Private Funds
CFO
Network
CFO
Network
Europe Forum
13 - 14 November 2024,
Sofitel London St James, London
Earn CPD credits!
Optimising your global finance and operations strategies
Join us at the Private Funds CFO Network’s Europe Forum in London on 13-14 November, 2024.
The Forum will bring together operations and finance professionals across all key asset classes while giving you the opportunity to network with and benchmark against your peers.
Secure your Private Funds CFO Network membership to gather with the most influential CFOs, COOs and their teams in Europe.
Bring your team of senior executives | CPD credits available
2024 keynote speaker
Dabinder Hutchinson
CFO
National Trust
Dabinder joined the National Trust in May 2023, bringing extensive Chief Financial Officer experience gained in large multi-national corporations, with particular experience in renewable energy, media and technology companies. Topics of discussion include:
- As the demands of leadership evolve, how can executives develop their resilience throughout their careers and navigate challenges when things don’t go to plan?
- In high-intensity roles, what are the benefits of cultivating inner stability? How can leaders remain present-minded amidst various distractions and pressure?
- How can perseverance in times of adversity strengthen leadership effectiveness as well as the resilience and cohesion of a team?
- And more…
2024 featured speakers
What our attendees say about the Forum
Vantage Infrastructure
Alex Geach, Finance Director
An excellent conference offering a wide range of relevant panel discussions and the opportunity to effectively network
NTR
Marie Joyce, Chief Financial Officer
An excellent mix of peers – never a wasted journey to this conference, learn something new and make new connections every time
StepStone Group
Stephen Penny, Partner & CIO
Great coverage of current relevant topics for COOs/CFOs with good balance between high-level intro to broader issues and deep dives into most topical issues
Why the Private Funds CFO Europe Forum?
Connect year-round
Build lasting relationships with your peers not only through the two-day event but also year-round with the Private Funds CFO Network membership.
Unrivalled content
Hear from leading experts as they offer a mixture of insightful, data-driven presentations, topical panel discussions and interactive debates.
More than an event
Use your Private Funds CFO Network membership year-round to stay ahead of the markets and connect with your peers.
Current attendees include:
2024 agenda
Download the 2024 agenda to get a glimpse of what the Forum will look like. If you are interested in a speaking role, please contact Hannah Ogunlowo at Hannah.o@pei.group.
View agenda page
Agenda
Day One - Wednesday 13th
Welcome
08:00 - 09:00
Registration ＆ coffee
08:00 - 09:00
Invite-only women’s CFO ＆ COO networking breakfast
09:00 - 09:05
Chairperson’s Welcome Address
Adam Smallman
Plenary
09:05 - 09:50
Opening Panel: CFO/COOs outlook- Preparing operations for the future
Scott Carpenter,
Brendan Dolan,
Thomas Lack,
Sera Sadrettin,
Karen Sands
- Predictions for the future of the CFO role to manage a fund
- Impact of AI on fund operations and portfolio business models
- Operational trends and best practices to help GPs make the most of opportunities?
- Key operational challenges (Data operating models etc.)
Moderator: J. Scott Carpenter, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Alternatives, State Street
Panellists:
Brendan Dolan, CFO-Europe Operations, H.I.G. Capital
Thomas Lack, CFO/COO, All Seas Capital
Sera Sadrettin, Head of Alternative Asset Operations, Fidelity International
Karen Sands, Chief Operating Officer Private Equity, Federated Hermes
09:50 - 10:10
Keynote Address: The resilient leader- Cultivating inner stability in the face of adversity
Dabinder Hutchinson
Dabinder Hutchinson, CFO, National Trust
10:10 - 10:50
Panel: Jumping global ESG hurdles and meeting investor demands
Maxim Olliver,
Rhonda Nicoll,
Anne Sheedy
- Is the pace of change towards sustainable investing practices in private markets on track?
- What are the current challenges faced under SFDR?
- How do CFOs approach the unique challenges which investment funds face with limited ESG
data? - Are there enough ESG standards & metrics?
Moderator: Maxim Olliver, ESG Director, Northleaf Capital
Panellists: Rhonda Nicoll, CFO & Head of ESG, Soho Square Capital
Anne Sheedy, ESG Consultant, Bowmark Capital
10:50 - 11:20
Networking coffee break
11:20 - 11:45
In-Focus Fireside chat: The rise of co-investments
Adam Le,
Richard Kirkby,
Gaurav Saxena
- What’s shaping the growing use and future of co-investments?
Moderator: Adam Le, Senior editor, EMEA, PEI Group
Panellists:
Richard Kirkby, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Veld Capital
Gaurav Saxena, CFO, Fremman Capital
11:45 - 12:30
Panel: Managing Cybersecurity risks and IT infrastructure
James Delaney,
Ash Patel,
Travis DeForge
- How are private funds getting DORA compliant?
- Cybersecurity metrics when integrating a new tool: key risks & what is important to know?
- How is artificial intelligence being used to improve cybersecurity tools?
- Prevention of the cyber threat: does the responsibility extend across the enterprise?
- What are today’s threats and how are firms responding?
Moderator: James Delaney, Managing Director, Asset Management Regulation, AIMA
Panellists:
Travis Deforge, Director of Cybersecurity Engineering, Abacus Group
Ash Patel, Director of IT and Head of Cyber, ECI Partners
Networking Luncheon
12:30 - 13:30
Networking Luncheon
Breakout sessions I
13:30 - 14:05
Track A Panel: Key Compliance and Enforcement Considerations
Jegor Tokarevich,
Luca Braulin,
Elliot Stevens,
Haris Vrahliotis
- Most typical / frequent cases regarding compliance & enforcement for investment funds
- Difference of levels of non-compliance: GP (e.g. SFDR regulating GP) vs LP requirements (e.g. Art 4 SFDR)
- ESG requirements (SFDR, CSRD, Taxonomy) – legal consequence of non-compliance?
- Other requirements driven by LP (e.g. Solvency 2 or CRR reports) and dealing with grey areas / interpretation.
Moderator: Jegor Tokarevich, CEO, SOF (Substance Over Form Ltd.)
Panellists:
Luca Braulin, Head of Legal, Compliance and AML, Ambienta
Elliot Stevens, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, Campbell Lutyens
Haris Vrahliotis, Compliance Director, TowerBrook Capital Partners
13:30 - 14:05
Track B Panel: Fund formation and structuring trends
Chris Patton,
Matthias Dux,
Adrian Lüönd,
Christophe Tasiaux
- Impact of the rise in demand for semi-liquid and evergreen products
- Overcoming challenges from non traditional fund structures
- Structural limitations of evergreen funds and their potential for committed ticket solutions
- Challenges and experiences when marketing alternative investment funds in Europe and cross-border
Moderator: Chris Patton, Head of Funds Solution, UK & Channel Islands, CSC
Panellists:
Matthias Dux, Founder & Managing Partner, Avellinia Capital
Adrian Lüönd, Head of Finance and Corporate Operations, SUSI Partners
Christophe Tasiaux, Funds CFO, Kartesia
Breakout sessions II
14:05 - 14:45
Track A Panel: Fund Finance: Navigating the growing Subscription Financing and NAV Loan markets
Kevin Hogan,
Kenny Miller,
Stephen Quinn,
Slade Spalding
- How have increasing rates affected the implementation and utilisation of Sub-lines and NAV loans
- Is the market limited to funds of a certain size?
- How do sustainability practices apply to subscription and NAV financing?
- What have been the key changes in the Sub-line market and how is the macro environment driving this change?
- Sub-lines have become a more strategic product for GPs – what solutions are available to GPs across their fund life cycle?
- What are the constraints in the market influencing fund financing and how is this changing the landscape of lenders?
Moderator: Kevin Hogan, Group Head of Private Credit, Aztec Group
Panellists:
Kenny Miller, CFO, FPE Capital
Stephen Quinn, Senior Managing Director, Investments, 17 Capital
Slade Spalding, Founding Partner, NLC Capital Partners
14:05 - 14:45
Track B Panel: Navigating fundraising challenges in an inflationary climate
Brendan Foley,
John Rowland
- What are the different types of structures to secure capital and how is this evolving?
- Accessing DC/401k capital?
- Impact of fundraising headwinds on the operational side of fund management
- Expanding and managing fundraising efforts across the globe
- How has a tight fundraising environment impacted the power dynamic between LPs and GPs at the negotiating table e.g. key person clauses pressure
Moderator: Brendan Foley, Director, Rede Partners
Panellists:
John Rowland, Partner, COO & CFO, Alchemy Partners
Breakout sessions III
14:45 - 15:20
Track A Panel: Adapting to new technology and AI
Vera Huang,
Tim Buchner,
Steven Dunne,
Cornelius Mueller
- How are funds embracing generative AI systems to increase operational efficiency?
- What’s the next phase of technology integration within private market funds?
- How can CFOs build the optimal tech and operational structure to meet their firm’s most pressing needs?
Moderator:
Vera Huang, Head of Data Solutions, IQ-EQ
Panellists:
Tim Buchner, Head of Private Markets, State Street Alpha
Steven Dunne, Senior Partner & CFO, Frog Capital
Cornelius Mueller, Head of Business Processes & Reporting, HQ Capital GmbH
14:45 - 15:20
Track B Panel: Good practices in Liquidity and Funding Risk Management
Graham Bippart,
Chaim Langer,
Shailen Patel,
Kyri Yiannakis
- Key frameworks to manage liquidity risk
- What is the best approach in managing currency exchange rate risks with evolving FX markets?
Moderator: Graham Bippart, Editor, PEI Group
Panellists:
Chaim Langer, Chief Operating Officer, Vintage Funds, Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Shailen Patel, Head of Strategy and Product, NLC Capital Partners
Kyri Yiannakis, Head of EMEA, Hazeltree
15:20 - 15:50
Networking coffee break
Interactive Workshops
15:50 - 16:45
Enhancing operational efficiency through target operating models
Sahem Gulati,
Patrick Spicer,
Ankit Verma
- How to link transformation with target operating model aims
- Key operating model challenges in private markets
- How do private market managers involve their operating models in an ever increasing complex environment
- Navigating and designing a operating model that is the foundation of the business
- Mapping out end to end value claim
- How do you create something to scale
- how to access data at the portfolio, fund and client level and manipulate to suit stakeholder needs – is there a scalable solution? The impact of data strategies on the CFO/COO functions? Overlay of AI?
- Case study example
Co-Facilitated by:
Sahem Gulati, Head of Strategy & Consulting, M&G
Patrick Spicer, VP, Senior Principal Solution Architect, Arcesium
Ankit Verma, Finance Director, Exponent Private Equity
15:50 - 16:45
Valuations in alternative assets
Stephen Campion,
Roland Graaf
- Why should GPs consider third-party valuation in alternative assets?
- How can managers demonstrate the right oversight when it comes to private markets?
- Best approach to deal with the regulatory scrutiny on valuations.
- How do you have true independence when it’s an inhouse valuation?
- How do valuations differ across different markets/regions?
Co-Facilitated by:
Stephen Campion, Head of Finance, NTR
Roland Graaf, CFO, Bencis Capital Partners
15:50 - 16:45
Operational Due diligence 101
Peter Northcott,
Bram Vennegoor
- What approaches should be taken when conducting Operational Due Diligence?
- Process (preparation, data review, onsite/virtual interviews, follow-up & closing)
- ODD Challenges and practical examples.
Co-Facilitated by:
Peter Northcott, Partner, Chief Operations Officer, Hereford Capital
Bram Vennegoor, Operational Due Diligence, MN
16:45 - 17:40
Networking reception
Agenda
Day Two - Thursday 14th
Welcome
08:00 - 08:40
Registration ＆ Coffee
08:40 - 09:25
CFOs ＆ COOs think tanks (GPs only)
Elisabetta Ricci,
Louise Jack,
Sadish Kumar
Our series of GP think tanks provide a space for CFOs/COOs to share and learn from their personal experiences on a Chatham House basis. An open arena to discuss a range of issues with peers from your asset class such as financial terms, service providers plus more.
Table 1: Private equity
Facilitated by:
Elisabetta Ricci, Chief Operating Officer, Stirling Square
Table 2: Private debt
Facilitated by:
Table 3: Infrastructure
Facilitated by:
Louise Jack, Chief Operating and Financial Officer, LPPI
Table 4: Real estate
Facilitated by:
Sadish Kumar, Head of Financial Operations, CBRE Investment Management
09:25 - 09:30
Chairperson's day 2 welcome remarks
Adam Smallman
Plenary
09:30 - 10:10
Panel: Benchmarking and Performance measurement
Henry Kwok,
Lukas Burkhard,
Simon John
- How do you undertake like for like benchmarking?
- The rise of the PME in benchmarking
- Managing the inherent limitation of benchmarking eg: Preqin data sets, Cambridge Associates
Moderator: Henry Kwok, Fund Controller, Orchard Global
Panellists:
Simon John, Financial Director, NVM Private Equity LLP
Lukas Burkhard, COO / Head Investment Solutions, Mercer Alternatives
10:10 - 10:20
PEI Presentation: The Private Funds CFO Insights Survey 2025
Evie Taylor
10:20 - 11:00
Debate: Outsource vs insource model challenges
William Andreoni,
Atkins Dondo,
Tom Seymour-Mead,
Millie Silver (née Motteram)
- Key technology implementations to drive automation
- Which focal areas are you seeing new investment?
- Which technology benefits do CFO/COOs place most value on?
Moderator: William Andreoni, Partner, Asset Management Financial Consulting Leader, RSM
Panellists:
Atkins Dondo, Finance Director, The Craftory
Tom Seymour-Mead, CFO, Signal Capital Partners
Millie Silver (née Motteram), CFO, Clipway
11:00 - 11:30
Networking coffee break
Plenary
11:30 - 12:10
Panel: Building the right firm culture and managing the ever-increasing value of human capital
Stuart Paterson,
Frédéric Brodach,
Marion Buten,
Tina Page,
George Velikov
- How to attract talent and keep talent?
- What are GPs doing to win the right people?
- Building the right culture in an organisation
- How to ensure diversity of thought, background, culture to drive a high performing team?
- How to reflect DE&I in senior hires?
- How is the operating environment for GPs impacting the types of skills firms are looking for in relation to finance recruits?
- How are firms taking into account cultural and generational differences in the workforce?
Moderator: Stuart Paterson, Director, Allbyn
Panellists:
Frédéric Brodach, Managing Director, CFO, RSI Capital GmbH
Marion Buten, COO Europe – BXCI PCS Europe, Blackstone
Tina Page, COO, Atempo Growth
George Velikov, Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Cordet Capital Partners
12:10 - 12:45
Lessons learned: Building and scaling a good organisation (LP vs. GP view)
Graham Bippart,
Alex Goodway,
Zulfi Ali,
Mittu Sridhara
- How to find the right strategy and the right niche?
- Key scalability and organisational requirements
- How are GPs adhering to global corporate governance
- How to ensure diversity of thought, background, culture to drive a high performing team?
- Post merger motivation?
- Incentive schemes
Moderator: Graham Bippart, Editor, PEI Media
Panellists:
Zulfi Ali, COO / Chief Risk Officer, Zetland Capital Partners
Alex Goodway, CFO, Dawn Capital
Mittu Sridhara, Managing Director, Digitalisation, Europe, CD&R
12:45 - 12:50
Chairs closing remarks
Adam Smallman
12:50 - 13:40
Networking Lunch
Pre-Event Resources
2024 Speakers
Contact Hannah Ogun at hannah.o@pei.group for speaking opportunities in 2024.
James Delaney
Managing Director, Asset Management Regulation, Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA)
Connect with a community of CFOs, COOs and senior finance executives
The Private Funds CFO Europe Forum offers a unique opportunity for providers to engage and connect with senior compliance professionals in the private equity sector through thought leadership, networking, and more.
For exclusive sponsorship packages for 2024, contact Josh Stoller at joshua.s@pei.group or call +1 646 970 3923.
2024 Sponsors
Where CFOs, COOs and CCOs connect, learn and grow
Value that extends beyond the event
Expand your network, build lasting relationships and discuss opportunities that will help take your firm to the next level with the Private Funds CFO Network.
The Network’s dedicated membership team will ensure your experience at the Europe Forum is first class with personalized introductions, timely roundtable discussions and much more.
Unlock your firm’s potential at the Forum and beyond when you join the Private Funds CFO Network.
Expand your private funds Network
Connect with a carefully curated network of private equity CFOs, COOs, and other top leaders during events year-round.
CFOs-focused professional development
Network events are specifically crafted for executive leadership, with many CPE credits available.
Stay up-to-date on industry strategies
The industry’s top CFOs gather to share their solutions to the most pressing issues at Network events. Don’t miss out on optimizing your firm.
Discover the top CFO Network
Connect with a carefully curated network of top CFOs, COOs, CCOs and other private equity decision-makers from leading firms.
The Network’s dedicated membership team will ensure your experience at the Europe Forum is first class with personalized introductions and timely roundtable discussions.
Connect with top CFOs, COOs, CCOs, build lasting relationships and discuss opportunities that will help take your firm to the next level.
Stay up-to-date on the latest private market trends, compliance changes and industry-leading operational and finance strategies.
Unlock your firm’s potential for scalable growth and stay prepared for the future at the Forum and beyond with the Private Funds CFO Network.
Better connections with the Private Funds CFO Network
Purchase a 12 month membership to attend this Forum, and enjoy exclusive access to:
- Our network directory of top CFOs, COOs and other private equity leaders
- Preferential rates to attend other Network events in London, New York, San Jose and Chicago
- Invite-only peer groups, monthly virtual meetings and knowledge hubs for deeper insights
- and so much more…
Our Network makes decisions that shape markets
The Private Funds CFO Network is a trusted community of private equity CFOs, CCOs and COOs, with a wide range of resources, thought leadership and more. The Network provides members with essential information on market trends, compliance topics, regulatory insights, useful tools, online and in-person events and a comprehensive resource library. Members have access to behind-the-scenes, closed-door conversations among a community of peers who share their knowledge and expertise within our trusted Network.
Sofitel London St James
6 Waterloo Pl,
St. James’s, London SW1Y 4AN, U.K.
All conference sessions will take place at the Sofitel London St James. View accommodation options below: