One year of Ogier Global Fund Administration in Ireland: insights from Jeff Pamplin and Nichola Costello

One year ago, Ogier Global expanded its European fund administration offering into Ireland and welcomed two experienced leaders, Jeff Pamplin and Nichola Costello.

It has been a year marked by significant industry change, from growing appetite for private markets to major advances in automation, AI and cross‑border structuring.

Nichola reflects: "It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since Ogier Global secured its Irish fund administration licence. In that time, markets have faced significant macro uncertainty, an accelerating shift towards private markets and complex strategies and a rapid pace of technological change. Against this backdrop, our focus has remained clear - delivering for clients and investors while scaling our tailored services in Ireland."

We sat down with Jeff and Nichola to discuss what has changed over the past year, what fund managers need to prepare for in 2026 and what excites them most about the future of the funds industry.

Q: What notable market shifts have you seen since joining Ogier?

Jeff: “There's notable uncertainty in the market environment due to rapid shifts in trade policy, combined with geopolitical developments, cost of living and inflation concerns. These have resulted in volatility across our industry. Investor confidence is increasingly fragile and a sense of nervousness pervades.

The continued move towards private markets and more complex structures puts real pressure on operating models to deliver more customisation but at scale. Fund managers are operating in increasingly competitive yet volatile conditions, resulting in struggles to attract investors seeking stability and providing quality without increasing costs.”

Nichola: “We are also seeing a noticeable shift in expectations around speed, data and transparency. Operating on leading edge technology with the ability to deliver at scale is an expectation and no longer a competitive advantage." 

Q: Which developments in the funds sector have had the most impact on your teams?

Jeff: “Clients expect strong delivery but also a more consultative solutions-based partnership in the backdrop of current volatile conditions. Alongside this, the pace of digital transformation has been significant.”

Nichola: “This has been a key driver for us to keep our focus on continuing to build and enhance our infrastructure while remaining focused on keeping client needs core to our operating model. We continue to adapt, evolve and deliver.”

Q: What do fund managers need to be prepared for?

Jeff: “Apart from delivering returns, fund managers are under increasing pressure for flexibility and innovation while delivering operational excellence to investors. As structures evolve, investors and regulators will continue to demand governance, controls, resilience and transparency.”

Nichola: "On the tech side, AI and automation are no longer experimental and need to be practically implemented / adopted into operating models. These can reshape reconciliation, NAV production and exception handling, which are core elements of fund administration."

Q: What excites you most about the future of the funds industry?

Jeff: “I'm excited for continued evolution. Fund administration is more focused than ever on strategic partnerships, with service providers shifting away from functional back-office provision and increasing automation and data solutions. This means providers can spend less time on manual processing and more on adding value for clients and investors.”

Nichola: “The continued growth in alternatives and complex strategies - private equity, private credit, infrastructure and real estate - is further driving innovation, which is exciting. Ireland has a strong reputation for being solution‑oriented, flexible and adaptable, and I am focused on leading initiatives at Ogier that support our global clients and teams.”

Q: For fund managers, what are priorities to look for in a global fund administration partner?

Jeff: “The quality of fund administration services is the first priority for clients when selecting who they partner with. They value responsiveness, customisation and a true understanding their requirements. Fund managers also seek a partnership mindset from administrators, preferring those who collaborate to solve problems and focus on mutual innovation.

Technology is important, but equally clients expect a practical approach to delivering and improving experiences, for both themselves and investors, delivered seamlessly and transparently.”

Nichola: “Fund managers also look for a partner who can navigate different jurisdictions, understand local requirements and operate across borders.  

Operational resilience and strong controls also prevail as a strong priority with investors leaning towards stability, transparency, good governance and controls”

Q: Looking ahead, how do you see the firm’s client relationships evolving in the coming years?

Jeff: “I see our client relationships deepening and being more integrated across the firm, with clients increasingly looking to us as a strategic partner that offers both administrative and legal fund services."

Nichola: “With a global lens, I continue to see Ireland as a key gateway to European fund domiciliation. As our client relationships develop in the coming years, we will continue to be seen as a strong resilient partner focused on high quality service.” 
To learn more about our Irish Fund Administration offering, contact Jeff or Nichola.

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.

Regulatory information can be found under Legal Notice