Nichola Costello on the trends shaping the future of fund administration in Ireland

Having helped shape Ogier Global’s Irish fund administration offering from the ground up, Nichola Costello has been appointed Head of Fund Administration, Ireland, at a time of significant change for the funds industry.

Nichola has also been appointed to the board of Ogier Global Investor Services (Ireland) Limited as Executive Director, further strengthening her role in the strategic oversight and continued development of the Irish fund administration business.

Nichola has had a front-row seat to the changes shaping Ireland's fund administration market. Having supported the authorisation process that secured Ogier Global's Central Bank of Ireland fund administration licence and helped build the Irish platform since launch, she has seen first-hand how fund manager expectations, regulatory demands and operating models have evolved.

Drawing on that experience, Nichola shares her views on the key trends in the market right now, what clients increasingly need from administrators, how technology is accelerating change and the role Ireland continues to play as a leading fund services centre.

A changing landscape for fund managers

We are seeing investment managers navigating increasing regulatory complexity, pressure on operating models and heightened investor expectations around transparency, responsiveness and certainty. At the same time, alternative assets continue to expand, with private equity, private credit, infrastructure and other strategies attracting investors looking for diversification and long-term value in a challenging market environment.

For fund managers, this means the role of the administrator has become more important and more strategic. Administration is no longer viewed purely as a reporting and processing function. Managers need providers that understand the pressures they are facing, can adapt as their structures grow, and can support them across the full lifecycle of a fund.

This is particularly relevant in Ireland, which continues to strengthen its position as a leading European fund domicile. Its combination of regulatory credibility, political stability, skilled talent and established professional services ecosystem makes it attractive to both established managers and new entrants seeking a European platform for growth. For Ogier Global, Ireland forms an important part of our wider international fund services offering, supporting clients that need both local expertise and access to a broader cross-jurisdictional network.

What fund managers need from administrators today

What I hear a lot from fund managers is that they  want administrators that can provide technical delivery but also practical insight. Accuracy, controls and reliable service remain essential, but clients also expect their administrator to understand their wider objectives, anticipate issues and contribute to a smoother investor experience.

This requires strong governance, robust processes and a culture of accountability, but it also depends on relationships. In a more complex market, relationships become even more important. Managers need people who understand their business and can provide clear, responsive support when requirements change. Technology can improve efficiency, but trust is built through the quality of advice, communication and delivery.

Establishing a fund administration offering in Ireland has required more than operational infrastructure. It has meant developing a service model that combines regulatory understanding, scalable processes, client service and close collaboration across Ogier’s legal, corporate services and fund administration teams.

The role of technology and innovation

Technology is continuing to reshape the sector, particularly in areas such as data management, reporting, workflow automation and operational oversight. For fund managers, the value lies not only in faster processes, but in better visibility, stronger controls and more consistent service.

The most effective operating models will be those that combine digital capability with experienced professionals who understand the client’s strategy and can apply judgement where it matters. Automation can remove friction and improve efficiency, but it must be implemented in a way that supports governance, transparency and the overall investor experience.
This is why Ogier Global's continued investment in digital solutions and reporting capabilities is a key part of our wider strategy for fund administration in Ireland. The focus is on building a platform that can scale with clients, support cross-jurisdictional work and enhance the quality and consistency of our service delivery –  Equally important is ensuring that technology supports, not replaces, the expertise, responsiveness and trusted relationships that clients value the most.

Leading the next phase of growth

The priority now is to build on the foundations already in place: a scalable platform, a talented team, strong governance structures and a service offering that supports a growing and diverse client base. As Ireland’s role within Ogier Global’s operating model continues to develop, the aim is to strengthen its position as a centre of excellence that supports clients and colleagues across multiple jurisdictions.

This means maintaining high standards of service delivery while continuing to invest in people, technology and strategic partnerships. As client needs evolve, Ogier Global’s Irish fund administration team will continue to enhance its operating model, improve efficiency and support managers as they establish, grow and scale their operations.

Ireland’s future as a fund administration hub will be shaped by providers that can combine local market expertise, trusted relationships and technology-enabled delivery. Ogier Global is well positioned to support fund managers as they prepare for long-term success.

Learn more about Ogier Global’s Fund Administration services.

About Ogier

Ogier is a professional services firm with the knowledge and expertise to handle the most demanding and complex transactions and provide expert, efficient and cost-effective services to all our clients. We regularly win awards for the quality of our client service, our work and our people.

Disclaimer

This client briefing has been prepared for clients and professional associates of Ogier. The information and expressions of opinion which it contains are not intended to be a comprehensive study or to provide legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for specific advice concerning individual situations.

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