Irish Funds is predicting the government’s announcement permitting Irish domiciled funds to invest in the Chinese securities market via the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect Scheme, will prompt dozens of applications from investment managers.

Pat Lardner, CEO at Irish Funds, says: “This is exciting news in the near term for the dozens of managers who can now move with certainty to provide access to this important investment channel.  As importantly, it will allow the hundreds of global investment managers who already have Ireland as a strategic base for their cross-border funds to utilize this important access point. The detailed and considered work carried out by the Central Bank of Ireland demonstrates the importance of this channel.” 
 
Lardner cited the willingness and co-operation of all stakeholders to engage in detailed analysis as a clear demonstration of the strengths of Ireland as a key link for investment into China.

“I would acknowledge the work of our colleagues and business partners in Hong Kong, Shanghai and here in Ireland who assisted in answering questions and meeting with the authorities in the course of their analysis,” he says. “It is clear that the hard work done by everyone in the last six months has paid off, not just for now but also for the future.  We look forward to a continual building of the links between Ireland and China and the opportunities that can be provided for investors via regulated funds.”