As we come to the end of 2019, I would like to wish all our members and particularly overseas members, who have recently
taken up positions here in Ireland, a very Happy Christmas.
2019 was a stand-out year for CISI in Ireland. A key topic which our members asked that we focus on was on the area of
culture. The increased interest in this area is evidenced by a significant increase in demand for its Ethics and
Integrity workshops. These now form an integral part of many companies training and development programmes.
There was standing room only when we welcomed the Central Bank for two presentations on ‘Are you Fit & Proper’ with
Deirdre Norris and
Rebecca Coyle. This was followed in September with
Brenda
O’Neill, Head of Division, Securities and
Markets Supervision Directorate presenting on the topic of Wholesale Market Conduct.
Particular highlights during this year were having
John Moran, former Secretary General of the
Department of Finance
giving a very timely presentation on ‘Time to move on from Brexit - Repositioning Ireland in an Increasingly Divided EU
27’, which followed the European elections. This was again a fully booked event.
A seminar on the future of Absolute Return Funds with an excellent panel of speakers from Aberdeen Standard, BlackRock,
GillenMarkets and Clarus Investments ensured a very lively debate and contrasting views. An update on the pensions
industry by
George Nolan from New Ireland in the light of the decision to roll out auto enrolment met
with considerable
interest.
Copies of these presentations are available in the CPD archives when you log in to MYCISI. For 2020, we have put
together a series of events on such diverse and thought provoking topics as
- The Future of Asset Management- Do asset managers have a future?
- The Inexorable rise of ETFs- Any hidden dangers?
- ESG Common Mistakes
- Business and ethics-The Regulator’s perspective
These will include speakers from the Central Bank, SSGA, Lion Trust and Blackrock. Details of these events will be
posted on the CISI Ireland
webpage.
To ensure that CISI continues to meet and evolve with members’ needs I would ask you to complete the survey below. It
will take just a few moments of your time and will help ensure that your voice is both heard and listened to.
On a personal note, I would also like to thank the members of our National Advisory Council, whose contribution has
proved invaluable and whose commitment is very much appreciated. I would also like to thank
Deirdre Heffernan, Ireland
manager for CISI, for her tireless work throughout the year.
Deirdre is happy to discuss with you and your firms all matters relating to memberships and the provision of tailored
CISI courses to financial organisations.
Congratulations to all those who have successfully completed your CISI qualifications this year. We look forward to
recognising award winners and achievers at an awards ceremony in April.
Thank you again for all your participation and very best wishes for 2020.
Frank