Irish Funds, the Irish representative body for the cross-border investment funds industry, is expecting dozens of applications from investment managers in response to a Central Bank of Ireland announcement on July 15.

The announcement due from the Central Bank of Ireland, will permit Irish domiciled funds to invest in the Chinese securities market via the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect Scheme.

“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," said Pat Lardner, CEO at  Irish Funds.

Lardner said the new rules would allow the hundreds of global investment managers who already have Ireland as a strategic base for their cross-border funds to better use the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect.

He said that the willingness and co-operation of all stakeholders to engage in detailed analysis was 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.  

"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.”