Zurich wins Fund Management Company of the year 2026

Everyone at Zurich Ireland is proud to receive this award, as it underlines Zurich’s commitment to helping investors reach their financial objectives.

Reflecting on the achievement, David Warren, Chief Investment Officer, Zurich Ireland, said: “I was honoured to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the Zurich Investment Team. Receiving this independent recognition for the fourth year in a row endorses the team’s consistent track record of making active investment decisions, to deliver better investment outcomes for our customers.”

In determining the winner, the judges looked for companies that have demonstrated a ‘holistic’ approach to managing and planning for their client’s current and future needs. The award recognises organisations who demonstrate excellence, resilience, and innovation in fund management.

Human‑led investing in an AI‑driven world

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming how people access investment information. When markets move or headlines turn negative, many investors now turn first to their phones or laptops. They search online, ask chatbots about inflation or interest rates, and use algorithms to compare funds and build portfolios.

However, when it comes to managing real money for real people through uncertain and volatile markets, there are limits to what AI and rules‑based systems can do on their own. That is where Zurich Investments is different.

AI can process information, but it does not sit across the table from customers or advisors. Our investment team does. They understand that behind every trade is a saver who wants to retire comfortably, a business owner planning succession, or a family putting money aside for the future. This human perspective shapes how we use technology. We employ data, models and tools to support our research and risk management, but we do not outsource judgement to machines.

At Zurich Investments, every decision is made by a team of experienced, active investors who:

• Take responsibility for asset allocation and stock selection – accountable for outcomes, not just outputs.
• Use judgement when data is incomplete or noisy – common during periods of stress or regime change.
• Look beyond backward‑looking models to understand how policy, geopolitics and investor behaviour can move markets.

Communication as a differentiator

When market volatility hits the headlines, we know investors may be concerned, so your financial health and wellbeing sits at the centre of our strategy.

Recently, we have strengthened communications with the launch of our new Zurich app. Our aim is to make long‑term investing simple, transparent and accessible.

The new app gives you:

• Dashboards showing current fund values, contribution history and long‑term projections.
• Visuals of risk levels and diversification, helping you see how your funds are positioned.
• Access to our latest market commentary and educational content.

New in 2026: Indexed Climate Focus World Equity Fund

In 2026 we launched the Indexed Climate Focus World Equity Fund, which:

• Provides global equity exposure with a clear climate focus.
• Uses index rules that tilt towards companies better positioned for the transition to a low‑carbon economy and away from those with higher climate risks.
• Expands responsible investment options.

While the Prisma multi-asset funds remain the core diversified responsible investment solution for many pension members, the new Indexed Climate Focus World Equity Fund further demonstrates Zurich’s commitment to offering responsible investment choices.

As one of Ireland’s largest pension and investment providers, Zurich has over 700 employees supporting customers. Our success comes from continually improving products, technology, marketing, and investment management to help customers reach their financial goals.