Funds Symposium 2026: Building Momentum in the UK Funds Market
Description
Amidst a period of significant reform and policy ambition, the UK funds industry now enters a decisive phase. The 2026 IA Funds Symposium will focus on how the UK funds market is turning a change process into momentum - embedding recent reforms, accelerating innovation, and delivering tangible outcomes for customers, firms and the UK economy. Bringing together senior leaders from across asset management, distribution, technology, government and regulation, the Symposium will explore what is now working in practice and what further action is needed to sustain a thriving UK fund market.
Join us at the event to find out if 2026 is a pivotal year? Join us for some interesting discussions
AGENDA
Subject to change
08:00 Registration Breakfast
Welcome and networking over light breakfast before the day begins.
09:00 Host Welcome Address
A welcome address from our host.
10:00 Opening Remarks: From Evolution to Revolution: The Accelerating Pace of Change in the UK Funds Market
An introduction to the day’s themes, setting the tone for the discussions ahead.
SESSION ONE: ARE WE THERE YET?
10:10 Panel Discussion: From Reform to Reality: Is the UK Retail Market Set for Structural Growth?
The last 12 months have seen the most significant, coordinated retail market reforms in a generation, including a new national investment campaign, the introduction of targeted support, the risk warnings review and CCI.
This panel will explore whether the UK is now on a track to a more inclusive and dynamic retail investment market.
Key questions to explore:
- How is the industry delivering change at pace?
- How should the regulatory environment evolve to ensure that momentum is maintained?
- How can manufacturers and distributors work effectively together to provide a diverse range of products and services?
- What does success look like for the UK funds market by 2028?
10:50 One Stat: One Story - UK Fund Market: What’s Driving Growth?
A fast-paced data snapshot looking at recent UK retail market behaviours.
11:00 FCA Keynote Interview/Speech: What Does a Truly Competitive, Dynamic UK Funds Market Look Like?
- Implementing a slew of regulatory change: how is the FCA helping UK firms to embrace a change mindset?
- The competitiveness objective: what more can be done to help fund managers to set up and scale up in the UK?
- The UK as an international funds centre: how is the FCA supporting international distribution and competition?
- How can we support UK cross-border funds as the EU implements the Market Integration & Supervision Package?
- What’s on the horizon? Setting out the FCA’s priorities for our sector.
11:20 Live Poll - What is the most consequential change in recent UK fund policy and regulation?
- Introduction of targeted support
- Greater disclosure flexibility through CCI
- Reduction in cash ISA annual limit to £12,000
- Risk Warnings Review
- National retail investment campaign
11:25 Morning Break
SESSION TWO: WIDENING INVESTOR ACCESS TO FUNDS
11:55 Fireside Chat: How Can Manufacturers and Distributors Better Collaborate to Facilitate Access to New Fund Structures?
The chairs of the LTAF Manufacturers and Platform Groups will reflect on the experience of incorporating LTAFs into the ISA, discussing what has worked well and areas that have created the greatest challenge.
What does this tell us more broadly about where we may go next on retail market innovation and access to private markets?
12:15 Panel Discussion: Reinventing the UK as a Fund Domicile
With significant momentum still seen in other European jurisdictions, particularly around ETFs, is post-Brexit UK now facing an existential challenge in positioning for the future as a place in which to base significant fund operations?
This panel, which will feature extensive audience polling, will debate the future and the extent to which the UK can reinvent itself as a fund domicile serving both the domestic and international market.
12:55 One Stat: One Story
A fast-paced data snapshot looking at the evolution of fund fees.
13:10 Lunch
SESSION THREE: TOWARDS A BRAVE NEW WORLD
14:10 One Stat: One Story
A fast-paced data snapshot looking at the momentum behind fund tokenisation.
14:15 Policy Keynote: Defining the Vision and Roadmap for a Digital UK Funds Landscape
- How can we embed innovation in the UK funds market?
- What does “good” look like in 12–24 months?
- How must the industry, regulators and technology firms work together to deliver the vision?
- Moving from ambition to execution – the practical next steps for the industry.
14:35 Panel Discussion: Innovation Focus – Scaling a Tokenised Funds Value Chain
- Has the FCA’s Guidance unlocked regulatory certainty on fund tokens?
- How will fund administration evolve to accommodate tokenisation?
- What are the implications of the Direct2Funds model for the industry and can we adapt?
- Lessons from international jurisdictions: as a fast follower, what can the UK learn from international tokenisation programmes?
SESSION FOUR: A NATION OF INVESTORS
15:05 One Stat, One Story
A fast-paced data snapshot on investor perceptions of risk warnings.
15:10 Retail Investing Revolution
- Are we selling people what they want to buy?
- Is there an inter-generational divide evident in customer behaviours?
- How are digital assets changing the equation?
- What can we learn from other jurisdictions?
15:45 One Stat, One Story
A fast-paced data snapshot on UK investing culture: can investing be for someone like me?
15:55 Closing Reflections: Delivering the Next Chapter – Building Momentum in the UK Funds Market
What is the opportunity for the UK funds market and how can we deliver it?
What three things can we take away from today’s conference that can support positive momentum for the UK funds market?
16:00 Reception
Informal drinks and networking to close the day.
SPEAKERS
Coming soon
WHY ATTEND
- Insights from senior leaders on navigating a dynamic and rapidly evolving UK funds industry.
- An overview of how developments in key areas such as retail market regulation, distribution and consumer behaviour are shaping the UK funds space.
- The latest IA research on trends within the UK funds market and the wider implications for industry.
- A mix of perspectives on the key challenges and opportunities during a time of significant change, including how the UK is positioned as a fund domicile in the international context.
- An opportunity to connect with peers from across the funds ecosystem
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This event is intended for those who are a part of, or take an interest in, the UK funds industry. This includes but is not limited to:
- Authorised Fund Managers
- Authorised Corporate Directors
- Depositaries
- Custodians
- Private Wealth Managers
- Independent Financial Advisers
- Discretionary Fund Managers
- Investment Platforms
- Providers of services to the UK's funds industry
SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS
Position your organisation at the centre of the conversations shaping the future of the UK funds industry.
The IA Funds Symposium 2026 brings together senior leaders from across asset management, distribution, platforms, technology, regulation and government - offering a unique opportunity to engage with the full funds ecosystem at a pivotal moment for the market.
Why sponsor?
• Access senior decision-makers across the UK funds value chain, including asset managers, distributors, platforms, advisers and policymakers
• Align your brand with a critical industry moment as firms turn reform into execution and momentum
• Showcase your expertise on key themes including retail market reform, distribution, tokenisation and international competitiveness
• Be part of high-value conversations shaping the future direction of the UK funds market
• Increase visibility among a targeted and influential audience through event branding, content and on-the-day presence
• Generate meaningful connections and opportunities with organisations actively navigating change
A limited number of sponsorship packages are available, with opportunities to tailor your presence to meet your strategic objectives.
To request the sponsorship brochure or discuss options, contact events@theia.org
PRICING
Super Early Bird Discount - valid until 5 May 2026
All IA Members: £50 + Vat
Non-Member: £100 + VAT
Early Bird Discount - valid from 6 may to 12 June 2026
All IA Members: £100 + Vat
Non-Member: £175 + VAT
Standard Rate - valid from 13 June to 30 September 2026
IA Members: £150 + VAT
Non-members: £250 + VAT
Specials
Group discount: use the promotional code GROUP for 20% discount on bookings of five or more.
CEOs IA Full Members: Free (to receive your access code, please contact events@theia.org)