Funds Review 2030: Atlantic Star Noted as Key Data Source
Atlantic Star Analytics has been recognised as a key data provider to the Irish securitisation and structured finance sector in the Department of Finance’s recently published Funds Review 2030.
Link: Funds Review 2030 - Structured finance: assessing Ireland’s regimes and improving transparency
The inclusion of Atlantic Star Analytics in the review is a testament to the company’s capacity to deliver high-quality, unique and actionable data to the sector. The review, which offers a policy examination of Ireland’s role as a domicile for structured finance transactions, highlights the importance of accurate data in assessing the SPV sector in Ireland for all parties including industry and regulators.
The Funds Review 2030 outlines the importance of Ireland’s securitisation and structured finance industry, noting the country’s leading position within the European FVC (Financial Vehicle Corporation) sector, a proxy for securitisation activity. As the largest domicile for FVCs in the euro area by assets under management and vehicle numbers, Ireland has solidified its status as a significant hub for global financial transactions. The review notes that Ireland’s tax-neutral regime, particularly the Section 110 framework, has been a central factor in attracting both domestic and international financial entities.
Securitisation, a core component of structured finance, has proven vital to the financial ecosystem. By allowing banks and non-bank lenders to convert loans into marketable securities, securitisation frees up capital, enabling these institutions to extend further credit. This mechanism plays a crucial role in ensuring liquidity and stability within the financial system, while also facilitating investment flows that contribute to broader economic growth.
The Funds Review 2030 emphasises the importance of reliable data to inform a comprehensive understanding of the structured finance landscape. The review also acknowledges the significance of this sector not only in terms of capital market development but also for its contribution to Ireland’s broader financial services ecosystem. The analysis found that over 2,000 professionals are employed in roles supporting the operation and management of SPVs, underscoring the sector's importance to the professional services industry and the economy more widely.
Further, the report highlights the increasing use of structured finance vehicles such as collateralised loan obligations (CLOs), noting that global asset managers, including Blackstone and KKR, have chosen Ireland as a base for their structured finance activities. The structured finance sector’s growing presence reflects Ireland’s strong position as a jurisdiction for these transactions.
The Funds Review 2030 projects continued growth for Ireland’s securitisation and structured finance sector. With €626 billion in assets held by Irish FVCs at the end of 2023 and over €1.1 trillion when including other SPVs, the country’s role as a leading financial hub is well-established. The growth in Irish SPVs, alongside the stable tax environment provided by the Section 110 regime, positions Ireland as a key player in the global structured finance market.
The acknowledgment of Atlantic Star Analytics in such a significant industry review underscores the company’s commitment to advancing the quality of market intelligence available to key players in the global financial services sector. As Ireland’s financial landscape continues to evolve, Atlantic Star Analytics will remain an essential contributor to the ongoing development of structured finance and securitisation.