Sarah Smith (Americast & North America Editor) and Justin Webb (Americast & Today Presenter) will dive into what’s next for U.S. politics and its global impact and analyse how the new administration’s priorities will reshape America and the world.
5:15 pm | Wrap Up
Moderator:
5:30 pm Networking Drinks Reception
Networking Drinks Reception
Speaker Spotlight
Gavin Curran
Gavin Curran was appointed as Head of the Funds Supervision Division at the Central Bank of Ireland in January 2025. Prior to that he was Head[…]
Learn moreMatthew Beesley
Matthew Beesley was appointed Chief Executive of Jupiter on 1 October 2022 having joined Jupiter as Chief Investment Officer in January 2022. With nearly 25 years[…]
Learn moreSarah Smith
Former Sunday Politics presenter, Sarah Smith is the BBC’s North America Editor. Previously she was the organisation’s inaugural Scotland Editor and played a leading role in[…]
Learn morePlan Your Visit
Prepare for your time at Funds Congress. Find all the essential information you need, from travel tips to accommodation options.