Shows
The UnwatchablesNo Contest 2: Melty FaceThe follow up to no contest. Is it any good though!2025-03-0942 minThe UnwatchablesNo Contest: Die Hard with SuspendersJimmy is back and Dan and Mark are now Rebelling as we review a Die Hard knock off with Shannon Tweed.2025-03-0945 minThe UnwatchablesDracula 3000: BazongasJimmy still away. Dan and Mark trying to control the offence but... so hard with this film and coolio!2025-03-0932 minThe UnwatchablesGallowalkers: Lets Commit Tax Fraud KidsJimmy is on holiday so Dan and Mark are let loose with this western/sci fi/Horror starring Wesley Snipes2025-03-0938 minThe UnwatchablesMannequin on the Move: offensively gayA sequel no asked for and the guys decide if we need it2024-12-2535 minThe UnwatchablesBreakaway: For a Fox News ChristmasAn interesting Die Hard rip off from Dean Cain about Christmas
2024-12-2548 min
Aquest PodcastHow to be a Chief Operating Officer
For the last episode of the winter 2024 season, I’m delighted to be joined by Jennifer Geary. Jennifer hosts a new podcast called The C-Suite Framework and is author of a number of books including How to be a Chief Operating Officer.
Although critically important, the COO role is not much discussed, and the precise scope is often ill-defined. So, I was interested to chat with Jennifer about what it covers and what it doesn't, the habits of people who perform the COO role well and what tends to happen when things go wrong. We also d...2024-12-2032 minAquest PodcastHow do we fill the FS talent pool?
In May 2024, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) published its report on Skills for International Financial Services - An Assessment of Future Skills Requirements in High Potential Sub-sectors of Ireland’s International Financial Services Sector to 2027.
This report identifies the availability of training and education relevant to the financial services industry. It assesses where gaps might arise in terms of new skills and numbers of skilled individuals up to 2027. It also sets out a number of recommendations to ensure that the potential training and skills needs identified can be addressed effectively.
Wh...2024-12-0640 minThe UnwatchablesFreaked: 13 Milkmen Is Just WeirdFreaked a bizarre comedy from Alex Winter of Bill and Ted!
Is this a lost gem or an Unwatchable... Dan, Mark and Jimmy Decide2024-11-2648 minThe UnwatchablesStone Cold: Responsible ExplosionsSchlocky Mcbain style a action from the 90s with Stone Cold!!!
Is it watchable or has Dan tortured Mark and Jimmy!2024-11-2648 minAquest Podcastbasis.point - A Force for Good
For this episode of The Aquest Podcast, I’m delighted to be joined by Clive Bellows. Clive is President for EMEA for Northern Trust and, more importantly (for the purposes of this episode at least!), the former Chairperson of basis.point.
basis.point is the Irish funds industry charity which funds programmes to improve outcomes for children experiencing disadvantage, with a particular focus on access to education.
We chat about Clive’s professional journey and how he came to be Chairperson of basis.point. We also chat about some of the initiatives which basis.point helps to support...2024-11-2223 minAquest PodcastEMIR REFIT - The Morning After...
As the 180-day transition period for EMIR REFIT drew to a close, I was joined by Aoife Storey and Michelle Kehoe of Fund Recs to reflect on how well (or otherwise!) the implementation of EMIR Refit has gone.
We chatted about whether the anticipated challenges arose in practice and what unexpected speedbumps came along. We discussed where firms are at generally, in terms of complying with the new reporting and oversight requirements.
We also cast the net a bit more broadly and considered similar changes to other EMIR regimes internationally. Enjoy!2024-11-0820 minThe UnwatchablesHouse: Swinging From The RaftersThe guys discuss a horror film that flops and influenced at the same time.... Also it has Norm from cheers.2024-11-0648 minThe UnwatchablesEarth Girls Are Easy: Sexy Jazz GoldblumDans revisits a fuzzy memory while Jimmy and Mark experience a campy sparkly musical world where women shave aliens to hide them in public... also Jeff Goldblum2024-11-0641 minAquest PodcastDirector's Chair - Digital FocusThis is a director’s chair episode of The Aquest Podcast and my guest is Eoin Motherway. Eoin is an experienced INED across a range of Irish regulated financial services firms and brings that wider perspective to our conversation.
We chat about the current INED landscape and it is not long before our conversation turns to matters tech and digital-related.
We discuss the state of readiness for DORA (which takes effect in Jan 2025); MiCAR and the challenges facing both industry and the financial regulator when it comes to issuing CASP licences by the end of 2025; and the tokenization of fu...2024-10-2537 minAquest PodcastMythbusting AIChat about Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere in the financial services world at the moment so I thought it would be useful to try to demystify AI and to explain some of the practical use cases for it.
To do that, I’m joined by Brian Walsh, CEO of Reitigh. Brian explains why the FS industry has been an early adopter of this emerging technology and why it is not simply a fad. We chat about how firms might best go about introducing AI assistance to their business and why this doesn’t need to cost the earth. ...2024-10-1133 minThe UnwatchablesPicasso Trigger: The episode we keep saying the name wrongAgain nonsense from the agency that the guys try to pull apart!2024-10-0443 minThe UnwatchablesHard Ticket To Hawaii: Boobs, Guns and SnakesCan the guys keep up with the madness and schlock of Andy Sidaris2024-10-0454 minThe UnwatchablesWeekend at Bernies 2: Not as good as the first oneDan, Mark and Jimmy pull apart this corpse of a film2024-10-0450 minThe UnwatchablesBloodsport: Splitting OpinionsDan has finally got his wish and made Mark and Jimmy watch Van Damme2024-10-0446 minThe UnwatchablesEliminators: The Tale Of P FiddlyThe guys discuss numerous topics avoiding this B-Movie....2024-10-0434 minThe UnwatchablesAmerican Ninja 2: Oh Hi MarkThe first episode of a reboot from another franchise not being mentioned... With Dan and Jimmy welcoming Mark on board with an old favourite in American Ninja 2.
What has Mark Got himself into!2024-06-231h 03Aquest PodcastBusiness Strategy for FS FirmsHow FS and professional services firms develop an effective business strategy is the topic for this episode of The Aquest Podcast. My guest is Annette Mahon who is a commercial strategy and business development consultant working exclusively with service providers and financial/fund services businesses.
We chat about Annette’s journey into the funds industry and her observations as someone coming fresh to the industry.
We discuss how FS firms go about devising and deploying a business strategy to win and retain customers, keep existing staff happy and entice new employees. Annette shares insights on what...2024-05-1735 minAquest PodcastTalking ETFsOn this episode of the Aquest Podcast I’m joined by Adrian Mulryan, CEO of Invesco Investment Management to talk about ETFs (mostly!).
We begin by reflecting on the predictions made by Adrian the last time he came on the podcast in 2018. His predictions were pretty accurate, to be fair, and he wasn’t shy about reminding me either.
We go on to chat about the continued growth of ETFs, both in terms of assets under management and product range. We take quite an in-depth look at ESG ETFs and how investors are driving strong inflow...2024-04-2631 minAquest PodcastGrowth of FinTechIt’s time to get techie on the Aquest Podcast and who better to guide us through the intersection of technology and financial services than Dáire Lawlor, MD at tech advisory firm Interwoven.
We chart the growing use and integration of technology in financial services firms from the early 2000s (when tech integration was patchy at best) through the global financial crisis in 2008 (which brought a deluge of new reporting and compliance obligations) and up to DORA (the Digital Operational Resilience Act) which comes into effect on 17 Jan 2025.
It’s a lot of ground to cov...2024-04-1234 minAquest PodcastDirector's Chair EpisodeIn this ‘Director’s Chair’ episode of the Aquest Podcast I’m joined by Syl O’Byrne who has many years’ experience as a financial services lawyer, both in private practice and industry.
We begin by chatting about Syl’s pathway to becoming an INED and his observations on the current funds landscape generally.
We also chat about the impact of the Individual Accountability Framework from a director’s perspective and the balance between collective responsibility and individual accountability. We discuss the regulatory burden and barriers to entry and speculate about getting the cost/benefit balance right. 2024-03-2828 minAquest PodcastEMIR REFITWith the new EMIR REFIT (the revamp of the European Market Infrastructure Regulation) reporting requirements kicking-off on 29 April 2024, I’m joined by 2x EMIR REFIT experts to chat about what changes are being introduced and how firms are coping with implementation.
Aoife Storey (Client Solutions Manager) and Gerard Gilsenan (Chief Revenue Office) of Fund Recs join me and share their insights and expertise on the challenges with implementing EMIR REFIT, emerging market practices and governance frameworks. We also chat about the importance of good quality data from a regulator’s perspective and how tech solutions can help firms...2024-03-1533 minAquest PodcastSustainability and ESGIn this episode of the Aquest Podcast I catch up with Ann Shiels, sustainability expert with Finlexsus. Ann appeared on the show in May 2022 and I was interested to get her take on developments in market practices and regulations on ESG in the interim.
We chat about SFDR 1.5/2.0, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, the regulation of ESG rating agencies and the current Common Supervisory Action on SFDR compliance. We also discuss whether some of the steam has gone out of the ESG movement and whether the pending revision of SFDR is causing investor confusion leading to ESG...2024-03-0129 min
Aquest PodcastMoving to T+1 settlementImpact of T+1 Settlement
As firms in the US prepare for the momentous move to T+1 settlement in May 2024, I chat with Adrian Whelan, regulatory expert, about how this change will have a broad impact outside the US.
With knowledge/appreciation of what's coming pretty patchy at best, we discuss the implications for firms on everything from fx to securities lending. We also chat about the steps that firms should be taking now to ensure that they are ready for T+1. We even contemplate T+0 and whether this is feasible and desirable in practice.
2023-10-0220 min
Aquest PodcastUnderstanding Payment ServicesWhat are payment services?
From time to time, I encounter firms where part of their business model involves receiving money from clients which the firm holds and later transmits to a third party.
For me, this always begs the question 'Is this a payment service?'
Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't. But it is often a question which the firm has not thought to ask and one which they will need help with resolving if they are, however inadvertently, offering a payment service.
In this episode, I'm joined by...2023-09-1918 min
Aquest PodcastPayments - Innovation in ActionReducing Friction in the Payments Process
When he was CEO of a communications business, Feargal Brady saw the inefficiencies in the current payments process first hand - and he vowed to do something about it!
So, when he exited the communications industry, he entered the financial services world and set up payments firm - NoFrixion - whose mission is to rid the world of unnecessary hassle in the payments process.
We chat about Feargal's experience of the Central Bank's authorisation process (mostly positive, by the way) and his hopes and ambitions for NoFrixion...2023-09-0528 min
UU Congregation at Shelter Rock ServicesLove at the Center, led by Rev. Daniel Lawlor"One cannot live with sighted eyes and feeling hearts and not know or react to the miseries which afflict this world.” - Lorraine Hansberry Unitarian Universalism is growing spiritual habits to respond to the ongoing climate crisis. How can love be at the center of our religious responses and relationships during this time of extreme weather and rising xenophobia? Hear grounding songs, special readings, a meditation for all ages, and an invitation to reflect on love as a spiritual practice- especially in hard times.Love at the Center, led by Rev. Daniel Lawlor, Guest Mini...2023-08-2756 min
Aquest PodcastFinancial Services - Recruitment LandscapeRecruiting in the Irish Financial Services Industry
Like many sectors, the financial services industry is seeing great demand and competition for talent.
In this episode of The Aquest Podcast, I chat with Jennifer Cahill, recruitment consultant, about what the landscape is like and how difficult it is in practice to recruit new staff. We discuss the steps that firms are taking to differentiate themselves and make themselves more attractive.
We also chat about the Senior Executive Accountability Regime (SEAR) and the challenges of successfully completing the Central Bank's fitness and probity assessment.
2023-08-2232 min
Aquest PodcastMiCA has landed (finally!)MiCA and the future of Crypto Assets in EU
After several years of drafting and refining, the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation has been finalised and published. This game-changing piece of legislation will have a profound impact on crypto assets - and their service providers - in the EU.
I'm joined by Andrew Tzialli, crypto asset legal expert, to chat about the final version of MiCA, the timelines for implementation and the steps firms need to start taking. We also chat about the crypto industry more generally and what the future may hold for this...2023-08-0824 min
Aquest PodcastA Digitial Future for FundsA Digital Future for Funds
In light of the Funds Sector 2030 Review, I am joined by Giles Swan, formerly UK FCA and ICI Global, as we contemplate what a bolder, more digital future for the funds industry might look like.
What if funds issued tokens instead of units or shares? What if subscriptions and redemptions happened instantenously? What if UCITS rules were written into smart contracts so that the rules could never be broken? What if regulators had instant access to live data on portfolio holdings and investors?
Find out what the future...2023-07-2528 min
Aquest PodcastFunds Sector 2030 ReviewPast, present and future of the Irish Funds Industry
In the first episode of the Summer/Autumn 2023 season, I have a wide ranging discussion with Gerry Brady, INED and Elder Statesman (he said it was ok to call him that!) of the Irish Fund industry.
We chat about the early days of the funds industry in Ireland and the tremendous efforts made collaboratively by industry and the public sector to establish and grow a funds industry here. We also discuss the current state of play and contemplate what the future might hold - both opportunities...2023-07-1139 minAquest PodcastFunds Distribution: A New Kid On The BlockEpisode Notes
In the first episode of our new season, I chat with Paul Price, founder and CEO of Haven Green Investment Management. Haven Green offers an outsourced distribution function with a focus on funds pursing a sustainable investments policy.
We chat about how Paul's team identifies the boutique managers it wants to work with and how the trend towards sustainable investing is likely to evolve over the medium-term.
We also discuss the outsourced distribution model and the fun/challenges in setting up your own investment firm!
Enjoy!2023-02-2326 minAquest PodcastData Quality and Reporting Oversight
Fresh from moderating a webinar on SFTF and EMIR data quality and oversight, Ciaran Walshe, COO of Fund Recs, joins me on this episode of The Aquest Podcast.
We chat about the take-aways from the webinar, with particular attention on the messaging delivered by the Central Bank of Ireland that data quality and reporting oversight needs to continue improving. Plenty to mull over for already busy Manco boards...2022-09-3019 minAquest PodcastCrypto Funds in IrelandWe're back after a summer hiatus and crypto funds are on the agenda once again.
This time, my guest is Daire Lawlor, MD at Interwoven, and we discuss the extent to which Irish regulated funds can invest in crypto currencies and digital assets. Our chat wanders into discussions about DLT, tokenisation and freedom with guardrails. Plenty to digest as we get our heads down for the run-in to year-end!
Enjoy2022-09-0600 minAquest PodcastRegulated Crypto FundsRegulated crypto funds
With investment in crypto continuing to generate investor interest (current market turmoil notwithstanding!), FS firms are exploring whether and how investment fund structures could be used to deliver exposure to crypto currencies.
Leading the way when it comes to regulated crypto funds is Gibraltar. So I'm delighted to be joined by James Lasry, Funds and Crypto Lawyer at Hassans, to discuss how Gibraltar has approached the regulation and operation of crypto funds.
With tons of insights and practical experience, James is a mine of information when it comes to regulated...2022-06-2400 minAquest PodcastSustainabilitySustainability
With sustainability and ESG being on everyone's lips, not just in the financial services industry, I thought it would be interesting to chat with Ann Shiels, a sustainability expert with Finlexsus. We chat the compliance challenges facing FS firms as they navigate the management of investment products with a wave of regulatory deadlines on the horizon.
But more than that, I was interested to learn more about how firms in the FS industry, including professional services firms, are tacking sustainability within their own businesses. What are the challenges and how are firms innovating? Do...2022-05-2700 minAquest PodcastSmart Contracts, Blockchain and DAOs
Continuing on the theme from the last episode of The Aquest Podcast, I'm joined by Brian Sanya Mondoh to chat about the digital revolution and its impact on financial services in particular. I learn about how smart contracts, blockchain and Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) are likely to shape our world over the short-to-medium term. But we begin by chatting about life in Brian's home country of Trindad and Tobago! Enjoy.
Many thanks to Catherine Monahan who edited this podcast.2022-03-2800 minAquest PodcastThe Blockchain Revolution
Blockchain expert Mauricio Magaldi of 11FS joins me for this episode of The Aquest Podcast to chat about blockchain and the financial services industry. We discuss current use cases and ponder how regulators could best adapt to the blockchain revolution. We also speak about Tradfi and contemplate the challenges and opportunities that DeFi and blockchain bring. Enjoy!2022-03-1500 minAquest PodcastThe problem with.... ELTIFEpisode Notes
Introduced in 2015 with the objective of increasing alternative sources of funding for European capital markets, the European Long-Term Investment Fund (ELTIF) regime has failed to gain any real traction. Why is this? And what can be done to fix it?
In this episode of The Aquest Podcast, I'm joined by Ken Owens of PwC to mull over the problem with ELTIFs and discuss what could be done to make them attractive to investors.2022-02-1435 minAquest PodcastInternal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP)Episode Notes
Tom Brennan, Head of Risk & Regulatory at EisnerAmper Ireland, joins me to chat all things ICAAP.
With an ever increasing number of Irish firms now (or shortly) required to have an Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process, Tom guides us through the dos and don'ts and highlight some of the key considerations when putting together an ICAAP report. We also chat about some of the best questions directors can ask when approving an ICAAP.
Everything you ever wanted to know about ICAAP in one podcast!!2021-12-0937 minAquest PodcastCrypto Investor EvolutionEpisode Notes
In this episode of The Aquest Podcast, I'm joined by crypto educator Nick Aston of the Ashton Talks Crypto podcast. We chat about how the profile of crypto investors is shifting from millennials to more experienced investors seeking alternative asset classes. We also discuss how cryptocurrencies and digital assets are gaining credibility and what more needs to be done to win the trust of investors. Enjoy!2021-11-2535 minAquest PodcastAccelerated Digital TransformationEpisode Notes
We've all been hearing about digital transformation in the FS industry for years now but has the COVID19 pandemic really accelerated this trend?
For this episode of The Aquest Podcast, I'm joined by Alan Meaney to chat about this, about the 'build vs buy' question and whether ISO27001 certification is a pre-requisite for all FinTechs.
We also discuss the return of Adminovate (one of my personal favourite conferences!) which will be back in Trinity College Dublin on 13 Jan 2022.
Enjoy!2021-10-2130 min
UU Congregation at Shelter Rock ServicesLament, Slow Down and Connect, led by Daniel LawlorOur lives, our gatherings, our world, in ways large and small, are now shaped by the climate crisis. What day-to-day habits are we cultivating to accompany one another in unexpected heartache, joy, and possibility? What spiritual practices within our Unitarian Universalist tradition can galvanize and sustain us—as individuals and communities—amidst joy and sorrow? Hear Guest Speaker Daniel Lawlor, Co-Director of UU Ministry for the Earth, consider spiritual habits that allow us to lament, slow down, and connect in times of climate crisis at UUCSR's service on October 10, 2021.Daniel Lawlor (he/him) is excited to be the C...2021-10-1038 minAquest PodcastRecruitment: Current TrendsEpisode Notes
In this episode of The Aquest Podcast, I'm joined by Jennifer Cahill of Savvi Recruitment Consultants. With demand for talent high but availability not-so-much, we chat about current market trends, skills in particular demand and the impact this is having on salaries. We chat about how WFH during the Covid-19 Pandemic has accelerated employers' attitudes to workplace flexibility by 5 to 10 years. The impact of SEAR is also on the agenda. Enjoy!2021-09-3037 minAquest PodcastCrypto ScamsEpisode Notes
With so much interest and attention being paid to cryptocurrencies and digital assets, I thought it would be interesting to look at the darker side of the crypto world - crypto scams. So for this episode of The Aquest Podcast I'm delighted to be joined by Erica Stanford, author of 'Crypto Wars - Faked deaths, missing billions and industry disruption'.
We chat about the anatomy of a crypto scam, look at some case studies from her book and discuss the red flags that investors and advisors should look out for. Enjoy!2021-08-1940 minAquest PodcastRisk Management for Fund MancosEpisode Notes
On this episode of the Aquest Podcast I'm joined by risk expert Dennis Slattery. We chat about best practices in risk management for Fund Mancos, how to succeed as a NextGen Fund Manco and the essential skills that risk professionals need to learn. Enjoy!2021-07-0936 minAquest PodcastCybersecurity for non-techiesOn this episode of The Aquest Podcast, I'm joined by cybersecurity expert Sam Glynn as we discuss the recent HSE cybersecurity breach and how financial services firms can avoid the same thing happening to them. Sam also has some advice on how the risk team and directors (i.e. non-techies!) can interact with IT and cyber experts and actually understand what is being said.
We wrap up by chatting about the challenges faced by start-up RegTech and FinTech firms as they try to sell their wares to regulated financial services firms.
Enjoy!2021-06-0539 min
Aquest PodcastFinding the Commercial Value from D&I inside 3 very different perspectivesShannon Eastman and I talk about her question to a dozen professionals in Financial Service Industry: "What in your perspective is the reason why D&I is still resisted by firms beyond a box ticking exercise?" The 3 unique perspectives at the table: the regulator, the firm and D&I consultants along with a brief exploration into the commercial value D&I offers business. go here2021-01-2142 min
Who Turned The Lights On?Ep 18 - Daniel Lawlor on Personal BrandingDaniel Lawlor, Ex-Regulator, Funds Lawyer and Managing Director of Aquest, joins us for a candid and honest look at what it took to build his Personal Brand. We will cover the Wins, effort, time, and gremlins how it shaped and benefited his business - and finally his answer to the question: "If you had it to do all over again, what would you do differently?" Meet Daniel Lawlor: As the former head of the Central Bank of Ireland’s Funds Policy Team and the Central Bank’s Project Lead on CP86, Daniel was involv...2021-01-1839 min
Aquest Podcast2020 in review starting with our Dec 2019 predictions for 2020Shannon Eastman and I revisit our 2020 Predictions as part of our 12-month review. We look at the December 2019 predictions, and highlights that include: Adrian Whelan, Sam Glynn, Mark Fritz, Bob Quinn, #FIMC2020. We touch on 2021 activities coming up featuring Andrea Dermody of Dermody D&I Advisory, FIMC2021, Crypto, ESG, ILP, and there's still more.2020-12-1500 min
Aquest PodcastComplying with the new ESG requirements with Bill Prew and Victoria GillespieIn this episode, I'm joined by Bill Prew and Victoria Gillespie of Indos. We chat about how firms are approaching compliance with the new ESG requirements, the challenges they face and the opportunities available tp firms who really buy into the new ESG regime.2020-10-2927 min
Aquest PodcastManaging Due Diligence with Monel AminIn the CP86 'Dear CEO' letter, the Central Bank calls out that mancos need to be better at performing due diligene before appointing a delegate and annually thereafter. It especially referenced due diligene where a manco has multiple delegate investment managers. But, as anyone who has been involved in requesting or providing due diligence information will know, the entire process is usually document-heavy and an administrative headache. Is there a better way? To find out, I'm joined by Monel Amin of Diligence Vault who shares her insights and experience of best practices in managing due diligence.2020-10-2328 min
Aquest PodcastLeaders' Lounge with Shannon EastmanSession 5 on Friday 6 Nov is dedicate to those in leadership positions and those who support them. It contains topics on the Organisational Effectiveness Role, Time Commitments for Directors and Cybersecurity for Directors. There is even a case study on wellbeing in the workplace. On this podcast, I'm joined by Shannon Eastman, Teach A Brand To Fish, to summarise what attendees can expect from the Leaders' Lounge session at CP86 MiniCon. But first, we chat about MiniCon itself, how it came about and what we hope attendees will take away from the event - and, of course, the by-now famous Digital...2020-10-2032 min
Aquest PodcastWhat happens when things go wrong with Michael Tuohy and Arnaud BarosiWith the best will in the world, sometimes things go wrong and firms suffer a breach of their regulatory obligations. For this episode of The Aquest Podcast, I chat with Michael Tuohy and Arnaud Barosi about what happens when things go wrong. We talk about the increased use of Risk Mitigation Programmes for asset management firms and what this means in practice. We also chat about Independent Expert Reports and, lastly, the Administrative Sanctions Procedure. The MiniCon session on 'What happens when things go wrong' takes place on Thursday November 5th and this podcast will give you a real taster...2020-10-1524 min
Aquest PodcastRegulatory Landscape for Mancos - Latest Development with Shane CoveneyThe first session of the CP86 MiniCon deals with the emerging regulatory landscape for Mancos - a hyper-relevant topic given the immient arrival of the Commission's AIFMD consultation and the Central Bank's CP86 'Dear CEO' letter. Shane Coveney, Dillion Eustace, joins me for this episode of the Aquest Podcast to chat through what attendees can expect from this CP86 MiniCon session.
Connect with Shane Coveney:
LinkedIn
www.dilloneustace.com2020-10-1515 min
Aquest PodcastCP86 Solutions: Options available to SMICs and Legacy ManCos with Eoin MotherwayWith the cohort of legacy mancos and SMICs reconsidering their resourcing models, I chat with Eoin Motherway of AMX about the options available to them to meet regulatory expectations. Eoin gives a taste of what to expect at the CP86 MiniCon session on CP86 Solutions with some valuable insights into the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
Connect with Eoin Motherway:
LinkedIn
https://theamx.com/2020-10-1228 min
Aquest PodcastOversight of Delegates with John PhinneyThe way that mancos go about supervising their delegates, particularly the investment managers, is changing. Regulator expectations about the depth and quality of delegate monitoring are increasing with intrusive oversight and constructive challenge the order of the day. In this episode, I'm joined by John Phinney of Convergence to chat about his upcoming CP86 MiniCon sesssion on emerging best practices in delegate oversight. We chat about how mancos can plug into new and easy-to-use data sources to bolster their oversight. We also chat about the changing dynamic of the relationship between mancos and investment managers - how will investment...2020-10-1219 min
Aquest PodcastCP86 Solutions: Staff Up or go Third Party with Nicola GeretyTuesday's session (3 Nov) at CP86 MiniCon will deal with the solutions available to legacy mancos and SMICs who need to change their resourcing model. That session will be co-hosted by Nicola Gerety of AMX and she joins me on this podcast to set the scene. We chat about the types of questions investment managers have when considering the third party manco option and the challenges and timelines involved. We also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of establishing your own manco. Finally, we talk about value for money and the need for both in-house and third party mancos to demonstrate...2020-10-1225 min
Aquest PodcastThe new European regulatory regime for ESG explained with Tara O'ReillyWith a myriad of new rules on ESG facing fund mancos, who better to walk us through these requirements than Tara O'Reilly, Partner and Co-Head in Arthur Cox’s Asset Management and Investment Funds Group. We chat about what the new rules mean for fund mancos, the deadline for compliance and what needs to be done before then. We also chat about the ESG regime generally - will it really make the world a better place?
Connect with Tara O'Reilly:
LinkedIn2020-10-1233 min
Aquest PodcastDo you believe in ESG? with Bob QuinnESG is probably the hottest of topics in the asset management industry right now - certainly from a regulatory perspective with a suite of new rules coming into effect beginning 10 March next year. But do ESG funds really deliver what they promise? Bob Quinn advises retail investors on a day-to-day basis and he's not yet convinced. In this episode of The Aquest Podcast, Bob joins me to chat about some of the doubts he has concerning ESG investing as it currently stands.
This podcast is the first in a short series dedicated to ESG. In later episodes we will...2020-10-1228 min
Aquest PodcastTo Ditch or Not to Ditch the Organisation Effectiveness Role with Shane CoveneyI'm joined by Shane Coveney, a Partner in the Funds Department at Dillon Eustace. In this episode, we talk about the OE Role (Organisation Effectiveness), and how it has been affecting ManCos and SMICS since it's introduction with CP86. While I think that it's time to ditch the role, Shane has some insights on why the role has proven itself useful in the Funds Industry.
Connect with Shane Coveney:
LinkedIn
www.dilloneustace.com2020-09-2922 min
Aquest PodcastDo investors care about value for money? with Bob QuinnI'm joined again by Bob Quinn, Independent Financial Advisor, who we know as The Investor's Advocate. Bob deals with retail investors on a daily basis. As most of us in the industry will never meet our funds' investors in person, I love the insights that Bob gives about the priorities and concerns of the average retail investor.
In this episode, I was keen to find out what retail investors' views are on fees and expenses and value for money. This topic is high on the regulator's agenda - but what about the investor's agenda? I was very...2020-09-2942 min
Aquest PodcastUnder the Hood - Monitoring Operational Risk at Investment Advisors with John PhinneyIn this episode, my guest is John Phinney who is the Chairman and Co-President at Convergence Inc. John's mission is to help investors - not by looking at the markets and investment performance - but by performing in-depth analysis on the investment advisors those investors are appointing.
John shares his insights on the flags he is looking for that point to an investment advisor being an outlier when compared to its peers (and his analysis covers 37,000 investment advisors!!). With regulators ever more concerned about how fund mancos supervise their delegate investment managers, this podcast is a great...2020-09-2152 min
Aquest PodcastA look into the Investor's Universe with John Phinney2020-09-2100 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast - The Investors' Advocate with Bob QuinnFor this episode of the Aquest Podcast, I am delighted to be joined by Bob Quinn from The Money Advisers as we take a look into the Investor's Perspective. We talked about what he does, how he engages with clients, when he does a suitability assessment and many more. We also took some time to talk about whether Australian Gold Mines are a good home for your hard earned cash.
Connect with Bob Quinn
LinkedIN2020-09-1437 min
Aquest Podcast20 minute look behind the scenes at what Daniel and Aquest have been up to, including a sneak peek at Aquest Express2020-09-0331 min
Aquest Podcast[SPECIAL EDITION] Adrian Whelan on: class, education, Finglas, bias and his role in the Protect Accent campaign.Adrian Whelan shares that moment he realized he was proud to be from Finglas, inside an emotive discussion exploring; class, education, bias, and his role in the Protect Accent Campaign, with co-hosts Shannon Eastman and Daniel Lawlor. www.Protect-Accent.com
Linkedin for Adrian
Twitter for Adrian OnTheRegs.com/adrian-whelan/ and Protect-Accent.com
Twitter for @AccentProtect
LinkedIn for ProtectAccent2020-08-0544 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: Industry updates in 25 minutes2020-08-0425 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: Irish Funds Industry, Then and NowEpisode Notes
We are joined by Martina Kelly, Director of Funds at the Institute of Banking as she recalls how different the financial industry was back then. How has the financial industry changed, and the evolution of regulatory compliance. What were some of the challenges she faced back then and what's the direction the funds industry is going in now.2020-07-091h 08
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: Leadership at a Distance with Mark FritzThe Aquest Podcast Leadership at a distance Mark Fritz2020-06-2342 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: EFAMA'S response to Covid19 and the regulatory implicationsEFAMA'S response to Covid19 and the regulatory implications with Federico Cupelli2020-06-0348 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast Perspectives on Blockchain & CryptoThe Aquest Podcast Perspectives on Blockchain & Crypto with Andrew Tzialli2020-05-1849 minAquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: COVID-19 Impact on RecruitmentIn this episode Jennifer Cahill from Savvi Recruitment joins Shannon Eastman and I to discuss the trends she is seeing with recruitment from the individual's perspective, the firm's perspective and across the industry as a whole. This conversation covers trends, impacts, and the idea that once Covid-19 has passed, the actions firms have taken during these times will be remembered long after. 2020-05-0456 minAquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: The state of ETFs with Ryan Sullivan, Head of US ETF Services, BBHWhen the Central Bank of Ireland published its ETF Discussion Paper in late 2017, one of its objectives was to gather information on the resilience of the ETF structure so that it could better anticipate how ETFs might behave in stressed market conditions. What were theoretical scenarios then are being played out for real as we live through the COVID-19 crisis and the resultant market volatility? Being a bit of an ETF nerd, I was really interested to find out: How ETFs are performing from an operational perspective in the current market environment.
...2020-05-0248 minAquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: Sextortion and Cybersecurity Risks in the time of #COVID19Cybersecurity has been a recurring issue for many regulated firms, and a concern of the Central Bank, even before Covid-19 hit our shores.In this Cybersecurity episode, we discuss the possible risks that may have been introduced when firms had to move fast and provide working-from-home capabilities, in response to the measures imposed as a result of Covid-19.We are joined by our standing co-host, Shannon Eastman, and by Code in Motion's Sam Glynn, an IT advisor to regulated firms who helps CFOs and COOs go from unsure to secure.We discuss how...2020-04-2244 minAquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: COVID 19 - Are we screwed with Shannon EastmanIn this episode we invited Shannon Eastman who is a Human Behaviour Expert, Management Consultant, and Communications exert, Shannon Eastman to answer the question - Are we screwed? Where we discussed the impact of #COVID19 on individuals, on the industry and the regulators. Here’s our favourite take-aways:
Those who adapt win.
Be mindful of the mindset that you are entertaining most throughout the day.
Humour is a really important part of this, see the funny side of it while still being able to maintain the respect in the seriousness this situation warrants.
Make sure that th...2020-04-2038 minAquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: Operational Risk Due Diligence with James Newman, PerfORMWe loved our chat with James Newman over at perform.
Here’s our favourite take-aways. *Operational Risk Due Diligence - 5 Best Practices *CP86 and CSSF Circular 18/698 provide some clarity on regulators’ expectations for how Fund Management Companies (“FMCs”) assess the operational risks that come from delegation (and sub-delegation). One of the key delegated activities in the fund environment is investment management. FMCs have a responsibility to identify and assess all risks from investment management delegation, including operational, financial, legal and reputational in order to manage them appropriately. This is achieved through a combination of on-sites, Skype an...2020-03-2037 minAquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: Brian Walsh CEO of Reitigh SoftwareLast week, we published our 12 2020 Predictions where we set out what we thought were likely to be the key issues for the industry in the year 2020 and beyond. We've invited Brian Walsh, CEO of Reitigh Software to challenge us on what we thought would happen in the tech space. Aquest's 2020 Media Predictions is available now to download on aquest.ie/2020predictions
For information about our training & advisory programmes, or our Academy, visit aquest.ie - for more resources on Regs, Funds and Governance, check out our YouTube channel,DanielLawlorRURQ2020-02-1425 minAquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: CBI CP86 InspectionsLast Wednesday (20 November 2019), Matheson hosted a 'Knowledge Insights Event' on CP86 and Irish Management Companies with a particular focus on the Central Bank of Ireland's current thematic review on CP86 implementation. As the on-site inspections part of that review process starts to get underway, the panelists spent some time sharing their insights on the inspection process and how firms should prepare.After the event, I caught up with Bronagh Maher, Professional Support Lawyer in Matheson's Asset Management and Investment Funds Department. Bronagh moderated the panel discussion and I was keen to capture her views on the discussion...2019-11-2512 minAquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: SFTR ReportingWith the reporting requirements under the Securities Financing Transactions Regulations kicking-off in 2020, we're taking a look at how best to prepare so your firm is compliant from the get-go.SFTR reporting will affect firms (including UCITS ManCos and AIFMs) using Securities Financing Transactions (e.g. repos, securities lending, buybacks). The reporting obligations commence on a phased basis from April 2020 and will apply to UCITS ManCos and AIFMs from October 2020.To help firms prepare, I chat with Ronan Brennan, Chief Product Officer at Compliance Solutions Strategies, about the approaches being taken by firms who are reporting...2019-11-1022 minAquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: Golf EpisodeIn this bonus episode of The Aquest Podcast, we’re wandering far from the beaten track and talking golf!With the annual basis.point golf classic taking place next week, we thought it would be fun to provide some golf tips to help those of us who haven’t seen our clubs since last year’s event.I’m joined by Leo Hynes, Head Pro at Killiney Golf Club. He has tips for the diligent ones who listen to the podcast in advance of the big day and have time to practice. Leo even has advice t...2019-08-3007 minAquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: basis.point EpisodeWelcome back Aquest Podcast listeners! After the summer break, we’ve returned to bring you more funds industry conversations giving insight on all things topical in the Irish Funds industry.For the September 2019 episode, I’m chatting with Eimear Cowhey who is one of the founders of basis.point, a charity established 6 years ago. It is supported by members of the Irish funds industry and assists projects which improve educational opportunities for kids.I thought it would be interesting to find out more about basis.point so Eimear and I chat about what it does, who...2019-08-3012 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: Fintech & Adminovate 2019Fintech in Ireland and looking forward to Adminovate 2019For this episode of the Aquest Podcast, the topics are Fintech and the Adminovate 2019 conference. Who better to join me as co-hosts than the organisers of Adminovate who are Fintech experts in their own right – Pete Townsend of Norio Ventures and Des O’Donohoe of Fund Recs.Our discussion covered a range of topics from ‘Money Never Sleeps’, Pete’s own podcast that he co-hosts with Eoin Fitzgerald of Enterprise Ireland, to Fintech in Ireland, DLT and Bitcoin. We also chat about Adminovate 2019 which will be held in Trinity...2018-12-0732 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: ETFs Product development, regulation and what makes a fund ‘ETF-able’For this episode of the Aquest Podcast, I am delighted to be joined by Adrian Mulryan, General Counsel at marketβeta. Adrian is a funds lawyer by training, ETF expert, serial entrepreneur and genial conversationalist.Our discussion focuses mainly on the present and future of ETFs – both in terms of product development and regulation. We also touch upon what types of funds are capable of having an ETF wrapped around them i.e. what funds are ‘ETF-able’ – a term coined by Adrian during our conversation.As both marketβeta and Aquest are approaching their first birthdays...2018-11-0941 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: Dublin Calling DebriefA taster for what happened at our Brexit Briefing EventFor this episode of the Aquest Podcast, we took to the road and recorded in London just after our ‘Dublin Calling’ event there on 3 October. The podcast features short interviews with Garret Sheridan (J Rothschild Capital Management), Katie Thurston (IDA Ireland) and Jennifer Cahill (Savvi Recruitment Consultants).We chat about the topics which came up for discussion on the morning and the items of interest which most caught people’s attention.Many thanks to Garret, Katie and Jennifer for taking the time out to giv...2018-10-0516 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: Learning risk management from a bookieIn this episode of the Aquest Podcast, I am joined by David Lyons of Black Swan Sports who are market leaders in hedging financial risk related to the outcome of sporting events.We chat about how bookmakers go about managing the risks associated with their positions and draw parallels with how risk management is carried out by financial services firms. Thanks to David for sharing some really interesting insights on risk management from a different industry sector. Enjoy!2018-07-0620 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: CP86 SpecialIn this episode of the Aquest Podcast, I am joined by Killian Buckley who is Head of Management Company Solutions at Duff & Phelps and Conor Molloy who is a council member of the Irish Funds Directors Association and European Director at Promontory Financial Group.With CP86 coming into full effect in just a couple of weeks (1 July), we chat about the impact that it is having on the governance and organisation of Irish authorised fund management companies. We also consider what the future might hold for fund management company effectiveness. Enjoy!2018-06-0833 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: Diversity in the financial services industryIn this episode of the Aquest Podcast, I am joined by Lorena Dunne who is a Partner in the law firm William Fry and is a member of the 100 Women in Finance, Dublin steering committee. We chat about diversity and the role that 100 Women in Finance plays in supporting women in the financial services industry. Enjoy!2018-05-0424 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: IOSCO’s work on leverage in investment fundsIn this episode of the Aquest Podcast, I am joined by Giovanni Bandi who is the Head of Investment Management at the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority. We chat about the make-up and structure of the funds industry in Qatar. Gionvanni is co-Chair of IOSCO’s Leverage Working Group so we also chat about that workstream, the approach being taken and how the FSB will receive IOSCO’s recommendations. Enjoy!2018-04-0618 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: Culture in financial services firmsPolicy, culture and the challenge of being the world’s biggest asset managerIn this episode of The Aquest Podcast I’m joined by Martin Parkes of Blackrock’s Public Policy Team. We chat about being involved in policy development, the importance of corporate culture and the challenge of being the world’s largest asset manager. Enjoy!2018-03-0923 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: IOSCO’s work on investment fundsWe chat with Robert Taylor, UK Financial Conduct Authority, about his role as Chair of IOSCO’s C5 Investment Management Committee. With IOSCO’s work on liquidity management drawing to a close, what can we expect from its review of ETFs and leverage? Tune in to find out!2018-02-0822 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: Episode 1 part 2 What 2018 holds for the funds industryWe chat with Grainne McEvoy from Central Bank of Ireland about what 2018 might hold for the funds industry.2018-01-1218 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast: What 2019 holds in storeReviewing 2018 and contemplating what 2019 might bringIn the January 2019 episode of the Aquest Podcast, I am joined by Kieran Fox and Declan Casey of Irish Funds as we crystal ball gaze and chat about what 2019 is likely to bring to the Funds Industry.We also take time to reflect on the challenges and achievements of 2018 and chat about how Irish Funds has changed and evolved over the years – including the essential skills of stakeholder management! We wrap up by revealing our dreams for 2019 – five-in-a-row anyone?Many thanks to Kieran and Declan for co-hosting. Enjo...2018-01-0538 min
Aquest PodcastThe Aquest Podcast – Episode 1 part 1 - What it's like to be a regulatorThe Aquest Podcast – Episode 1 with Grainne McEvoy (Central Bank of Ireland)Part I – What it’s like to be a regulatorWe chat with Grainne McEvoy from Central Bank of Ireland about what it’s like to be a regulator, the challenges of regulating and of keeping up to date with divisional acronyms!2018-01-0314 min
The AI in Business PodcastInvestors Perspective: Key Focus Areas for Bootstrapped Startups with Graham LawlorIn this episode, I interview Graham Lawlor, Founder/CEO of Ultra Light Startups. In this interview - Graham Lawlor gives his thoughts on individual founders vs. startups founded by teams and shares what he believes to be the most important focus areas that any bootstrapped startup should have right out of the gate. --- For More Information, Visit the HUB of Startups / Business in Emerging Technology. From Robotic Limbs to Getting Angel Investment, from Biotech to Intellectual Property: http://www.TechEmergence.com Interested in the Future of Hum...2014-03-0911 min