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Building a vibrant financial hub

An interview with David O’Shea, Senior Associate at William Fry LLP and Chair of the Cork Financial Services Forum, Emerging Leaders Taskforce.

We had the pleasure of speaking with David O’Shea, a Senior Associate at William Fry. David is an active member of the Cork Financial Services Forum. This industry led forum, comprising of Cork Chamber members, works together to enhance a vibrant IFS ecosystem, promote Cork as a destination for talent and investment and to provide a supportive environment for existing businesses, potential entrants and their teams.

Grace Kelleher, International Manager at Cork Chamber, sat down with David who is current Chair of the Cork Financial Services Forum’s Emerging Leaders Taskforce to discuss his role, insights and thoughts on Cork as a hub for financial services professionals.

David, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Can you start by telling us a little about yourself and your background in the financial services industry?

Thank you for having me. I am a Senior Associate in the Banking & Finance team in William Fry’s Cork office. William Fry’s Financial Services practice is a leader in the Irish market, providing legal, regulatory and tax advice to domestic and international financial institutions. In terms of my own practice, this focuses on advising financial institutions, funds and corporate borrowers on debt transactions both domestically and internationally. Having spent a number of years living and working abroad and in Dublin, we returned to settle in Cork in 2022.

Many congratulations on your recent appointment as the new Chair of the Emerging Leaders Taskforce at the Cork Financial Services Forum. As Chair, could you explain to our readers what your role entails and what the taskforce aims to achieve?

Certainly. As the Chair of the Emerging Leaders Taskforce, my role is to work closely with a talented group of people within the financial services sector who are looking to advance their careers in Cork. Our main goal is to provide a platform for networking, collaboration, and professional development. Ultimately fostering a strong community of emerging leaders in the industry.

What specific initiatives or activities does the Taskforce undertake to support emerging leaders in the financial services sector?

The Taskforce organises a range of events such as networking sessions, workshops and panel discussions. They are a great way to connect, whilst also offering an opportunity to discuss issues that may be affecting their careers in Cork. As an active member of the Cork Financial Services Forum, we are always looking for feedback as to how we can continue to ensure Cork is the best place for professionals to live and work.

Cork is increasingly becoming a hub for financial services, with the second highest number of IFS companies in Ireland. In your opinion, what makes Cork an attractive place for investment and talent in the sector?

Cork offers a unique combination of a thriving business environment, access to highly skilled workforce and a supportive ecosystem for financial services companies. It’s the perfect balance of urban and rural living in Ireland, offering the best of city life, but at the same time being small enough to be part of the community. To add to this, it’s great if you like an active lifestyle. There are plenty of hikes, cycling routes and beaches on your doorstep.

What motivated you to grow your career in Cork, and what advice do you give the individuals considering perusing opportunities in the city’s financial services sector?

Cork’s business environment and growth potential were significant factors in my decision to return to Cork and continue to build my career here. My advice to professionals looking to thrive in Cork’s financial services sector is to network proactively, to reach new heights in your career. Whether this is with colleagues in Cork, New York or London, the key is to promote Cork as a hub for financial services. We live in an interconnected world.

Can you tell us about any upcoming events or initiatives organised by the Taskforce that professionals in the sector should look forward to?

Yes, we have an exciting event coming up. We have organised a Networking Masterclass, aimed at providing those in the financial services sector tools on how to build an effective network. The event will take place on the 2nd of October at 8am at the Morgan McKinley offices in Penrose Two. We expect it to be a busy and exciting morning. We hope to see some of your readers there.

For more information on the Emerging Leaders Taskforce and their events, please contact grace@corkchamber.ie

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