In November, Michalis Vasiliou, Executive Director and Head of Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance at Pelagic Partners, was invited to moderate a high-profile panel discussion which focused on the current EU Regulatory Agenda at the 10th International Funds Summit & Expo, held under the theme “Global Yield 2025: Forecasting Financial Markets.” Organized by the Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) and IMH, this annual summit brings together asset managers, private wealth managers, and specialists from private equity, venture capital, family offices, and pension funds across Europe, the MENA region, and beyond.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, the summit provided an opportunity for stakeholder within the financial market to come together to share insights regarding the investment landscape, as well as offering valuable perspectives on trends, strategies, and developments impacting asset management, from private equity to fixed income and alternative investments. This year’s event was marked by its focus on the outlook for the coming year and the critical regulatory and market developments that will shape the future of global financial markets.
As Executive Director at Pelagic Partners, as well as serving as Board Secretary at CIFA, Michalis’ extensive expertise and experience in regulatory compliance made him an ideal choice to moderate the panel discussion. The panel provided insights into the latest regulatory trends and challenges within the funds industry, focusing on their impact on fund managers, investors, and regulatory bodies, with key topics including digital transformation, sustainability and ESG, as along with operational resilience.
Joining Michalis on the stage, were various prominent figures in EU regulation, including Dr. George Theocharides, Chairman of CySEC, Dr. Vassiliki Lazarakou, Chair of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, and Mr. Laurent Van Burik, Head of Unit for Regulation, Legal, International, Enforcement, and ESG at the CSSF. The panel was unique, as it was the only international session with a live online presence, allowing for remote participation from global stakeholders.
The conversation touched on several crucial topics shaping the funds industry, beginning with regulatory updates, outlook, and compliance challenges. They discussed key EU regulatory changes, including revisions to the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) and Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (UCITS) directives, the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), recent updates to Markets in Financial Instruments Directive and Regulation (MiFID II and MiFIR), and the upcoming Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which will come into effect in January 2025. The conversation centered on how these changes are promoting sustainability, investor protection, transparency, and operational resilience. Panelists also highlighted the strategies fund managers are adopting to navigate these evolving compliance requirements.
The discussion then moved to digital transformation, where panelists explored how technological advancements like automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics are transforming compliance and oversight in the funds sector. They discussed both the challenges and the advantages of adapting to a tech-driven regulatory environment and how these technologies are being utilized to improve efficiency and compliance processes.
Finally, the panel focused on sustainability and ESG, underscoring the growing importance of ESG factors in EU regulations. The conversation included an in-depth look at the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and the EU Taxonomy, examining how these frameworks are driving sustainable investment practices. Panelists also discussed the successes and challenges faced by various jurisdictions in integrating ESG considerations into their regulatory frameworks.
Michalis found the summit invaluable as a space for in depth industry discussion, emphasising its significance in supporting the growth of the funds industry across Europe, MENA, and beyond. “Events like these are vital for creating shared perspectives on the future of regulation and compliance,” he shared, reflecting on the value of connecting with industry leaders, regulator bodies and investors.
Through his participation, Michalis underscored Pelagic Partner’s commitment to engaging with the latest regulatory developments, ensuring that industry stakeholders are well-supported in navigating the complex regulatory landscape, ensuring its clients are well-positioned for success.
